Gyldendal Agency Children And Young Adults

Gyldendal Agency

C H I L D R E N A N D Y O U N G A D U LT S Selected authors from Gyldendal

“All grown-ups were once children, but only few of them remember it.”mb Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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Gyldendal Agency E-mail: foreignrights@gyldendal.no Telephone: +47 22 03 41 00 P.O. box 6860 St. Olavs plass, N – 0130 Oslo Internet: http://eng.gyldendal.no Design: Rolf-Arne Sand Text: Siri Morland Photos of the Gyldendal House: Terje Borud Printed in Norway 2018 by Renessanse Media

Intro

Gyldendal Agency proudly presents…

‘It is my conviction that people are like trees. We are full of growth rings.

We are not simply who we are “now”—we are also all those we have “been”.

THE FIVE-YEAR-OLD I once was, the teenager, the thirty-something, the fortysomething, the fifty-year-old I was—I still carry all of them within me. And all of these “versions” are important to hold on to so that we don’t lose sight of ourselves.

Deep inside—behind the beard and the double chin—the child still lives on in us. And if we really lose touch with our littlest selves, then I think we’re in big trouble.’

We cannot imagine a better introduction to the world of Gyldendal’s children’s books than this quote from Tor Åge

Bringsværd, our own prolific author.

Gyldendal is a broad publishing house that puts outs children’s books in all genres and for all age groups.

If you are looking for the five-yearold version of yourself: Try one of our classics, Prøysen or Vestly, try Kari Grossmann’s books about Little Sister or Malvin, or Bringsværd’s When Two series, aimed at the youngest readers.

If you need something for older children—try Arne Svingen’s Ballad of a Broken Nose, the story of Bart, a boxer and opera singer, with its perfect balance of

PHOTO: ANNA-JULIA GRANBERG

humour and seriousness. Or one of Heidi Linde’s books about Pym Petterson: beautiful, honest and funny portraits of a girl on her way to becoming a young woman.

Should you prefer more plain humour, try The World’s Worst series by Marius Molaug, laugh-out-loud comedies packed with crazy humour and hilarious illustrations. Or the wacky and wonderfully absurd Svingen’s Mad World.

Or, if you are in a philosophical mood, try Googolplex, a quite unusual readaloud book about numbers and infinity.

Or delve into a children’s book that tries to understand how the world is built: Ole Robert Sunde’s Why is Water so Wet? Whatever you are looking for, as long as you haven’t lost touch with your inner child, we feel confident that you will find gold in our catalogue of children’s books.

Feel free to contact us at foreignrights@gyldendal.no, or personally: Anne Cathrine Eng anne.cathrine.eng@gyldendal.no Bjarne Buset bjarne.buset@gyldendal.no Anne Louise Morseth-Nordbryhn anne.morseth@gyldendal.no

From left to right: Bjarne, Anne Louise, Anne Cathrine

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Gyldendal Children and YA

A Short History

1890

1924

1936

1947

1966

The period from 1890 through 1910 has earlier been called the golden age of Norwegian Children’s literature, with great storytellers like Rasmus Løland, Bernt Lie, Dikken Zwilgmeyer, Barbara Ring and not the least the Gyldendal author Hans Aanrud, perhaps the foremost of the Norwegian native soil-authors from the period.

One of the authors praising the good life in the countryside was Knut Hamsun’s wife Marie. She wrote her first books as entertainment for her own children, but they became a great success both in Norway and Germany, and were translated to several other languages.

Gyldendal’s Good… was a series of books aimed at children and young adults started in 1936 and continued all the way through to 1982. The series had three lines of publishing, for Boys, Girls and Children.

Few institutions, if any, have been as important for Norwegian children’s culture as the Norwegian Broadcasting Company.

From 1947 on, with only one radio channel, the Little Children’s Hour quickly unified children from all over the country. The program attracted writing talents that soon turned into great, modern classics of children’s literature: Torbjørn Egner, Anne Cath Vestly and Alf Prøysen.

While the children’s books from the generation before the war often described life in countryside idylls, Anne Cath Vestly moved the focus to the city and, eventually, to the suburbs. The books about Ole Alexander gave city kids a character to identify with, and the stories from the fictional suburb Tireltoppen turned gender roles on their head: In Aurora in Block Z, mother was in paid employment, while father was a house husband.

The style of these authors was realistic and down to earth, and the action took place in a rather safe and conflict-free environment.

Almost all of Aanrud’s stories for children and adults alike take place in his native district of Western Gausdal, with life on the big farms as a focus. Among his best known children’s books are Sidsel Sidsærk (published

by Aschehoug in 1903) and Sølve Solfeng, (published

by Gyldendal in 1910).

Her five volume series (1924–57) about the Countryside children tells the story of four siblings, two girls and two boys, in an environment that recalls her own childhood.

The books are episodic descriptions of everyday life on farms and in mountain pasture through out the shifting seasons.

She received the Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Award for the last of these books.

The series brought international bestsellers like Erik Kästner (Emile and the Detectives) and Dorita Fairlie Bruce (the Dimsie books). Frequent Norwegian contributors were Per Kvist, Håkon Evjenth and Aimée Sommerfelt.

One of the first contributors to the series was Gyldendal’s main literary editor Nils Lie, who early in the 1920s got his first commission for the publishing house as a consultant for “books for boys”. He wrote two titles of his own: The Troika (Trekløveret. En guttefortelling) in 1924 and On The Track (På sporet), labeled as a Young Adult novel in 1930.

Prøysen is one of Norway’s most beloved poets, known for children’s songs such as “Humpety-Bumpety” and “Backwardsland”. His biggest success internationally came from his stories about Mrs Pepperpot, which first appeared in 1960. This is the memorable character who would shrink to the size of a pepperpot just in the nick of time, getting herself out of jams by talking to children and animals.

With her finger on the contemporary pulse, she addressed topics like the roles of the sexes, growing up in the big city, and the inclusion of immigrants long before other authors did.

History

1969

1975

2013

2016

2017

Although you may well call Alf Prøysen’s Mrs Pepperpot fantasy literature, Tor Åge Bringsværd was the one to make the breakthrough for fantasy literature in Norway, for adults and children alike.

Tormod Haugen is the other great renewer of Norwegian children’s literature from the 1970s on.

The Night Birds, from 1975, marks his international breakthrough, translated into more than 20 languages.

His first children’s book in 1969 about Knerten Gundersen, the troll on the Tube was followed up in 1973 by his first book featuring the character Ruffen, and since then he has been an extremely prolific author, turning out book after book.

He has written more than sixty children’s books, over fifty plays, and many novels, short stories and essay collections. Bringsværd is famous for his magnificent imagination and his use of folk tales and myths in his narratives.

Haugen was motivated by a desire to help and understand children, their wants, their needs. He wasn’t afraid to address difficult topics like divorce, abuse and other topics typically avoided as taboo. Haugen eventually came to mix realism with elements from Norwegian folk tales and world myths.

Globalization isn’t a new phenomenon, and since the 1950s Norwegian children’s literature has been used to the competition, especially from US players like Disney.

Around 1980 Donald Duck comic had a weekly print run of 250,000 copies in Norway alone. Since Disney’s acquisition of Marvel, superheroes are gaining traction in Norway too, at least in the movies.

The output of Norwegian picture books has increased tremendously in the last 50 years, demonstrating an impressive versatility. As the genre has developed, the narrative function of the pictures have become ever more dominant.

Young Adult has been a growing segment in the book market for decades, with authors like J. K. Rowling, John Green and Suzanne Collins reaching an audience across all ages.

Shameless is an example of how non-fiction books can achieve the same and talk across generations about topics of great importance.

In 1990 he received the Hans Christian Andersen Award, and in 1984 he was the first author to be nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize for a children’s book, The Day that Disappeared.

With Brown, Black and Blue Håkon Øvreås has taken advantage of this and created a group of more down-to-earth superheroes that have taken the world by storm. The translation rights have been sold to 30 countries.

In 2016 Gyldendal started a series of wordless books.

These books do not contain a single word, but are read by following the illustrations, discovering details, patterns, feelings, action – solely by concentrating on the visual aspect, a skill our youngest readers often possess. The wordless books aim for the target group that ought to be able to read, but needs a reading experience that motivates and inspires them – and does not exclude them from the literary universe.

Herz, Srour and Bile started the movement, which is referred to in the media as ‘The Shameless girls’, and which really put negative social control on the agenda. For their work for freedom of speech they have, among other things, received the Fritt Ord’s honorary award (2017).

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Outside, it starts to rain. In the course of a few seconds it develops into a crazy downpour, hammering on the roof and splashing on the asphalt.

It’s as if I’m lying inside a barrel and someone on the outside is beating it with sticks. I close my eyes. Lie there listening. Try to imagine it’s the sound of a river. And that I’m in the middle of it, rushing along at top speed. On my way to a little village where a girl who looks very like Alina is waiting, ready to welcome me.

Sverre Henmo It’s Only Love (Det er bare kjærlighet)

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PHOTO: JANNE MØLLER-HANSEN

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Tor Åge Bringsværd Tor Åge Bringsværd (born 1939) is an award-winning author and playwright who writes for all ages. He has written some of Norway’s most imaginative and beloved children’s books.

SINCE DEBUTING IN 1967, Bringsværd has been a prolific author, turning out book after book. He has written more than sixty children’s books, over fifty plays, and several novels, short stories and essay collections. Bringsværd is famous for his magnificent imagination and his use of folk tales and myths in his narratives. In the 13-volume series, Our Old Mythology (1985–1996), he retells Old Norse myths, richly illustrated by different artists.

He has received many awards for his work, among them the Brage Prize honorary award and Arts Council Norway’s honorary award for his considerable output.

His children’s books are known for their perceptiveness, but also the child-like lens through which they view the world. In his own words: “I write for children because I prefer intelligent readers who don’t necessarily need everything spoon-fed to them, but who

are playful and imaginative enough to stay engaged even when the table starts to hover and fly out the window.” Almost everyone in Norway knows about Ruffen, Tambar and the amazing characters Bringsværd has brought to life throughout his long career. Over the years he has collaborated with some of Norway’s best-known illustrators, like Thore Hansen and Lisa Aisato. His books have been translated into 23 languages and his plays have been performed in many countries.

His children’s books are known for their perceptiveness, but also the child-like lens through which they view the world. Over the years he has collaborated with some of Norway’s best-known illustrators.

Selected Awards 2010: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Award of Honour 2009: The Brage Prize Award of Honour 2004: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Special Award 2000: The Ibsen Award 1999: The Norwegian Language Award “Riksmålsprisen” 1994: The Dobloug Award 1985: The Norwegian Critics Prize 1978: The Riverton Award

Selected Titles The Ruffen series (Ruffen-serien), 1973The When Two.. series (Når to-serien), 2002-2006 The Mime series (Mime-serien), 1997-2003 The Three Holy Jokers (De hellige tre narrer), 1996 The series of Norse Mythology (Vår gamle gudelære), 1985-1995 Jørgen Moe’s Street (Jørgen Moes vei nr 13), 1973 Knerten Gundersen, the Troll on the Tube (T-bane-trollet Knerten Gundersen), 1969 The Captain Puma series (Kaptein Puma-serien) 2004-2009

Tambar (The Tambar series), 2010 -

Ruffen (The Ruffen series), 1973 -

Get to know Tambar, a wild five-yearold who attends nursery school with his best friend Gurine and likes to swing and play with Lego. A quite ordinary boy in other words … except that he is a troll!

When Tambar gets home, he can shake out the troll-tail he has been hiding all day and use the troll forces he refrains from using in nursery school. Together with the illustrator Lisa Aisato, Tor Åge Bringsværd has created a warm and safe best friend for the youngest children.

The stories of Ruffen have everything it takes to make good children’s books: a hero for all readers to love, struggles we can all identify with, exciting and dramatic plots, great illustrations with lots of funny details - and a happy ending!

The Ruffen series displays Bringsværd’s boundless imagination and curiosity as readers follow the exploits of this lovable sea serpent. All books in the series are illustrated by Thore Hansen, an awardwinning cartoonist, illustrator, and author of children’s and adult books.

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Kari Grossmann Kari Grossmann (born 1942) is a beloved author who both writes and illustrates her books.

In 2017, she received the Brage Prize honorary award for “over 50 years of putting words to children’s point of view and natural curiosity with charm, seriousness and fun.”

GROSSMANN IS A leading artist of picture books featuring everyday situations that even the youngest readers can identify with. Ever since her debut in 1988, her considerable output consists of her own books as well as illustrations for other authors. Few other authors command such a wide readership.

Grossmann has a fantastic ability to make the unknown more familiar and less intimidating, from dentist visits to the everyday challenges children face. Her books are free of gender stereotypes, featuring both stay-at-home fathers and women who are dentists and doctors. Her stories are a timeless source of wonder and laughter, and have remained popular for generations of readers who identify with them on a deep level.

Grossmann is a children’s author par excellence. Her watercolour illustrations show recognisable

objects from a child’s perspective.

She collaborates with her husband, Werner Grossmann, on other projects besides children’s books as well. In 2011, she was awarded the Grafill Classic Prize for her work. Her books about Little Sister and Malvin, as well as her pointing books See and Say and My Book of Letters (which has been printed in some 70,000 copies alone), are considered modern classics that have been reprinted time and again.

Selected Awards 2017: The Brage Prize Award of Honour 2011: Grafill Classic Award

Selected Titles The Little Sister series (Lillesøster-serien), 2002-2009 The Malvin series (Malvin-serien), 2010 I Wonder (Undreboka mi), 2009 I’m Counting (Telleboka mi), 2002 My Book of Letters (ABC-boka mi), 2000 Look! (Pekeboka mi), 1999 See and Say. My Book of Words (Se og si. Ordboka mi), 1996

Grossmann has a fantastic ability to make the unknown more familiar and less intimidating, from dentist visits to the everyday challenges children face.

The Little Sister series (Lillesøster-serien), 2002 - 2009

The Malvin series (Malvin-serien), 2010 -

The modern classics about the life and times of Little Sister in one collection. The youngest readers can become absorbed in the detailed illustrations while getting to know Little Sister, who wants to choose what she wants to do and when she wants to do it. Almost 300,000 copies of the beloved Little Sister books have circulated, a number that includes the Little Sister app downloads.

The Malvin series features stories that are pleasant and easy to identify with.

Malvin’s daily life with his parents centres upon friendship, compromise and learning, all packed into situations most people can relate to. The Malvin books are very popular among the youngest readers and are on the bookshelves of many homes and kindergartens.

11 Classics

PHOTO: DAG THORENFELDT

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PHOTO: MIRIAM BERKLEY

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Tormod Haugen Tormod Haugen (1945-2008) was the first children’s and young adult author from Norway to achieve international recognition. After debuting in 1973, he became a prolific author who was celebrated by reviewers and readers alike.

HAUGEN’S FOCUS was always on the individual, and especially the child. He was interested in the relationship between children and adults, in stories that were always told from the child’s perspective.

Haugen was motivated by a desire to help and understand children, their wants, their needs. He wasn’t afraid to address difficult topics like divorce, abuse and other topics typically avoided as taboo. Haugen eventually came to mix realism with elements from Norwegian folk tales and world myths. He is known for his rare ability to transform his language from book to book, from the understated to the fantastic to the raucous.

Haugen’s books are universal and timeless, and he is considered one of our most innovative and experimental authors. For decades, other authors have drawn inspiration from Haugen. Haugen also produced translations, of which the

most famous and award-winning was The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis. In 1990 he received the Hans Christian Andersen Award. In 1984 he was the first author to be nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize for a children’s book, The Day that Disappeared. The author once said, “My books are about the necessity of dreams, about the strength and creative power of the imagination.

Dreams are a strong driving force; all action begins with a dream and a vision.”

Selected Awards 1975: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Literature Award for The Night Birds 1976: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Literature Award for Zeppelin 1979: The Norwegian Critics Prize for Joakim 1979: Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis for The Night Birds 1987: The «Pier Paolo Vergerio» Award for The Novel about Merkel Hansen and Donna Winter 1990: The Hans Christian Andersen Award

Selected Titles The Night Birds (Nattfuglene), 1975 Zeppelin, 1976 Joakim, 1979 The White Castle (Slottet det Hvite), 1980

Haugen’s books are universal and timeless, and he is considered one of our most innovative and experimental authors.

The Day that Disappeared (Dagen som forsvant), 1983 The Novel about Merkel Hansen and Donna Winter (Romanen om Merkel Hansen og Donna Winter og den store flukten), 1986 The Scream from the Jungle (Skriket fra jungelen), 1989 The Tsar’s Jewels, (Tsarens juveler), 1992

The Night Birds (Nattfuglene), 1975

The Day that Disappeared (Dagen som forsvant), 1983

Joakim grows up in a difficult environment, with a father suffering from significant mental health issues. The father often leaves the house in his clogs, leaving Joakim to sleep alone at home.

He never knows for how long. He hears the night birds scratching all around.

From Joakim’s perspective, we find out what life with mentally ill parents is like, and how he overcomes fear after fear.

After Willem learns that his father has denied his mother all contact with him, he wakes up one day to find he has become invisible to his father. We enter into his world of dreams, where he goes in and out of invisibility while trying to find out what happened between his parents and who he really is. This book dissolves the boundaries between reality and fantasy, and is considered a pioneering work in imaginative literature. This was the first children’s book ever nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize.

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Sverre Henmo Sverre Henmo (born 1968) is one of our best children’s and young adult authors.

Since his debut in 1999, he has written about love, identity and growing up.

EVER SINCE his first book, Together We Are One Plus One, he has captivated readers with his warm and engaging books about young adulthood. With his light touch, Henmo manages to find humour even in the most serious moments, while treating the topics with the utmost respect. His follow-up, Up Like a Lion, tells the story of Leo and the school trip that changes everything. The book is a realistic depiction of Leo’s young environment, along with his journey to discover his own limits and the kind of person he wants to be. A reviewer in Dagbladet wrote that “Henmo creates a disquieting reader experience. With keen observation and precision—often only through insinuation—he presents a boy’s world that is upsettingly destructive.”

For The Dive, Henmo was awarded the Ministry of Education and Church Affairs’ Literature Prize.

The citation noted his “shrewd observations of people, environment and relationships, presented in a nuanced language with warmth and humour.” But Henmo’s books are not only relevant for young people. Get Lost! is about the fear of trying new things by yourself and confronting your fears. The book is easy to read, and illustrated by the critically-acclaimed illustrator Øyvind Torseter. Henmo is a master at describing the feelings of children and young adults from their own perspective.

Awards and nominations 2008: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Literary Award for The Dive.

SelectedTitles It’s Only Love (Det er bare kjærlighet) 2016 Get Lost! (Ha deg vekk), 2011 The Dive (Natt på Frognerbadet), 2008 The Boy on the Left (Gutten til venstre), 2005 Up Like a Lion (Opp som en løve), 2002, Together We are One Plus One (Sammen er vi én og én), 1999

Henmo is a master at describing the feelings of children and young adults from their own perspective.

Get Lost!

(Ha deg vekk!), 2011

The Dive (Natt på Frognerbadet), 2008

An easy-to-read book about Jon, who is about to start walking home from school alone. Simply put, he is dreading it, and on the very first day he encounters a voice shouting GET LOST! With its surprise ending, this book is about overcoming your fears. The evocative illustrations by the criticallyacclaimed Øyvind Torseter are a nice supplement to the story, and readers can look forward to this collaboration between two of our best children’s book artists.

This is Henmo’s most-read book. Simon is in his last year at lower secondary school and falls in love with Petra. She is, in many ways, an unusual girl and Simon is caught between others’ perception of her and his own feelings. The backdrop is late summer evenings with friends at the Frognerbadet swimming pool complex in Oslo. An exciting, realistic and beautiful tale about finding your own identity.

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PHOTO: INGRID POP

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His ability to move and engage both adults and children, regardless of the topic, has made him one of our most important contemporary authors.

PHOTO: JULIE PIKE

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Bjørn Ingvaldsen As an author, Bjørn Ingvaldsen (born 1962) places children front and centre.

Ingvaldsen has written over 50 books for both adults and children.

INGVALDSEN ALWAYS manages to find humour even in the most serious moments. The breadth of his range has been evident ever since his first children’s book came out in 1999. In recent years, his books on Icarus Olsen have garnered particular attention. With their wild flights of fancy and sense of humour, his books have become favourites of young and old alike.

His easy-to-read series on the Frogs Football Team is a popular choice for children who have just mastered the alphabet.

His most recent book, The Test of Obedience: An Imagined Tale of One Child, deals with a much more serious topic. Alvis is a boy who receives neither attention nor understanding. He lives in a violent household and exhibits much younger behaviour than

his 12 years would suggest. Your Father and The Magic Man are two other books by Ingvaldsen featuring characters in difficult circumstances. Of Your Father, NRK’s reviewer wrote: “The book is a portrait of a family falling apart, and a community torn apart by one transgression. Bjørn Ingvaldsen shows us how vengefulness and self-righteousness can bring out the worst in us.”

For Your Father, Ingvaldsen was nominated for Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize in 2017. Ingvaldsen has given a voice to young people facing great adversity, showing us the world from their perspective. His ability to move and engage both adults and children, regardless of the topic, has made him one of our most important contemporary authors.

Selected Nominations and Awards 2018: The Children’s Book Prize for Your Father 2017: Nominated for the Nordic Council’s Literature Prize for Your Father 2017: Nominated for the Norwegian “Boksluker” Prize for Your Father 2017: Nominated for the Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Award for The Test of Obedience 2016: Nominated for the book chain ARK’s Best Children’s Book for Your Father

Selected Titles The Test of Obedience (Lydighetsprøven - En tenkt fortelling om et barn), 2017 Your Father (Far din), 2016 The Ikaros Olsen series (Serien om Ikaros Olsen), 2015 The Frogs Football Team series (Serien om Fotballaget Froskene), 2010 The Magic Man (Tryllemannen), 2014 The Teacher’s Son series (Sønnen til læreren-serien), 2012The Blood Drop Tree (Bloddråpetreet), 2011 The Song of Lucy (Sangen om Lucy), 2010

The Test of Obedience: An Imagined Tale of One Child (Lydighetsprøven – En tenkt fortelling om et barn), 2017 The story of Alvis is deeply affecting and tragically relevant. The other kids call him Alvis Pee because of the way they say he smells. Alvis has a violent stepfather who regularly hurts him and his mother. But Alvis is not like other children. He mostly hangs out with kids younger than him, and he is somewhat gullible. Others take advantage of him when he goes out, and he faces abuse when he comes home.

The Icarus Olsen series (Ikaros Olsen-serien), 2015 - 2017 Icarus Olsen is fed up with being poor and hatches a number of inventive schemes to reach the pinnacle of wealth.

Icarus has a motley gang of friends and lives in a cellar apartment with his grandfather. Against this backdrop, Icarus’s nonstop pursuit of money plays out in humorous vignettes. Hysterical stories with a serious undertone.

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“Nice to see you,” she says, then stops.

“What happened to…?” she asks as she puts her hand to her nose.

“Walked into…no…I didn’t walk into anything. August broke it.”

“Why did he do that?”

“He turned up at my place with Gabriel and Johnny to check out where I live and to see if my mom is as fat as they say.”

“What? They – “ she exclaims in a loud voice.

“And I tried to punch August because he said something horrible about Mom, but I just punched the air. And he didn’t.”

Arne Svingen The Ballad of a Broken Nose (Sangen om en brukket nese)

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Mari Kanstad Johnsen Mari Kanstad Johnsen (born 1981) is one of Norway’s most exciting and innovative stars within children’s literature.

SHE WORKS AS an illustrator and artist. She made her debut as a children book’s illustrator with Barbie-Nils and the Pistol Problem in 2011. Her debut as an author came with Scary Holiday in 2013.

She received a Special Mention for the Bologna Ragazzi Award 2017 for I’m Out of Here.

Kanstad Johnsen uses a mix of techniques, from drawing and painting to silk screen and collage.

She often starts with hand-made art before editing it digitally, producing a blended style that is instantly recognisable. Since 2011, she has made a strong impact both as an author and an illustrator and is one of our foremost new children’s book artists. Her books are criticallyacclaimed and award-winning.

Superb artistry and a sense of wonder are the common denominators across her entire production.

There is always more to wonder about, more to explore and more to discover in Kanstad Johnsen’s

books. The beautiful book ABC was nominated for the Brage Prize in 2017; the announcement noted that it was an “elegantly executed ABC book”.

A reviewer in Dagbladet wrote that “ABC is both tradition and renewal, learning and fun, and is easily one the year’s best picture books.” ABC is a beautiful, innovative picture book in which children can become quickly absorbed in the alphabet and the story.

The Ball received a silver medal in the Year’s Most Beautiful Books award in 2015. The illustrations are rich material for the imagination, and the sense of mystery is heightened by the use of colours and bold lines. The book was also nominated for the Ministry of Culture’s picture book prize in 2014.

Several of her illustrations have been purchased by the National Library of Norway, and she has held several exhibitions of her artwork.

Awards and nominations 2017: Nominated for the Brage Prize for ABC.

Titles ABC, 2017 I’m Out of Here , 2016 D for Tiger, 2015, author Lene Ask The Ball, 2014 Scary Holiday, 2013 Barbie-Nils and the Pistol Problem, 2011, author Kari Tinnen

ABC (ABC), 2017

The Ball (Ballen), 2014

A magnificent ABC book where one can really explore the letters of the alphabet!

A playful and dramatic picture book story.

Anna and her grandma are on the way home from nursery school when Anna is hit on the head by a ring. Where can it have come from? They ring doorbells at the nearest high-rise building to inquire, but neither the Architect, Baker nor Cellist has lost one. And outside door D there is a smell of smoke... but it can hardly be a fire-belching Dragon that lives there? Or can it?

Elling has a new basketball! He loves playing with it. But suddenly he hears a sound. Kim and Coco hear it too. It’s quite close, but also rather distant. Could it be coming from…the ball itself?

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Superb artistry and a sense of wonder are the common denominators across her entire production.

PHOTO: AUGON JOHNSEN

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In Åshild Kanstad Johnsen’s universe, it is the children who have power, the ability to achieve great things.

PHOTO: AUGON JOHNSEN

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Åshild Kanstad Johnsen Åshild Kanstad Johnsen (born 1978) has a unique ability to see things from a child’s perspective. This makes her one of our most talented new voices for the youngest and most important group of readers.

SHE BOTH WRITES and illustrates her own books, and was hailed as a sensation when she debuted in 2010. Since then, she has won a number of prizes and established herself as a skilled and original picture book artist. The books in her Block series have been a success, both in Norway and abroad, composing an imaginative universe that most children in Norway are familiar with.

The title character of Block Makes a Museum is quite literally a block of wood. He collects so many things that he decides to make a museum to display all his treasures. The pleasure for little readers is seeing how Block sorts and lays out his finds, which become objects of great charm and value in children’s eyes. With its simple, detailed drawings, not to mention the appeal of Block himself, this is a book in which children can feel a sense of ownership. The Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet writes that “Åshild Kanstad Johnsen tells a

straightforward story accompanied by rough and unique drawings.”

Nearly every Norwegian kindergarten has made exhibits inspired by the world of Block. The character has become especially popular in Japan, where he has given rise to animated films, a Block cafe and, of course, a big Block exhibit.

Block’s popularity has also led to two award-winning apps. In Åshild Kanstad Johnsen’s universe, it is the children who have power, the ability to achieve great things.

In 2015, Kanstad Johnsen created a new universe. Ulla and Bendik Build a Town has the two title characters plan out the city they live in. They no longer want to live in a boring, by-the-numbers town that is lacking in colour. From their sandbox, they start making plans about the colourful, inspiring town where everyone can have a chance to thrive. In giving the book six out of six stars, Dagbladet wrote: “A gift for reading children … Once again she displays her unique talent.”

Awards 2010: The Most Beautiful Book of the Year Award for Block Makes a Museum

Selected titles Ulla and Bendik Build a Town (Ulla og Bendik bygger by), 2015 Block’s Album of Everything (Kubbes album om alt), 2013 Block Makes a Commotion (Kubbe lager spetakkel), 2011 Block Makes a Museum (Kubbe lager museum), 2010

Block Makes a Museum (Kubbe lager museum), 2010

Ulla and Bendik Build a Town (Ulla & Bendik bygger by), 2015

There are so many treasures out there, he thinks. He takes all these treasures home and puts them in nice boxes. But one day all the boxes are full! So Block opens a museum of his own. The museum is a great success.

Almost too much so, Block thinks ... is he really supposed to have to queue up to go to his own bathroom for the rest of his life? Block Makes a Museum is a huge international success.

Bendik used to live in New York, the city that has everything! But now Bendik has moved. To a drab suburb. Ulla has lived here all her life. She finds it constraining and grey and flat and square. Ulla meets Bendik in the playground. None of them can fathom why this place is so dull. So they decide to do something about it.

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Ørjan Nordhus Karlsson Ørjan Nordhus Karlsson (born 1970) is a productive, imaginative author writing thrillers, crime, sci-fi, fantasy and urban fantasy.

HE IS A social scientist, is trained as an army officer and has also taken part in assignments overseas. In 2015, he debuted as a young adult book author with the first book in the Lance Trilogy, The Time Rose.

The trilogy is about Martin and his friends, who become entangled in a mission to save the world, travelling through time within some of Europe’s darkest undercurrents.

It is an action-packed and rich account of four youths’ search for holy relics from the crucifixion.

The Lance Trilogy contains all the ingredients for a monumental, action-packed adventure with magic, secret tunnels, Nazis, camaraderie, and a good deal of world history to boot. There are also a number of references to games for those who are into them.

For younger readers, The Night Mirror is the first book in a series on Bifrost, a mystical place that lies hidden from most. But Mathias

gains access to the unknown world when they need his help to escape the darkness engulfing Bifrost. The Night Mirror is about courage in the face of cancer and encroaching evil. Can Martin save the day?

Karlsson is a master of the noir mood, and his combination of fastpaced suspense, magic, and elements from the everyday life of his main characters give these books a broad appeal.

Karlsson is a master of the noir mood, and his combination of fast-paced suspense, magic, and elements from the everyday life of his main characters give these books a broad appeal.

The world of Bifrost The Night Mirror is the first book in what will become a new fantasy series of four standalone novels for middle grade readers. Each book will have a unique main character travelling between our world and Bifrost to take part in a quest.

Every story gives new insights to the secrets of the magical world of Bifrost; animals and people, friends and foes, mythology and magic.

Each book takes the reader to a unique geographical area of Bifrost, with a map of that area. Lay all four maps together to view a complete map of Bifrost. The four main characters live in different parts of Norway. All four are contacted by someone from Bifrost and enter Bifrost through a magical portal.

The main characters are two girls and two boys.

Titles: The Night Mirror, 2017 The Well of the Souls, 2016 The Time Rose, 2015

The Night Mirror (Nattspeilet), 2017

The Lance Trilogy (Lanse-trilogien), 2015 -

Mathias is in the hospital with cancer, afraid that he won’t survive. One night a strange, barefoot girl suddenly appears in his room wearing an old shirt and dirty jeans. “My name is Tara,” she whispers in a hoarse voice. “And I need your help.” She grabs Mathias’s arm and tries to drag him out of bed. Mathias gets scared and pushes her away. Tara disappears, but a piece of paper is left behind on the floor: a strange recipe for something called “moon water.”

The Time Rose is the first book of The Lance Trilogy. The Well of the Souls is the second book of the Lance Trilogy.

The Night Mirror is a story of darkness and hope. Of friendship and courage. And about being thrown into a strange world.

We follow four youths on a perilous journey to save the world. Suspense, mystery and time travel are the perfect combination for those who enjoy action and fantasy.

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PHOTO: JULIE PIKE

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With a light touch, Linde offers shrewd observations on the life stages of a girl rapidly approaching her teenage years.

PHOTO: JO MICHAEL

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Heidi Linde Heidi Linde’s books about Pym Petterson are a beautiful, honest and funny portrait of a girl on her way to becoming a young woman.

HEIDI LINDE (born 1973) is one of Norway’s most gifted writers, using warm, vivid prose to create characters that will touch your heart.

Her breakthrough title was Yes, We Can in 2011. After several children’s and young adult novels, her first book featuring the character Pym Petterson came out in 2012.

Pym lives with her parents and her older twin siblings Sigmund and Sanna. Sibling rivalry runs strong in the household and the twins are a constant source of irritation to Pym. Like in most families, life goes on with all its minor and major catastrophes, and we follow Pym through what she calls her life of failure. She is sure her lack of success is evident to the outside observer, compared to the perfect lives lived by everyone else. The

inner life and outward struggles of this new anti-hero have taken young adult readers by storm.

Through witty, bitter and stirring observations, we see the girl on her journey to young womanhood and, we hope, greater self-confidence.

With a light touch, Linde offers shrewd observations on the life stages of a girl rapidly approaching her teenage years. Almost everyone will see themselves in Pym’s thoughts about family and friends.

Linde has a keen eye and unmatched talent for observing and describing people, which comes out in her books about Pym and her less-than-perfect family.

There’s never a dull moment as Pym stumbles her way through life!

Pym Petterson’s Disastrous Prom (Pyms mislykka skoleball), 2015 As she nears the end of 7th grade, Pym comes to realise that she hates change. And yet—wouldn’t you know it—everything around her is changing: the universe is expanding (indefinitely), her parents decide to fix up the living room (generously holding a democratic vote on the colour scheme), and in the autumn, the terrifying lower secondary school awaits! To top it all off, romance is suddenly in the air among all of her classmates. And then there’s the impending school dance, the concluding event of 7th grade. Everyone is ecstatic over the school dance—everyone, that is, apart from Pym. And in the middle of it all she gets her first period...

Times are hard for the poor girl, simply put. And she is veritably perplexed when she realises she’s having weird new feelings for the boy, Omar, in her class, the boy who’s always been there, the boy she is now seeing in a completely new light.

Selected Titles Pym Petterson’s Disastrous Summer Holiday (Pyms mislykka sommerferie), 2016 Pym Petterson’s Disastrous Prom (Pyms mislykka skoleball) 2015 Pym Petterson’s Disastrous Pen Pal (Pyms mislykka brevvenn), 2013 Pym Petterson’s Disastrous School Trip (Pyms mislykka skoletur), 2012 Pym Petterson’s Disastrous Family (Pyms mislykka familie), 2012 Suck! (Sug!), 2009 Mud Dreams (Gjørmedrømmer), 2008 Lie! (Jug!), 2005 Mosquito Bites (Myggstikk), 1998

Pym Petterson’s Disastrous Summer Holiday (Pyms mislykka sommerferie), 2016 Pym’s father wins fifty three thousand, seven hundred and ninety-nine kroner in the VikingLotto and takes the whole family to a luxury hotel on a gorgeous Greek island. If it all sounds too good to be true...that’s because it is, of course.

The place is fantastic, to be sure, but that’s no help when Pym’s father suddenly gets the idea he’s a strapping young handsome devil, when her mother becomes totally entranced inside the old ruins, when Sigmund buries his face in a book, and when Sanna might be getting high with her new gang of friends.

For maybe the first time in her life, Pym feels truly alone. And why isn’t Omar answering any of her texts?

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Rusty sneaked out into the bathroom to look at himself in the mirror. There he was: Brown the Superhero. His heart hammered under his brown disguise. He was no longer simply Rusty, he was Rusty Brown. His mum’s brown belt was hanging over a cabinet door.

A real superhero belt. He was ready for action.

Håkon Øverås and Øyvind Torseter (illustrations) Brown (Brune)

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His treatment of psychological and non-traditional topics from the child’s perspective has given him particular prominence.

PHOTO: JULIE PIKE

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Svein Nyhus Svein Nyhus (born 1962) is an award-winning writer and illustrator, admired by children and grown-ups alike, known for his beautiful and thoughtful evocation of the child’s experience of life.

NYHUS IS PARTICULARLY famous for his expressive drawings in which children are the focus. He varies his technique between watercolour, marker, pencil and collage, which he then edits digitally. Through his text and illustrations, he expresses the feelings and experiences of children. His treatment of psychological and non-traditional topics from the child’s perspective has given him particular prominence. He has also collaborated with his wife, Gro Dahle, a well-known author in her own right. Nyhus combines a simple language with sharply-drawn, expressive characters.

You might say that Nyhus has carved out his own genre of philosophy books for children. His books about the character Lars are modern pointing books for the young-

est readers, books that are at once original and philosophical. Nothing in them is taken for granted, and the simple narratives play with the children’s imaginations and draw them into the action. Writing in Dagbladet, Marie L. Kleve declares: “A pointing book among the year’s best titles? You bet. This poetic little book has high artistic merit—a guaranteed success for the very youngest book lovers.”

With Up and Out, Nyhus created a book that invites discussion and contemplation on the topic of fear and worry. His interplay between text and illustration is, as usual, beautifully adapted to philosophical reflections about the emotions, and to questions both big and small.

With philosophising texts and a beautiful, modern array of images, he is accessible to a wide audience.

Selected Awards and Nominations 2011: Nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (Alma) 2010: The Vestfold Municipality’s Art Award 2010: The Book Art Award 2007: The Vestfold Municipality’s Literature Prize 2006: Nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (Alma) 2001: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Award for best children’s book (for Little Lu and Bulibar the Wizard) 1998: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Award for best picture book for Dad!

Selected titles Would You Like to Play? (Skal vi leke?), 2016 The Lars series (Lars-serien) 2011 Things That Are (Sånt som er), 2010 Up and Out (Opp og ut), 2008 I am! (Jeg!), 2004 Nobody (Ingen), 2001 Little Lu and Bulibar the Wizard (Lille Lu og trollmannen Bulibar), 2001 The World has no Corners (Verden har ingen hjørner), 1999 Dad! (Pappa!), 1998

Would you like to play?

(Skal vi leke?), 2016

Up and Out (Opp og ut), 2008

We meet Butti, who lives inside the book. Butti takes the reader for a short tour inside, and during the tour the reader has to perform small tasks, such as turning the book upside down, giving Butti a hug, sitting on his or her hands, and so on. Butti is a cute figure kids can easily relate to, and who encourages them to play an active part in the story. In addition, the kids learn small, but important lessons, such as: Can you point at your ear?

This is the story of a small, courageous figure and a big, timid one.

Together, they venture out into the world, and when they finally reach the sea, a great and wonderful change has occurred. Text and illustrations combine to create an arena for reflection and discussion for children and adults alike.

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Alf Prøysen Alf Prøysen (1914-1970) is one of Norway’s most beloved poets, known for children’s songs such as “Humpety-Bumpety” and “Backwardsland”, as well as books like Mrs Pepperpot and The Green Mitten.

PRØYSEN WAS a prolific author, poet and folk singer who was active up until his death. Much of his work was for children, such as The Little Children’s Hour, which was broadcast on the radio for years. His most popular songs have been published in From HumpetyBumpety to Backwardsland: 39 Children’s Songs.

His biggest success internationally came from his stories about Mrs Pepperpot, which first appeared in 1960. This is the memorable character who would shrink to the size of a pepperpot just in the nick of time, getting herself out of jams by talking to children and animals.

Today those stories are collected in The Big Book of Mrs Pepperpot, illustrated by Annine Qvale.

In 2014, the Prøysen classic The Green Mitten came out with brand new illustrations by the criticallyacclaimed, award-winning illustra-

tor Øyvind Torseter. This 50 th anniversary edition came out the year Prøysen would have turned 100, and was nominated for the Ministry of Culture’s Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature the same year. In nominating Torseter for the Ministry of Culture’s Illustration Prize, the judges stated that “these illustrations will secure the relevance of Prøysen’s text for fifty more years, at least.”

Christmas Eve at Santa’s, one of Prøysen’s biggest successes, came out in 1971. This is a story that every Norwegian knows and brings out at Christmas. Like so many of his books and songs for children, this is a real classic.

Prøysen is just as treasured by children and adults today as at the height of his popularity during his lifetime. Prøysen was buried in the honorary burial grounds at Our Saviour’s Cemetery in Oslo.

Awards 1970: The Norwegian Council of Culture’s Award of Honour 1970: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Award of Honour (Posthumous)

Selected Titles The Mrs Pepperpot series (Teskjekjerringa), 1957-1970 The Green Mitten (Den grønne votten), 1964 The Goatling Who Could Count to Ten (Geitekillingen som kunne telle til ti), 1957 The Christmas Eve song (Julekveldsvise), 1957 The Circus Mikkelikski (Sirkus Mikkelikski), 1963 Mr Andersen and Santa Claus (Snekker Andersen og julenissen), 1971

The Big Book of Mrs Pepperpot (Den store teskjekjerringboka), 2010

The Green Mitten (Den grønne votten), 2014 (1964)

The first book in the series about Mrs Pepperpot was printed in 1956. The main character, Mrs Pepperpot, is a little old lady who lives in a cottage in the countryside together with her husband, Mr Pepperpot. Mrs Pepperpot has a secret – she occasionally shrinks to the size of a pepperpot, but nevertheless always manages to cope with the tricky situations that she finds herself in, at least partially thanks to the fact that upon shrinking she also gains the ability to understand and talk to all animals.

Ragnar gets green knitted mittens from Grandma for Christmas. But then one of the mittens is lost and goes on an adventure. The mitten meets all sorts of animals and has a lot of fun before being reunited with Ragnar. The songs written for the text are also included in this edition. The critically-acclaimed Øyvind Torseter was nominated for the Ministry of Culture’s Illustration Prize for his illustrations.

This title includes all the stories about Mrs Pepperpot in a complete edition for young and old readers, magnificently illustrated by the artist Annine Qvale. The book is a superb introduction to the world of Mrs Pepperpot, who is chock-full of energy and constantly on the move.

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Prøysen is just as treasured by children and adults today as at the height of his popularity during his lifetime.

PHOTO: GYLDENDAL

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He gives voice to those who are struggling, and always takes a respectful, but light-hearted view of the lives of his characters.

PHOTO: SIGBJØRN SIGBJØRNSEN

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Arne Svingen Arne Svingen (born 1967) is one of Norway’s most prolific and admired authors.

Since debuting in 1999 he has written over 70 books for children and young adults and received numerous awards.

HIS AUTHORSHIP ranges from easy-to-read books to young adult novels. Ever since his first children’s book featuring the character of Hubert, the accolades have been coming one after the other.

Svingen’s Dark World, a horror and suspense series for children, first appeared in 2012. This series has seen some of his most popular books.

The Summer We Got Undressed, which he co-authored with Helene Uri, has gone through several editions and printings. The two also composed the critically-acclaimed novel You Beautiful Bastard, which was nominated for the U-Prize in 2013.

In the US, Svingen’s novel The Ballad of a Broken Nose received the distinction of a Mildred L. Batchelder honour book by the American Library Association.

Both Silent Screams and The Tough Guys have gone through a number

of printings and received readers’ choice awards.

Svingen is known for his masterful balancing of humour and seriousness. For years he has dazzled children with the strength of his imagery, while showing adults that almost nothing is too serious to be treated in writing. He gives voice to those who are struggling, and always takes a respectful, but light-hearted view of the lives of his characters.

Arne Svingen has long worked to bolster literacy and the desire to read among children and young adults, especially boys. He has travelled extensively around Norway to talk about his books. In 2016, he began the podcast Svingen’s World of Children’s Books, a monthly podcast in which he interviews other children’s book and young adult authors.

His books have been sold to 17 countries.

Selected Awards 2017: Batchelder Honor Book Award , USA, for The Ballad of a Broken Nose 2015: Prix Libbylit Romans Ados, Belgium/France, for The Ballad of a Broken Nose 2012: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Award for The Ballad of a Broken Nose 2005: The Brage Prize for Black Ivory

Selected Titles The Hubert series (Hubert-serien) 1999 – 2006 The Toughest Guys (De tøffeste gutta), 2003 The Bendic series, (Bendik-serien) 2003 The Summer we Stripped Naked (Sommeren vi kledde oss nakne), 2005 w/Helene Uri Some Plan (Litt av en plan), 2011 Svingen’s Dark World series (Svingens mørke verden) 2012The Ballad of a Broken Nose (Sangen om en brukket nese), 2012 You Beautiful Bastard!

(Din vakre jævel), 2012, w/Helene Uri The Revolver Kid (Revolvergutten), 2014

The Ballad of a Broken Nose (Sangen om en brukket nese), 2012

Svingen’s Dark World, series (Svingens mørke verden), 2012 -

The story of Bart, a boxer and opera singer, has become quite popular and acclaimed. Bart is living in cramped conditions with his alcoholic mother and tries to get through his teenage years by boxing, while singing on the sly. A gripping and hilarious tale of surprising friendship, survival and secrets. The book received the distinction of a Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book Award from the American Library Association. In addition, it received an award in the category of best translated children’s and young adult book. The distinction was given to Simon & Schuster, the book’s US publisher.

18 books have now appeared in this popular children’s series. All of them feature exciting, scary and easy-to-read stories. The books can be read as standalone titles and feature both boy and girl characters. The stories are especially suited to those who may not be especially inclined to read.

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Anne-Cath. Vestly The quintessential Norwegian children’s book author, with her celebrated career as a writer and illustrator.

Anne-Cath. Vestly (1920–2008) is one of Norway’s most famous and popular authors. All in all she wrote 49 children’s books, many of which are considered modern classics. In addition, she wrote numerous plays for radio and theatre. Several of her books have been filmed over the years. She played her own memorable character, Granny, in the first two film adaptations in 1977 and 1979. Three of her books in the Twigson series were filmed in 2009, 2010 and 2011. A modern musical version of Eight Children and a Truck came to cinemas in 2013.

Vestly had the unique ability to see the world from the perspective of a child, using language in a way that children could understand.

She perceived the need of children to be included and taken seriously.

Solidarity and the fight against prejudice were important themes to Vestly. With her finger on the

pulse of the times, she addressed topics like gender roles, growing up in big cities, and the inclusion of immigrants long before other authors did. Her sense of inclusivity led to changes in attitude, particularly towards children. She is remembered not only for her fearless commitment to discussion and social involvement, but the playful and humorous world she created, which has retained its appeal to this day.

Vestly’s most important tool was the imagination, and her books have remained relevant from generation to generation. She illustrated several of her books herself, along with her husband, Johan Vestly (d. 1993). Anne-Cath. Vestly received several of Norway’s highest honours as an author, including Arts Council Norway’s Honorary Award in 1994 and the Brage Prize Honorary Award in 1995.

The Big Book About Granny and the Eight Children (Mormor og de åtte ungene i skogen), 2007 The Big Book About Granny and the Eight Children consists of all five of the books about Granny and the others.

Because they live in cramped quarters and are a handful, the eight children are probably a tad more inventive than most children. This leads to some funny situations – like when Morten invites four pigs over for coffee and Mina and Milly meet a whiskerbear in the woods. Then it’s good to be eight siblings and a long dog who can help each other out.

And a Granny of course, who keeps a cow in her room.

Awards and nominations 1955: The Norwegian Council of Culture’s Award 1957: The Norwegian Council of Culture’s Award 1958: The Norwegian Council of Culture’s Award 1982: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Award of Honor 1986: The Book Seller Prize 1986: The Little Mrs Pepperpot’s Award of Honour 1994: The Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Award of Honor 1995: The Brage Prize Award of Honor

Selected Titles The Ole Aleksander series (Ole Aleksander-serien), 1953-1958 The Granny series (Mormor-serien), 1957-1999 The Aurora series (Aurora-serien), 1966-1972 The Twigson series (Knerten-serien), 1962-1974 The Guro series (Guro-serien), 1975-1981 The Kaos series (Kaos-serien), 1982-1987

The Big Twigson Book (Lillebror og Knerten), 2002 The Big Twigson Book consists of all eight of the books about him and Junior.

Twigson has arms and legs and a head and looks just like a little person. He is a good companion for Junior, and Junior’s imagination is constantly fuelled by Twigson.

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She had the unique ability to see the world from the perspective of a child, using language in a way that children could understand.

PHOTO: JO MICHAEL

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With humour and warmth, the everyday superheroes in his trilogy help one another overcome the sorts of challenges children can identify with.

About the illustrator Øyvind Torseter (b. 1972) made his debut as an illustrator in 1999 and illustrates his own texts as well as other authors’ texts. He has received The Ministry of Education’s Prize several times and has also been awarded the international children’s book prize Bologna Ragazzi. He won the Nordic Council Prize together with Håkon Øvreås for Brown.

PHOTO: JULIE PIKE

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Håkon Øvreås Charming books to be read aloud, about growing up, the struggle for existence, and unlikely superheroes.

HÅKON ØVREÅS (born 1974) debuted as a children’s book author in 2013. With humour and warmth, the everyday superheroes in his trilogy help one another overcome the sorts of challenges children can identify with. The books are richly illustrated by the celebrated illustrator, Øyvind Torseter. These illustrations give our heroes feeling and depth, with simple, nostalgic drawings.

Brown was an immediate success upon release. The story of Rune, who becomes the superhero Brown at night, captivated readers with its unexpected plot twists and attractive illustrations. We meet Brown as he grieves the loss of his grandfather and is accosted by some bigger boys. When he decides to take matters into his own hands, a superhero is born.

As a reviewer in Dagbladet wrote, “The book is told with suspense, good dialogue and hints of magic.

Rune’s conversations with his dead

grandfather are lovely, and all his characters exude charm … Bursting with attitude and humour, the pictures are as expressive as they are simple … recommended for everyone. The book is a highly charming tale about growing up, superheroes and the struggle to survive.”

The book won the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize in 2014, in addition to many other prizes.

The follow-up, Black, shows us the great lengths love can drive us to. Atle is doing everything he can to impress the new girl, which creates a lot of challenges for our heroes.

In the last book, Blue, the heroes’ beloved cabin is threatened by the construction of a chicken farm, and the friends must navigate a plethora of everyday challenges besides.

Brown, Black and Blue are a ragged troop of superheroes who stand up for one another. They are ordinary heroes for children of all ages!

Brown (Brune), 2013

Black (Svartle), 2015

Awards 2017: Nominated for the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis 2016: Winner of the German Luchs des Jahres (Best Children and YA Book) 2015: Winner of the Dutch Zilveren Griffel (Silver Pen) 2015: Selected as Top 10 Teacher’s Choice

by China Education Newspaper 2014: Winner of the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literary Prize 2013: Winner of the Ministry of Culture’s Literature Prize 2013: Winner of the Trollkrittet Prize (Norwegian Children’s/YA Writers’ debut prize)

Blue (Blåse), 2018

Brown: During the day, Rune is just Rune, but come night he transforms himself into Brown—a totally fearless superhero. Armed to the hilt with brushes and brown paint, he sneaks out of the house.

Rune can hardly be blamed if Brown chooses to paint the big bullies’ bikes brown, can he?

Black: A new girl has moved into the old bakery. Atle is utterly captivated by her. He hatches a plan to borrow the chairman’s prize-winning hen and pretend to have found it. This, he thinks, is sure to make the newspaper, and the new girl will be impressed and like him. It’s worth a shot. Right?

Brown is a book about friendship, courage and retaliation. It is also a book about losing a grandfather and just how wrong things can go when your superhero powers run out. Illustrator: Øyvind Torseter

As you might imagine, complications ensue. Atle needs help from the superhero Black and his faithful companions Brown and Blue.

Brown and Blue aren’t totally sure what’s going on and what they’ve got themselves into, but neither is

Atle, for that matter. The stage is set for a wild ride and spectacular finish. Illustrator: Øyvind Torseter Blue: In the third book of the series, the super-rich tycoon Tom Hane comes to the village to establish the world’s biggest chicken farm. But there’s a problem: Tom wants to build the farm right over our heroes’ cabin. There another problem: Åse’s dad just lost his job. As usual, only superheroes will be able to set things right— but will it prove too much for the gang this time? Illustrator: Øyvind Torseter

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The headmaster made aggressive swimming motions on the floor in front of us while yelling so loudly that his wart hairs quivered.

Then he pointed right at me.

‘That means you too, RUBEN BERG! Let’s see it. Rescue tow, with me, now!

RESCUE TOW. ME. NOW, BOY!’ Marius Molaug and Kristoffer Kjølberg (illustrations) The World’s Worst Headmaster (Verden verste rektor)

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Shameless Nancy Herz, Sofia Nesrine Srour and Amina Bile own cause or to understand others.” Aftenposten

THE AUTHORS have, over the past year, collected stories from girls who have personally experienced negative social control. In Shameless they discuss what it feels like to be constantly limited, corrected and shamed, and they share their own experiences on their way towards shamelessness. And their best hijab hacks.

Herz, Srour and Bile started the movement which in the media is referred to as ‘The shameless girls’, and which really put negative social control on the agenda. For their work for freedom of speech they have, among other things, received the Fritt Ord honorary award (2017).

About the Authors Amina Bile (b. 1998) is involved in politics. She’s shameless, but harmless.

Nancy Herz (b. 1996) is a Norwegian-Lebanese activist, booklover, daydreamer and writer. Sofia Nserine Srour (b. 1994) is a Norwegian-Lebanese Muslim who debates a lot and thinks even more. Bile, Herz and Srour are all feminists and profiled voices in the public debate.

“[The shameless girls] challenge the patriarchy and the honour codex, without judging. And even if the Muslim women are the main audience of this book, it is relevant for anyone who wants to understand the issues and work for a multi cultural society.” 5/6 Stars, Dagbladet “Shameless assaults the great cultural conflicts of our time armed with knowledge, openness, devilish recklessness and a great deal of humour. A chant rings through the Norwegian society that is not likely to die down shortly.” NRK

Amina Bile, Nancy Herz and Sofia Nserine Srour

Reviews “I hope this book is contagious. I hope the shamlessness spreads … Everyone should read this book, either to be inspired to fight for their

“I am so enthusiastic about Shameless that I keep my hands by my side. They want to be up there in the air applauding.” Klassekampen “Shameless is an amazing and powerful work, a future candidate for the Norwegian feminist canon.” Vårt Land

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Raven Synnøve Borge, illustrator Lise Myhre-Hestnæs EXPERIENCE THE LIFE of this fascinating black bird, illustrated

by Nemi-cartoonist, Lise Myhre.

We follow a raven that lives in the Norwegian mountains for one year, from the time it pecks its way through the shell of its egg in late winter until it settles with its mate on the branch in late autumn, following many dramatic events.

This non-fictional tale has been enhanced by the distinctive brushstrokes of Lise Myhre.

The book consists of an exciting narrative non-fictional text, amusing illustrations and lots of facts/ photos. Join in and experience the life of this fascinating black bird.

This is the fourth nature book that Borge and Myhre have worked together on. The first three books

in the series are Brown Long-Ear (Brunlangøre), The Red-Tailed Bumblebee (Steinhumle) and The Golden-Ringed Dragonfly (Kongeøyenstikker).

Aftenposten writes about The Red-Tailed Bumblebee: ‘The stroke of genius in the book is the fine balance Synnøve Borge has chosen between individual, variety and bumblebees in general. [...] And Lise Myhre gets better with each book in the series. Here there are both fine touches of humour and convincing, true-to-nature illustrations.’

Join in and experience the life of the fascinating black bird.

About the author Synnøve Borge (b. 1960) has a university degree in pedagogy and has studied creative writing for children at Norsk Barnebokinstitutt, where she specialized in documentary texts. She works as a science teacher at Solberg skole in Ås. Brown Long-Ear is her first book.

About the illustrator Lise Myhre-Hestnæs (b. 1975) is a Norwegian cartoonist famous for her comic strip Nemi. Nemi has been published in album format since 2003, is one of our most popular comics (surpassed only by Pondus) and has been translated into more than ten languages.

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The Tree That Whispered Thore Hansen A BEAUTIFUL picture book about an unusual journey.

Leonard Holm has lived a long time on his own. There is no one left, and his memories are fading.

Then he goes to the forest of his childhood, where everything once began. Leonard sheds his old age and starts to climb a tree that takes him off on a different journey than simply back in time. He goes back to the beginnings of the earth and the human race.

Hansen describes all the things we can lose but find again. He writes wisely and beautifully about

our relationship to nature and the importance of our memories. His illustrations are detailed and full of hope, with a nerve we recognize from his illustrations to Tor Åge Birngsværd’s Ruffen. The story is a fantastic and yet down-to-earth tribute to mankind, nature and hope.

A beautiful picture book about an unusual journey.

About the author Thore Hansen (b. 1942) is a cartoonist, illustrator and writer with a large and highly praised body of work. He works with books for all ages, illustrates comics, magazines and books, and has received particular recognition for his collaboration with Tor Åge Bringsværd.

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Googolplex Magnus Holm, illustrator: Rune Markhus A BEAUTIFUL, down-to-earth picture book about insanely large things.

Googolplex is an unusual book: a book for reading aloud about small and large numbers, especially about quite incredibly incomprehensible, enormously, huge numbers. And that also means that the book is about the infinite, incomprehensibly large universe.

It is also a book about five-yearold Tale, who is off on a cabin trip with her family. Tale can count.

She counts telephone poles.

By using recognisable situations

from everyday life, and taking small, concrete numbers and sizes as its point of departure, the book helps build up the child’s growing understanding of numbers.

How large can numbers actually be? Is infinite a number? And is Googolplex the very, very biggest number in the world?

Beautiful, down-to-earth picture book about insanely large things.

About the author Magnus Holm (b. 1978) is a freelance journalist, author and skiing enthusiast.

He has a master’s degree in media production from NTNU in Trondheim.

About the illustrator Rune Markhus (b. 1972) is a sketch artist and illustrator.

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The Bird Coat Inger Marie Kjølstadmyr, illustrator: Øyvind Torseter IS IT REALLY possible for a man to become a bird?

Pierre is a tailor with a big dream. He wants to fly. He therefore decides to make a bird coat. He works night and day on it and when the bird coat is finally finished, he climbs the Eiffel Tower to prove that it works. The narrator is a hairdresser from the same area as Pierre has his tailor’s shop.

The hairdresser tells the whole story to a little boy whose hair he is cutting, from the tailor’s first idea of becoming a bird until he is about to perform the jump of his life. With precise and realistic text, and illustrations rich in detail, the

backdrop to Pierre’s story is a realistic portrayal of Paris from over a hundred years ago. Torseter is one of Norway’s most celebrated illustrators, with great tension in his work. This is Inger Marie Kjølstadmyrs second book.

The Bird Coat is based on the true story of Franz Reichelt, ‘the flying tailor’, who in 1912 jumped off the Eiffel Tower in an attempt to fly.

Is it really possible for a man to become a bird?

About the author Inger Marie Kjølstadmyr was born in 1979. She has a master’s in Nordic Literature from the University of Oslo. She works freelance in publishing and as a theatre reviewer.

About the illustrator Øyvind Torseter (b. 1972) made his debut as an illustrator in 1999 and illustrates his own texts as well as other authors’ texts. He has received The Ministry of Education’s Prize several times and has also been awarded the international children’s book prize Bologna Ragazzi. He won the Nordic Council Prize together with Håkon Øvreås for Brown.

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The World’s Worst Marius Molaug, illustrator: Kristoffer Kjølberg The World’s Worst series is laughout-loud comedy, packed with crazy humour and hilarious illustrations.

The World’s Worst Headmaster It is time for the annual swimming day at school, and this is Ruben’s final chance to earn his swimming achievement mark. There is only one problem: He can’t swim.

The World’s Worst Friend Kent and Ruben have been best friends for AGES. But what does he

do when he gets competition from the new boy in the class, who is oh SO funny, according to Kent? He hatches a brilliant plan that involves a bat, a tough guy and a disappearance act! It MUST succeed! Or? The World’s Worst Birthday Ruben is to organize his birthday party, but how does one actually make sure that people turn up? And especially the girls in the class? Ruben and Kent have to get popular in no time at all, but, as usual, things do not exactly go as planned.

The World’s Worst Christmas Christmas is approaching, and with it the annual Christmas play. Ruben has been cast as the Virgin Mary, while Kent will play baby Jesus.

The headmaster has snatched the role as God. The stage is set for the world’s worst Christmas.

The World’s Worst Holiday The summer holidays are approaching. Ruben and Kent can’t wait, because Kent’s father has won three tickets to somewhere warm in a competition. But the trip does not go as planned. Already on the first day, Kent’s father drifts out to sea, asleep on an air bed.

About the author Marius Molaug (b. 1976) works as editor of the Norwegian edition of Donald Duck. He is a member of the creative community Dongery.

About the illustrator Kristoffer Kjølberg (b. 1980) is a prize-winning illustrator and graphic designer.

He is a member of the creative community Dongery.

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Dear you who are told to be quiet and take up as little space as possible who are not allowed to choose your friends, your education or your career who will never really come of age and have ownership of your life who are told that falling in love is a sin who have to live a double life, in fear, constantly feeling bad for it who are shamed for wearing, not wearing or stopping wearing the hijab who are called fucking immigrant, nigger, shameless and faithless who are told that racism and social control are non-existent problems who have to carry the honour of your family who are not allowed to make decisions regarding your own body who have been sexually harassed or assaulted, and been told that it is your fault whose worth are dictated by the state of your hymen Dear you who are not allowed to be free.

This book is for you.

Nancy Herz, Sofia Nesrine Srour and Amina Bile Shameless (Skamløs)

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Three Cars and a Dead Cat Gry Moursund AN EXCITING cat murder tale that unravels in a fantastic seventies universe.

There are only three cars on the island. That is still one too many when one of them runs over the nicest cat in the world. Who can the murderer be? The shop owner, who swears on the life of his parents, although they are already dead?

Karsten Oppihaugen, who knows more curse words than anyone else on the island? Or could it be Laila,

A story that makes a strong impression on the children. VG

the taxi driver no one really knows, and who has a slightly scary dog called Alex?

The story handles children’s sorrow with great seriousness, showing that it isn’t always easy to forgive when you have lost your best friend. Our deep love for our pets is beautifully described from the child’s perspective.

Winner of The Ministry of Culture’s Literature Prize 2016.

About the author / illustrator Gry Moursund (b. 1969) has a degree in illustration and graphic design from The National School of Arts and Crafts. She has received a number of awards for her books.

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Why is Water So Wet? Ole Robert Sunde, illustrator: Bo Gaustad A PICTURE BOOK novel for curious and thoughtful children and grownups.

One thing all children have in common is the immense task of having to understand how the world is built up and how it works.

And if it is true as they say, that adults have lost that curiosity, then that is a crying shame! Why not try to write a children’s book where the main issue is seeing, hearing, feeling and touching?

The optimal setting is the bed, just when a boy wakes up from a scary and strange world (night) only to encounter another (day).

Lying in his bed, he daydreams.

He plays his way into that place where everything is possible, the

exact spot where the bed can turn into a car, and the car can drive through the bedroom wall and out on to the lawn and straight on to the sea, where the boy transforms the car into a submarine. This boy has a family, and today is Saturday, which means no school, and bacon and eggs for breakfast. Only one thing casts a shadow over the family idyll: The Child Witch – his sister and nemesis. She has also woken up, and she is in a quarrelsome mood …

A picture book novel for curious and thoughtful children and grown-ups.

About the author Ole Robert Sunde was born in 1952 and made his debut in 1982 with On Your Heels. Since then he has published numerous novels and collections of essays and has been awarded both the Gyldendal Prize and the Aschehoug Prize. A unique voice in Norwegian literature.

About the illustrator Bo Gaustad (b. 1946) is an illustrator and writer from Oslo, educated at the Accademia di Belle Arti (Italy), Statens Håndverks- og Kunstindustriskole (Oslo) and the Norwegian Institute for Children’s Books.

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Wordless books These magical stories without words are books that can be read by proficient and poor readers alike, but that give those less proficient in the 6-9 target group that special feeling of finally having read a whole book. On their own!

THE WORDLESS BOOKS do not contain a single word, but are read by following the illustrations, discovering details, patterns, feelings, action – solely by concentrating on

To tell a story without using words is an extremely demanding exercise. We have therefore asked some of the best visual storytellers in Norway to rise to the challenge.

the visual aspect, a skill our youngest readers often possess.

The wordless books aim for the target group that ought to be able to read, but needs a reading experience that motivates and inspires them – and does not exclude them from the literary universe. Of course it’s possible to read a whole book without having the traditional understanding of reading completely under one’s belt!

To tell a story without using words is an extremely demanding exercise. We have therefore asked some of the best visual storytellers in Norway to rise to the challenge.

Torill Kove Where are the Cats to Live?

(Hvor skal kattene bo), 2018 It’s cosiest to live together, the cats feel. But where are they to live when the girl and boy who own them don’t want to live together any more?

A strongly told story about what happens to the smallest members of the family when the largest decide to move away from each other.

Torill Kove (b. 1958) is a NorwegianCanadian animator, illustrator and writer of children’s books.

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Rune Markhus Loose Screw (En skrue løs), 2016

Kristoffer Kjølberg The Cup (Pokalen), 2016

Lene Ask You (Du), 2016

Mari Kanstad Johnsen I’m Out of Here (Jeg rømmer), 2016

Deep in the woods an itty bitty man lives on mushrooms that he finds on the ground. One day he finds a strange, shiny object. It does actually look a little like a mushroom, so the man decides to bring it home with him. But what if the object belongs to somebody? An owner that will come back to look for it?

It sure isn’t nice when your dad would rather display the trophy from his last golf tournament on the mantelpiece instead of the nice photograph you took of the two of you together last year.

And it isn’t nice when you suggest that your dog can guard the house, and your dad only laughs and hires an Alsatian to do the job instead. But what are you to do when the Alsatian turns out to be a part of a scary gang of trophy thieves?

You is about arriving in a new place where the woods smell different and the birds sing songs that you do not know.

Even the sun is cooler than at home. But you cannot go home, because what used to be your home does not exist anymore. Who are you when almost nobody knows your language or your name?

When you’ve moved to a new place, far away from your friends and your old school class, then it’s not so unusual to feel a little lonely. Maybe the new class will become friendlier after a while? Or maybe not.

Maybe you need a clever trick to make new friends – how about a luminescent rabbit?

Rune Markhus (b. 1972) is a sketch artist and illustrator. He is also the illustrator of Googolplex (see separate presentation).

Kristoffer Kjølberg (b. 1980) is a prize-winning illustrator and graphic designer.

He is a member of the creative community Dongery.

Lene Ask (b. 1974) is a writer and illustrator. She received the Sproing Award in 2007 and made her literary debut in 2008 with the picture books about the Rotle Family.

Mari Kanstad Johnsen (b. 1981) works as an illustrator and artist. She made her debut as a children book’s illustrator with Barbiedoll and the Pistol Problem in 2011. Her debut as an author came with Scary Holiday in 2013.