Swedish Books for Young Readers 1
Swedish Books for Young Readers 30 Johanna Thydel
l Johanna Thydell (b. 1980) received both the August Prize and the debut prize “Slangbellan” in 2003 for her celebrated, critically acclaimed and bestselling debut novel Glowing Stars, which also became a film. Very soon she became one of Sweden’s most popular and loved young writers. Her young adult novels have been published in sixteen languages. In 2012 Johanna published her first picture book There’s a Pig at Nursery, illustrated by Charlotte Ramel, which has already become a much-loved modern classic with over 60 000 copies sold in Sweden and published in sixteen languages. Her second picture book Stupid Drawing, illustrated by Emma Adbåge, was published in 2017 and was nominated to the August Prize. It has sold over 15 000 copies in Sweden and into ten languages. Johanna’s text written in her quirky signature style full of humor and Emma’s expressive and enchanting illustrations together create an absolutely irresistible picture book! Stupid Drawing, ill. Emma Adbåge, picture book, 2017, Alfabeta Rights: Alfabeta A book about siblings, being the younger one and feeling small, but also portraying their fondness of each other. About sometimes wanting to do more than you are able to and the frustration that causes and the joy when you succeed. There’s A Pig At Nursery, ill. Charlotte Ramel, picture book, 2012, Alfabeta Rights: Alfabeta The loneliest pig in the world escapes his pen and spends a day with the children at the nearby nursery. The children sneak him in past the teachers and both the pig and all the children are excited and overjoyed but how do you hide a pig in a nursery? A humoristic, poetic and very realistic story. Mum-Watching, YA novel, 2016, Alfabeta. Rights: Alfabeta Moa’s mum disappeared without a trace when Moa was two years old. One day she learns that her mum wants to see her. Moa needs a plan so that she can study her mom without her knowing. She disguises herself as a bird-watcher, a (m)ornithologist. Emotional chaos of teenage life with Thydell’s signature style and tons of humor. Glowing Stars, YA novel, 2003, Alfabeta Rights: Alfabeta At Jenna’s house there is a walking frame, a medicine tray, a chair in the shower and wigs. This is a home for a mum who has cancer. A novel about the hardest things of them all: About being strong and weak at the same time. Photo: Magnus Liam Karlsson