New Swedish Books, autumn 2020 1
New Swedish Books 22 Humlan Hansson’s Secrets Hum
lan is going to be an artist just like her aunt Fanny, she who loves cheese and art and always speaks her mind. Not like Humlan’s mum who’s always dieting and sighing. But now aunt Fanny has lost her sparkle and stopped creating. At the same time Humlan’s best friend has ditched her to be with the Horse Girls at school. Sometimes it feels like Humlan transforms into a kind of aquarium of tears. And then she must lock herself in the toilets at school and let some of the tears out. She is actually pretty good at crying. Maybe she’ll become both a famous artist and a movie star when she grows up? With dark humour and great seriousness, Kristina Sigunsdotter and Ester Eriksson portray an ordinary extraordinary elevenyear-old girl who is trying to find her place in a world full of frightening sixth graders, confused adults and sleepless nights. Kristina Sigunsdotter and Ester Eriksson The jury: A witty and funny story that stands out from the crowd, about a very unusual aunt. Children’s fiction, 9–12 years, 107 p. Kristina Sigunsdotter, Ester Eriksson (ill.) Publisher Natur & Kultur Rights Koja Agency Carin Bacho carin.bacho@kojaagency.com Photo: Anthony Hill Photo: Anna Drvnik