SWEDISH BOOKS FOR YOUNG

International Swedish Classics and READERS Contemporary Voices Ut i natten. Marcus Gunnar Pettersson Cropped illustration From The Magical Dust (see page 6) Welcome!

This publication is for those of you who are interested in publishing Swedish children’s and YA literature, but aren’t quite sure where to get started. It’s also for you if you have already published something Swedish, but would like to do more. And if you’re simply curious? Well, it’s for you too. Within these pages are a selection of titles taken from the treasure chest of Swedish children’s and YA literature. The authors presented here have already been translated into a number of languages and have reached readers in different parts of the world. Each writer is presented via a brief introduction and examples of their books that have been published in translation. For each book, details of the original publisher and representation are included. At the very back you’ll find the contact details for these Swedish children’s and YA publishers and agents, as well as information about the grants that you can apply to us for.

Good hunting!

Susanne Bergström Larsson, Head of Swedish Literature Exchange, Swedish Arts Council

Note: The selection is based on nominations from Swedish agents and publishers who sell international rights relating to Swedish children’s and YA literature. They were invited to nominate a number of authors and books that have already been disseminated internationally. In order to ensure an even spread of publishers and agents, genres and age categories, a team at the Swedish Arts Council then made the final selection from the nominations. 3 Emma Adbåge 4 Gunilla Bergström 5 Elsa Beskow 6 Stefan Casta 7 Sara B. Elfgren 8 Maria Gripe 9 Anna Höglund 10 Jenny Jägerfeld 11 Emma Karinsdotter 12 Rose Lagercrantz 13 Lena & Olof Landström 14 Åsa Lind 15 Pija Lindenbaum 16 Astrid Lindgren 17 Barbro Lindgren 18 Eva Lindström 19 Sara Lundberg 20 Frida Nilsson 21 Moni Nilsson 22 Per Nilsson 23 Ulf Nilsson 24 Sven Nordqvist 25 Kristina Ohlsson 26 Lena Sjöberg 27 Pernilla Stalfelt 28 Ulf Stark 29 Mats Strandberg 30 Johanna Thydell 31 Anna-Clara & Thomas Tidholm 32 Jakob Wegelius 33 Martin Widmark 34 Jujja Wieslander 36 Stina Wirsén 3 Swedish Books for Young Readers Emma AdbÅge

The Hole Behind The Gym, Photo: Richard Gustafsson picture book, 2018, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Raben & Sjögren Agency

A life-affirming tribute to the joy of free play, without concern for certified sandpits or health and safety regulations. The book uses great humour and superb imagery to show that imaginations thrive in untouched spaces. In 2018 it won the August Prize.

The Grand Expedition, picture book, 2016, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget

When going on an expedition it is good to have a backpack of important things. But when the pickles are gone and the mosquitos come out, what’s to be done?

The Castle, picture book, 2019, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget

A comic story with lots of recognition about the feeling of giving something that you rather would have kept yourself. But also about having something that someone else desires…

We Find Crumbert, picture book, 2019, Rabén & Sjögren Emma Adbåge’s stories and illustrations make Rights: Raben & Sjögren Agency everyday emotions and experiences both During a day at the beach, Bert immediately recognisable and richly interesting. finds a beetle in the sand, names Both her stories and her drawings are observant, him Crumbert and builds him a succinct, humorous and perceptive. Her illustrations, great big sandcastle. But when with their carefully drawn lines and gentle colours, it is time to move in, Crumbert is dead and Bert is devastated. combine small details with characters whose bodily postures and facial expressions give a clear insight into what they think and feel. She has won several awards, including the August Prize, Elsa Beskow Plaque and the Lennart Hellsing Prize. Swedish Books for Young Readers 4 GUNILLA BERGSTRÖM

The Alfie Atkins Series, picture books, 1972-2012, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

Good Night, Alfie Atkins, 1972 Good night and sleep tight! Dad says. Alfie gets a hug and the light goes out. But Alfie doesn’t want to sleep. Now Dad has to fetch a glass of water and look for lions in the closet. And Alfie must have his teddy bear ...The book was the first in the series, and has never been out of print since 1972. It is considered a modern children’s book classics.

Very Tricky, Alfie Atkins, 1973 “May I have the toolbox?” Alfie asks. “Mmm, says Dad, but be careful with the saw”. Alfie takes Dad’s toolbox out of the closet. But what is he going to build? Photo: Lisa Thanner Photo:

Hurry Up, Alfie Atkins, 1975 “Alfie! Hurry up, it’s time to go!” Dad shouts from the kitchen. “We have to go to kindergarten!” Gunilla Bergström is the creator of Alfie Atkins, “Yes, I will,” says Alfie, “I just have one of Sweden’s most popular and timeless picture to...” book characters. Alfie is no hero; in fact, he is not even particularly brave. Perhaps this is why he appeals to so many children and adults: he seems Alfie Atkins and His Secret just like us. From her first Alfie book, Gunilla Friend, 1976 Bergström broke with the tradition of the cute and Malcolm is Alfie’ secret friend the ideal to write about real characters in a typical who comes to play when Alfie wants him to. He is so secret flat in an urban high-rise block. Gunilla Bergström that only Alfie can see him. One has written over forty books translated into more day when Malcolm wants to than thirty languages and has won the Astrid play, they do something that is Lindgren Prize, the medal Illis Quorum Meruere forbidden - they borrow Dad’s finest pipe. And suddenly the Labores from the Swedish Government and pipe is gone! Where did it go? numerous other awards. And what will Dad say? 5 Swedish Books for Young Readers ELSA BESKOW

Elsa Beskow (1874-1953) is a popular Swedish author The Sun Egg, picture book, and illustrator of children’s books. Her books have 1932, Bonnier Carlsen been translated to many languages and she is often Rights: Bonnier Rights referred to as the author who first introduced the A mysterious orange egg has Swedish picture book abroad. The Elsa Beskow fallen into the woods. ”It’s Award was created in 1958 to recognize the year’s a sun egg!” declares the elf best Swedish picture book illustrator. Nature who finds it nestled on the forest floor. Soon she and always plays an active part in her fairytales in which her friends find out what it flowers, trees, mountains and pinecones come to life. really is, but not before the Her illustrations are filled with small details that little elf goes off on one of fuel the observer’s imagination. the best adventures she has ever had.

Pelle’s New Suit, picture book, 1912, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights

Pelle has a lamb whose coat just grows longer and longer, while Pelle’s Sunday suit grows shorter! So Pelle shears the lamb, and the wool is turned into a new suit for Pelle.

Aunt Green, Aunt Brown and Aunt Lavender, picture book, 1918, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights

In this first of the classic Peter and Lotta books, Elsa Beskow tells how the two children come to meet the three colorful sisters known as Aunt Green, Aunt Brown and Aunt Lavender. Photo: private Swedish Books for Young Readers 6 Stefan Casta

Stefan Casta has written approximately fifty books, most of them for children and teenagers. He lives on a farm in the southern part of Sweden, tending to his garden, and his hens and sheep. Apart from writing, he also teaches and tutors at the writer’s college at Lund’s University, and has previously been one of the members of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award jury. Casta’s literary work consists of everything from picture books to YA novels and non-fiction, but the thing that holds it all together is his never ending love for our nature and the environment. His books have over the years won several prestigious literary awards, both in Sweden and abroad: Winner of The August Prize and Nils Holgerson Plaque, Nominated to Prix Farniente in Belgium, Die Silberne Feder in Germany, The Nordic Council’s Children’s Literature Prize and The Bernard Shaw-prize in England.

The Books about Sofi, ill. Bo Mossberg, children’s non-fiction, 1998-2016, 6 titles, Bokförlaget Opal Rights: Opal Agency

Follow the ant Sofi on her adventures through nature!

The Magical Dust, ill. Marcus Gunnar Pettersson picture book, 2017, Bokförlaget Opal Rights: Opal Agency

In Evening Land, the inhabitants have lived in peace for many years. But one day, Juniper and her friends can sense something is different. Someone has dang- erous plans for their forest!

The Bumblebee’s Herbarium, ill. Maj Fagerberg children’s non-fiction, 2012, Bokförlaget Opal Rights: Opal Agency

Guided by the bumblebee, you

Photo: Eriksson Danne can now build your own her- barium with some of the most beautiful flowers in nature. 7 Swedish Books for Young Readers SARA B.ELFGREN

In Dreams, YA fiction, 2017, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Grand Agency

Tamar’s and Clea come from different backgrounds. But one day they end up in the same class when they enter the esteemed theatre program at Norra Latin Upper Secondary School in Stockholm. They are in the same class but worlds apart. Photo: Henric Lindsten The Big Banquet, ill. Emil Maxén, children’s fiction, 2019, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Grand Agency

Dangerous adventures involving disdainful dukes, conniving pugs, combative hares, hideous beasts and a giant, poetic dog. With The Big Banquet Sara B. Elfgren and illustrator Emil Maxén desire Together with Mats Strandberg Sara B. Elfgren to break new ground in the fairy penned the bestselling and critically acclaimed tale genre. The result is a brand Engelsfors trilogy, in which the first title has been new genre: Baroque fantasy for children. translated to twenty-five languages, made into a movie. Sara B. Elfgren is attracted to ”what if”- scenarios where the laws of nature are thrown out The Engelsfors Trilogy, of balance, especially when the supernatural clashes written together with with our everyday lives. She likes to work on her Mats Strandberg, YA fiction, own and with other writers as well as illustrators, 2011-2013, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Grand Agency comic book artists and directors. Her solo debut was nominated to the Nordic Council Children and Young Six girls just started high school. People’s Literary Prize 2018 and was a big success They have nothing in common among critics and readers alike and was the number – except they discover they are all witches and they are hunted one bestselling YA novel of 2017 in the by an ancient evil. Together they largest Swedish internet bookshop. need to stop the apocalypse! Swedish Books for Young Readers 8 MARIA GRIPE

Maria Gripe (1923-2007) is the author of 38 books. She made her literary breakthrough with the three books about Hugo and Josefin in the 1960s. During the same period she wrote Pappa Pellerin’s Daughter, a contemporary novel about a lonely, headstrong girl. After the poetic tales The Glassblower’s Children, In the Time of the Bells and The Land Beyond, she returned to reality in the 1970s with the five Elvis books, featuring a serious-minded boy who became a classic figure. In the 80s came The Dung Beetle Flies in the what was perhaps her most loved books: The Dung Twilight, children’s fiction, 9-12 Beetle Flies in the Twilight and Agnes Cecilia, years, 1978, Bonnier Carlsen as well as the four books in the Shadow series. Rights: Bonnier Rights Maria Gripe has received a number of awards, Three children stumble upon old both in Sweden and abroad. Among others, she letters, sent to a certain Emelie has received the Nils Holgersson Plaque, the Astrid who lived in the 17th century. Lindgren Prize, the H C Andersen Medal, and They tell the story of a three- Litteraturfrämjandet’s major prize (together with thousand-year-old Egyptian statue in their city. Is it still the illustrator Harald Gripe). there? What is it that affects the course of history? Chance, will or something else? Two seemingly random events cause things in the past to unfold again and to finally be revealed.

Agnes Cecilia, YA novel, 1981, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights

Nora is an orphan who moves into an old apartment where strange things start to occur. The clock starts to walk backwards, the dead become present and a doll almost comes alive. The magical adventures help Nora to put closure to the grieving process of her parents. One of Maria Gripe’s most beloved stories.

The Glassblower’s Children, children’s fiction, 9-12 years, 1964, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights

Every year Klas and Klara, together with their parents, go to the fair to sell their glassware. One year they meet Flutter Mild- weather, a weaver of magical rugs that foretell the future, and Klas and Klara become the attention of the splendid Lord and Lady of All Wishes Town, who have everything they want except for one thing: children. Photo: private 9 Swedish Books for Young Readers ANNA HÖGLUND

The Stone Giant, picture book, 2018, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Koja Agency

A read-aloud storybook about cunning, courage and survival in which a girl sets out to save her father from the giant who turns everyone she meets to stone.

The Mina and Kåge Series, picture books, 1995-2014, 5 titles, Alfabeta Rights: Koja Agency

The books about the bears Mina and Kåge have become modern classics, they are smart relationship drama for all ages with a subtle sense of humor.

Whereof One Only Speaks With Rabbits, picture book, 2013, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget

Poetic about feeling different and still wanting to belong. An awarded and critically acclaimed picture book for youths and adults. Photo: StefanPhoto: Tell

To Be Me, picture book for YA, 2015, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget

A 13 year old girl is tired of being seen – she wants to see herself. Acclaimed author and illustrator who has worked What is the feeling of shame that is stuck on her body, and together with authors such as Ulf Stark, Barbro why can boys do wrong without Lindgren, Eva Susso and Gunnar Lindkvist. She has being wrong? About equality in also written many books on her own, such as those the daily life for 12+. about Mina and Kåge, and The Stone Giant. In 2013 her critically acclaimed book Whereof One Only Speaks With Rabbits was published. This book for all ages was rewarded with the Snowball – best picture book of the year, and nominated to many prizes. She has also been rewarded with the Astrid Lindgren Prize, Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, Heffaklumpen and the Elsa Beskow Plaque. In 2016 she received a Special Mention at the Bologna Ragazzi Award for To Be Me. Swedish Books for Young Readers 10 Jenny JÄgerfeld

Jenny Jägerfeld debuted as an author 2006 and her second book, the YA novel Me on the Floor, Bleeding won the August Price 2010. She masters the unique skill of writing unforgettable stories which are entertaining and funny, while at the same time dealing with somewhat difficult and important topics. She does it in a humble way and with magnificent humor. Jägerfeld is a psychologist and works with children and teenagers in both public and My Royal Grand Golden Life, private practice. She writes columns and is often a children’s fiction, 2019, guest in radio and tv in discussions about teenagers. Rabén & Sjögren Hence, she is in close contact with the age group she Rights: Grand Agency writes for. Her books have been praised by both the A story about loneliness and readers and reviewers, and have received numerous friendship, exclusion and popula- awards: Best children’s book 2018, The Nils rity and about choosing who you Holgersson Plaque 2018, the Broocman Prize 2019, want to be. and the Astrid Lindgren Prize 2017. In addition to this several shortlistings. Jenny Jägerfeld’s children and YA books are sold to 18 markets.

Comedy Queen, children’s fiction, 2018, Rabén & Sjögren Thambert Hugo Photo: Rights: Grand Agency

Touching and profound, yet funny in the Jägerfeld way when she dares to deal with a really difficult topic, a mother’s suicide.

Top Bro!, children’s fiction, 2016, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Grand Agency

Entertaining, engaging, sad, happy, and so very important on a burning topic. About friendship, overcoming obstacles and about the right to define who you are. A book that can save lives.

Me On the Floor, Bleeding, YA novel, 2010, Gilla Böcker Rights: Grand Agency

An accidentally amputated thumb throws the reader on an odyssey in the main character’s search for her identity. A psycho- logical portrait with particularly credibility in the expression. August Prize Winner 2010. 11 Swedish Books for Young Readers Emma Karinsdotter

Lisbeth and the Samba King, Lindemalm Photo:Julia children´s fiction, 2017, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Salomonsson Agency

The imaginative, hilarious and norm creative book featuring Lisbeth and her eccentric grandmother, the Samba King. Alongside the pair’s crazy antics, the book addresses the more profound question of whether you’ve got the right to be exactly who you want to be – even if that means being completely ordinary? The sequel is due to be published in 2020.

The Isle of a Thousand Stars, children’s fiction, 2019, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Salomonsson Agency

Tigris discovers a box with her late mother’s name scribbled on it. The box becomes the gateway to a distant land where her mother still lives. It is a sparkling and moving adventure story about friendship, the ache of missing someone, and family secrets brought to light.

A modern-day Astrid Lindgren, Karinsdotter’s authorship has already found a home in the hearts of the new generation. Before debuting as a children’s books author, Karinsdotter (b. 1985) worked in the book and music industry as a project manager and concert organizer. Her debut work, Lisbeth and the Samba King, made a major splash on the children’s fiction scene when it was published in 2017. Zany, exuberant and thoughtprovoking, it celebrates children and their diversity. The Isle of a Thousand Stars is Karinsdotter’s second work: a breathtaking tale of magic, adventure, and finding a way to move on. Swedish Books for Young Readers 12 Rose Lagercrantz

Rose Lagercrantz was born in 1947 in Stockholm and is an award-winning Swedish writer for children and adults. Her first book was published in 1973. She is the author of the popular Dunne series that has been extremely well received internationally. They have been translated to over 25 languages and have received numerous awards. The first book, My Happy Life was named one of The New York Times Most Notable Books in 2013 and was nominated The Dunne Series, for the Prix Sorcières 2014 as well as the Deutscher children’s fiction, Jugendliteraturpreis 2012. Rose Lagercrantz has also 2010-2019, 7 titles, been awarded the Astrid Lindgren Prize, The August Bonnier Carlsen Prize, Heffaklumpen and The Nils Holgersson plaque. Rights: Bonnier Rights This easy-to-read series deals with emotions in a way that children can understand and relate to. Dunne tries to take life as it comes and refuses to stop believing in miracles! The accessible text is perfectly complemented by the warm and endearing illustrations by Eva Eriksson.

My Happy Life, 2010 Dunne has longed to start school for as long as she can remember. But when it is actually time, she feels as if her legs won’t bear her. Going to school without having any friends there is the worst possible nightmare, much worse than not being able to learn how to read and write. But luckily Dunne finds Ella Frida, and Ella Frida finds Dunne, and this is the start of a beautiful friendship.

Love Is Better Than No Love, 2019 It is spring and Dunne travels to Rome to attend her Dad’s wedding. But to her disappoint- ment, her best friend Ella Frida, is not invited. Dad said no. What will Ella Frida say when she finds out that she has not been invited to her best friend’s father’s wedding? This is a story about fidelity. And a difficult sort of Photo: Helén Karlsson friendship and love. But love is better than no love … 13 Swedish Books for Young Readers LENA & OLOF LANDSTRÖM

Lena and Olof Landström belong to the masters of The Will Series, 1990-1993, Swedish picture book artistry. They met already at picture books, 4 titles, Art school and have worked together in different Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency forms since then. Together they have created classic books and characters such as Will, Boo and Baa, With delicate wit and charm, and Pom and Pim. Lena Landström is also known for Olof and Lena Landström the series of The Tales of a Hippopotamus, and Olof capture the drama in the children’s daily lives in the books Landström has illustrated the books about Benny about Will. and Top Secret by Barbro Lindgren and many more. They have received awards such as Astrid Lindgren Prize, Heffaklumpen and the Elsa Beskow Plaque, and their books are sold to many countries. The Pom and Pim Series, picture books, 2012-2014, 3 titles, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget

Warm and humorous stories for the youngest readers about the lovely duo Pom and Pim. Simple and hearty stories, few words and fantastic illustrations!

The Boo och Baa Series, picture books, 1995-1999, 6 titles, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

Whenever Boo and Baa decide to do something, it usually gets all muddled. And they are always surprised. But in the end it all gets straightened out, even though Boo and Baa don’t really understand how. There is a whole series about Boo and Baa, and a brand new story to be published in fall 2020! Photo: Albin LandströmPhoto:Albin Swedish Books for Young Readers 14 Åsa Lind

The Sandwolf Series, Åsa Lind is particularly well-known for her successful children’s fiction, 2002-2004, Sandwolf-series, which won the Nils Holgersson 4 titles, Rabén & Sjögren Plaque and was nominated for the August Prize. Rights: Raben & Sjögren Agency Her writing is poetic, philosophical and in treating However sad or angry Zackarina the child’s thoughts and feelings seriously and might be, she is always pleased sympathetically, she tackles some of the larger to meet The Sand Wolf down questions a child may have in a simple manner but on the beach. He helps her in different ways: to train her without resorting to simplified answers. These might `thinking-box´, and to realize be questions such as why is the universe endless? that it is here and now that Or: where do the colours we see around us during the matter most. Can you stop time? day go at night? Where do colours go at night? And what can be done about those stupid bicycle thieves? Does it help to hit them? We meet Zackarina and the Sand Wolf stories with questions about life, big and small.

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger, ill. Joanna Hellgren, picture book, 2019, Rabèn & Sjögren. Rights: Raben & Sjögren Agency

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger is about the love of a beautiful cat that is not quite so keen to be loved. It’s about wanting to stroke and be close, but not quite managing it, because the neighbour’s cat is too quick for chubby little legs. He’s not even tempted out of the bushes by lovely bunches of flowers or a tasty herring biscuit!

Here We Are, ill Ingrid Godon, picture book, 2017 Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla priatförlaget

What happens when we become us? And how do we look at them? Belonging and not belonging is the theme of this poetic and eager picture book for all ages. Photo: Ewa Stackelberg 15 Swedish Books for Young Readers Pija Lindenbaum Photo: Ulrica Zwenger

The Bridget Series, picture books, 2000-2013, 4 titles, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Raben & Sjögren Agency

Bridget and the Gray Wolves, 2000 Bridget is a coward who doesn’t like to pat strange dogs and jump over ditches. One day when the kindergarten is having an outing, Bridget is suddenly lost and alone in the forest. An unknown world is opening up in front of her. Suddenly, the wolves are there. Curious, but cowards. And Brid- get calls: “Come on, then!”.

We Have To Go To Work, picture book, 2019, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget

We follow three children playing, from the room out into the wide world – to the hospital, the supermarket and the forest. The play is sometimes adventurous, often fun and always serious. Quirky, contemporary and emotionally truthful, Pija Poodles and Potatoes, Lindenbaum is one of Sweden’s most popular and picture book, 2016, successful picture book creators. Her stories have Lilla Piratförlaget an understated humour that captures the cross- Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget currents of modern relationships; the characters, be One day there are no potatoes they Bridget or Doris, are urban, willful and never left. The three dogs have to go goody-goody. Written from the child’s perspective, out on the open sea to find a Lindenbaum’s books are highly distinctive and new future. When they finally instantly recognisable, celebrating the child’s reach land they are met by three poodles on the beach. Is there imagination. Her books have won both the August room for them there? Prize and the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis. Swedish Books for Young Readers 16 Astrid Lindgren

Karlsson on the Roof, ill. Ilon Wikland

Photo: Roine Karlsson children’s fiction, 1955-1968, 3 titles, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

In a perfectly ordinary building, on a perfectly ordinary street in town lives a little boy. He meets the unusual Karlsson, who is, in his own words, a handsome, thoroughly clever, perfectly plump man in his prime.

That Boy Emil!, ill. Björn Berg, picture book, 1972, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

That boy Emil, he got up to mischief almost every day. But he never had to play the same trick twice, because he could always think of a new one, like the time he hoisted his little sister Ida up the flagpole.

Pippi Longstocking, ill. Ingrid Vang Nyman 1945-1948, 3 titles, Rabén & Sjögren, and 1 omnibus edition (24 of 32 chapters), 3 comic books, 7 board books, astrid lindgren 7 picture books, 1 graphic novel, several anthologies, and more to come. Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Långstrump Agency

With her mismatched stockings, carrot-coloured hair and freckly face, not to mention superhu- man strength and resilience, Pippi Longstocking has become a cultural icon.

Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002) wrote 34 chapter books Mio My Son, and 41 picture books that have been translated into ill. Ilon Wikland more than 100 languages. No Swedish author has children’s fiction, 1954, Rabén & Sjögren been translated into as many languages, and the Rights: The Astrid Lindgren estimated number of her books sold to date world- Company wide is approximately 165 million copies. Astrid Lindgren’s achievement is unique and important. A magnificent and beautiful adventure tale about abandon- She was a committed humanist and a person who ment, about being little and thought for herself. She fought for the rights of having to shoulder great respon- children, for equality, ecology and animal welfare, as sibility, about parenthood, good well as against violence and oppression. She held on and evil, and about the power of love. A new edition, illustrated by to her beliefs with both courage and seriousness, Johan Egerkrans, is launched as well as humour and love. in 2020. 17 Swedish Books for Young Readers Barbro Lindgren

The What Are We Living For- books, children’s fiction, 1987- 2006, 3 titles, Rabén & Sjögren Almost everyone in Sweden has read Barbro Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency Lindgren. Her output of over a hundred titles for differing age groups includes picture books for very Child-Hans’ country is a won- derfully quirky world in miniature young children, poetry, plays, absurdist stories, and – with all its absurdity, cruelty more realistic fiction for young adults. Her work has and zest for living. The main been translated into more than thirty languages characters are his toys; a ragged and to date she is the only Swedish writer to have stuffed dog whose eyes keep falling out, an old teddy bear, an won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2014. Her elephant and a Russian muskrat. writing is at first glance quite simple, yet this is Melancholy and sorrow are coun- deceptive, as beneath the simplicity lies a profound terbalanced by quiet humor. seriousness. She trusts the reader to see beyond the words and reflect on the larger questions The Soda Pop-books, children’s implied by the stories, such as the meaning of life, fiction, 1969-1970, 2 titles, and how to live well. Humorous and with touches Rabén & Sjögren of melancholy, her books reveal an insight into and Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency a deep understanding of the emotional realities of Soda Pop loves bright orange childhood. Her work has been recognised in the form clothes and wears a tea cosy on of over twenty other prizes and commendations. his head. He has brought up his son Mazarin on sweet buns and love. Grandfather Dartanyoung emerges from his woodshed eve- ry morning with a new identity, and Great-grandfather who has moved into a tree, eats birdseed, and thinks he is a cuckoo. They all live a carefree life, untroubled by rules or norms, in a tolerant world. In these absurd tales, anything can happen.

The Benny books, ill. Olof Land- ström, picture books, 1998-2006, 3 titles, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

Benny’s Had Enough, 2007 Benny’s mother is cleaning up. She insists on arranging his potatoes and sticks in neat rows. Then it’s Benny. She wants to give him a bath! And then it’s Little Piggy. She wants to put him in the washing machine. Benny’s had enough. He and Little Piggy run off to find a more congenial home.

Look, Hamlet, ill. Anna Höglund graphic novel/picture book, 2017, Karneval förlag. Rights: Koja Agency

A hilarious, darkly comic graphic Photo: ThronUllberg retelling of Shakespeare’s Ham- let in radically condensed prose. Swedish Books for Young Readers 18 Eva Lindström

Eva Lindström is one of Sweden’s most Come Home Laila, accomplished and celebrated picture book makers picture book, 2018, Alfabeta who has brought the Swedish picture book to a Rights: Alfabeta higher artistic level. With a unique and distinct Laila has left home. At home style she often blends her quirky sense of humour they miss her and entice her with a touch of darkness and her writing is sparse with everything she will get if and laconic. Her subject matter is original, and her she just comes home again! A story about being on a journey stories sometimes bizarre, usually comical, at times and curiously exploring things. melancholic, but almost always full of existential But is Laila heading away or overtones. She has inspired and influenced a new back home? generation of illustrators in Sweden and is also highly admired internationally. With charming and individual stories, Lindström confirms her position as Everyone Leaves, a unique creator of picture books again and again. picture book, 2015, Alfabeta She has won and been nominated to numerous Rights: Alfabeta awards both in Sweden and internationally - twelve When everyone leaves Frank nominations in total for the August Prize, a unique is alone. As usual. So he goes achievement, and four to the HC Andersen Award. home and makes marmalade, but not any kind of marmalade. It is made from his tears. Then he invites the others for tea and toast. But do they all become friends – or not? A melancholic and unusual book about belonging to a group or not.

My Dog Mouse, picture book, 2016, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget

A fun and beloving story about the love to an old and fat dog. For anyone who knows what it is to love an old, slow dog, with ears as thin as pancakes.

Give Us Back Our Hats!, picture book, 2009, Alfabeta Rights: Alfabeta

Mia, Marko, Tom and Sofi all have new woolly hats. But at a birthday party the hats disappear during a magic trick. A few days later someone gets stuck in the lift in their building. It’s the magician returning the hats! A typical Lindström story about something that is lost. An adventure in a small format. Photo: Rebecka Uhlin 19 Swedish Books for Young Readers Sara Lundberg Photo: Ola Kjelbye

The White Lines Series, picture books, 2009-2013, 4 titles, Alfabeta Rights: Alfabeta

Imaginative and poetic stories with detailed illustrations that sprawl over the pages. Vita is the girl who paints the white lines in the roads. Windsor is a more carefree spirit who lets himself be carried away on the winds. They are very different personali- ties, but very close friends.

The Bird Within Me Flies Wherever It Wants, picture book/children’s fiction, 2017, Mirando Bok Rights: Koja Agency

This beautifully illustrated Sara Lundberg is educated at McDaniel College, novel in verse, inspired by the USA, and at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in paintings, letters and diaries of Stockholm. Her picture books, four titles all in Swedish artist Berta Hansson all, about the girl Vita and boy Windsor were her (1910-1994), is a universal story of grief, longing and following debut titles. Today, she is acknowledged both as an your dreams. illustrator and as a writer of children’s books and has been nominated to The Nordic Council Literature Award for her works. She has won the August Prize The Summer of Diving, several times, in 2017 for her critically acclaimed text by Sara Stridsberg The Bird Within Me Flies Wherever It Wants. picture book, 2019, Mirando Bok Rights: Koja Agency

A vibrant story about a parent’s lost joy of living and a child’s longing for closeness, but also about the power of dream and imagination. Swedish Books for Young Readers 20 Frida Nilsson

Frida Nilsson is considered one of the most The Ice Sea Pirates, talented children’s book authors in Sweden today. children’s fiction, 2015, Natur & Kultur Her authorship is characterized by tremendous Rights: Koja Agency humor and great sincerity. She writes about the big questions in life – friendship, death and love – A classic children’s adventure and has been compared to fellow writers such as of icy seas and cold-blooded pi- rates, wolves, mermaids and the Roald Dahl and Barbro Lindgren. Her work has been bravery of one girl determined published in more than 20 languages and her books to save her sister. have been awarded Swedish and international prizes. In 2019, she was awarded The James Krüss Award for International Children’s Literature and the annual LUCHS awarded by Die Zeit. She has been The Thin Sword, nominated to the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis children’s fiction, 2017, in Germany and has been an August Prize nominee Natur & Kultur three times. In 2017, the International Children’s Rights: Koja Agency Literature Hay Festival in Aarhus selected her as The young boy Sasha goes one of the 39 best European children’s book authors searching for his mother in the aged 40 and under. Kingdom of Death, populated by fantastic creatures, where he makes both great friends and great enemies.

Me and Gorilla, children’s fiction, 2005, Natur & Kultur Rights: Koja Agency

A funny and memorable book about a young girl who gets adopted by a gorilla – about friendship, parents and children, and that there’s nothing wrong with being different.

Hattie!, children’s fiction, 2005, Natur & Kultur Rights: Koja Agency

A funny, lively illustrated chapter book about a street-smart coun- try girl in her first year of school. Photo: Ellinor Collin 21 Swedish Books for Young Readers Moni Nilsson Photo: Mia Carlsson

Tsatsiki and Mom Series, children’s fiction, 1995-2017, 8 titles Natur & Kultur Rights: Koja Agency

A series portraying the every- day life of young Tsatsiki and his somewhat unconventional mother, characterized by a unique, familiar, and captivating style, making the books true classics of our time.

That Much Love Can Never Die, ill. Joanna Hellgren, children’s fiction, 2018, Natur & Kultur Rights: Koja Agency

With great psychological insight, warmth and humour, Nilsson portrays the most difficult: losing one’s mom too early, while one is still a child. Without shy- ing away for the very sad, this is also a comforting book about life and friendship and the love that never can die.

The Feather Has Lost A Bird, co-author Jonatan Brännström, ill. Marianne Dubuc, picture book, 2014, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget

A poetic book with a child’s perspective, following a little boy as he goes on about his day. A unique collaboration with Moni Nilsson is one of Sweden’s most acclaimed acclaimed Canadian illustrator authors of children’s books and YA fiction with a Marianne Dubuc. literary career spanning over almost 30 years. Her big breakthrough came with the books about Tzatziki, translated to over 20 languages and adapted for the I Love You Already Tomorrow, ill. Katarina Strömgård screen. The language in Moni Nilsson’s books is direct picture book, 2019, without losing its characteristic voice and it’s easy Lilla Piratförlaget to identify with the funny, kind-hearted and clever Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget characters. She has a unique ability to see a growing Max longs back to Before, before child’s world and describe it in a way that all children his little brother came. Together can relate to, and with a great sense of humor. with the baby he takes off to go Moni Nilsson has received numerous prestigious there, but that is not so easy. literary awards such as the Astrid Lindgren Prize, The A longer picture book about becoming a big brother, and Nils Holgersson Plaque, the Tower of Babel Honour about the love between siblings (Estonia) and the Carrousel international du film de – a love that needs to grow in its Rimouski (Canada) for the best film manuscript. own pace. Swedish Books for Young Readers 22 Per Nilsson

Heart’s Delight, Photo: Ewa Stackelberg YA novel, 1992, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

A boy falls in love with a girl he has been looking for sneakily on the bus for a while. They start to meet and soon the boy is deeply in love. He does not notice that she is not interested at all. The day after their first night together, the summer vacation begins and he leaves for the United States. He constantly thinks of her and lives only for the moment when they will be reunited. But when that moment comes, he realizes she has met someone else ...

The Return of Heart’s Delight, YA novel, 2007, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

Heart’s Delight – his first, great love who broke his heart. He never thought that he would be able to speak to her again. But then they meet on a bus and he thinks they might be able to be friends after all…

I Don’t, I Do, YA novel, 2019, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

I’m Nora. Nora, c’est moi. “I’m a good girl. Well, I’m nice and I’m quite clever. Good doesn’t mean boring. And it doesn’t mean I’m a wimp either. I’m a good girl who once stabbed a guy in the Per Nilsson writes books for children and teenagers balls with a key, because he was and he wants to write about Important Things, feeling me up.” A fiery YA novel based on actual events. which is also the title of one of his books. The narrative technique in his novels is often a unique combination of traditional epic story-telling and a film-like structure. What matters the most in Per The Extra Series, children’s Nilsson’s books is the relationship between human fiction, 2011-2013, beings. He can tell the story about love and one will 6 titles,Alfabeta feel as if it is the first time one has ever read about Rights: Alfabeta it. He can combine fairy tale and thriller and there The series takes place over a is always a subtle undercurrent. He writes about period of six months during a everyday life and adventures, about reality and spring term, one book for each month, and we follow Pim-Pim, about dreams. In addition to a long list of celebrated a completely ordinary boy who young adult fiction Per Nilsson has also written a experiences that an angel called series of six titles for the middle grade called Extra. Extra lands on earth. 23 Swedish Books for Young Readers Ulf Nilsson

All the Dear Little Animals, ill. Eva Eriksson picture book, 2006, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights

Ulf Nilsson, born in 1948 in Helsingborg, currently With enormous insight, preci- sion, humor and an irrepressible lives in Stockholm. His authorship has resulted in a tone Ulf Nilsson has written a broad and extensive production including everything book about playing and being from children’s books to novels. His books are filled serious, life and death. The with humor, warmth and imagination, often with a game is liberating and unsenti- mental, but there is also a tone touch of irony. A recurring theme is the victory of of underlying seriousness. Good over Bad as well as always speaking in favor of children. Another theme is about acknowledgement and being seen, how to control your own fears by The best Singer in the World, protecting someone smaller than yourself. ill. Eva Eriksson picture book, 2012, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights Photo: StefanPhoto: Tell The world never seems more terrible than when you are afraid of making a fool of yourself! And if you are forced to do it on a stage in front of a lot of people, disaster is imminent. But some- times you have to try, if nothing else then for someone else’s sake. A poetic and evocative picture book with warm humor, about perhaps the greatest fear of all – not daring!

Detective Gordon Series, ill. Gitte Spee, children’s fiction, 2013-2019, 5 titles, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights

A friendly, philosophical and thoughtful series about the rath- er tired Commissioner Gordon and his chirpy assistant Paddy. Warm, witty wisdom, affection- ately illustrated in colour by the acclaimed Dutch illustrator Gitte Spee.

Laura is (not) afraid, ill. Anna Blåder children’s fiction, 2019, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget

Laura wants to befriend the neighbor’s cat Murre, but finds him a bit scary. Three warm and short stories about fear and the friendship between Laura and Murre. Swedish Books for Young Readers 24 Sven Nordqvist

Sven Nordqvist was born in 1946 in Helsingborg and The Pettson and Findus Series, has drawn and painted all his life. He has worked as picture books, 1984-2019, 11 titles, Bokförlaget Opal an architect, as a teacher, and with graphic works. In Rights: Opal Agency 1983, Sven Nordqvist won Bokförlaget Opal’s picture book competition with his debut Agaton Öman The classical series about the and the Alphabet. In his next book, The Birthday old man and his cat, and their everyday adventures. The series Cake, Pettson and Findus were born. Originally, he consists both picture books, never intended the book to turn into a series, but board books, and non-fiction somehow, the old man and his cat stayed, and today, titles, and has sold over 15 million they are among Nordqvist’s most loved characters. copies worldwide. Sven Nordqvist’s illustrations are recognized by sense of details that is hard to find elsewhere. Every image is like a world of its own, and it doesn’t Where is My Sister?, matter how long you look at them, you will always picture book, 2007, be able find new things to see. Maybe that’s why his Bokförlaget Opal Rights: Opal Agency illustrations are so appreciated by everyone, from small children to adults who has left their picture How do you find a sister that book years behind a long time ago. keeps disappearing? Come on a search that leads you on a magnificent journey across land- scapes you didn’t know existed.

The Dog Walk, silent picture book, 2018, Bokförlaget Opal Rights: Opal Agency

Completely without words, and with remarkable illustrations, Nordqvist tells a story about a dog walk that doesn’t resemble anything else you’ve seen. Photo: Eriksson Danne 25 Swedish Books for Young Readers Pernilla Stalfelt Photo: KarinPhoto: Alfredson

Who Are You? A Book About Tolerance, picture book, 2012, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

“Sometimes you can be really surprised, when you understand that everyone is not exactly the same as yourself.” Pernilla Stal- felt’s book is about tolerance in all its forms. About similarities, about differences, about fear and exclusion. But how different are we really?

The Book of Life, picture book, 2010, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

About being born, about dying, and about everything that happens in between. About how time passes, and about what one might do during life, for example measure someone with a ruler, catch butterflies, or wait Pernilla Stalfelt is one of Sweden’s most innovative for the light to turn green. But creators of picture books, taking on subject matter how do you know if you are really alive? The Book of Life does not close to home but which breaks traditional boundaries. contain truths or solutions, but She is best known for her non-fiction series that provides food for thought. includes among other titles The Hair Book, The Poo-Poo Book, The Death Book, The Love Book, and The Violence Book. The books are researched with young children The Death Book, picture book, and written in a manner that is both light-hearted and 1999, Rabén & Sjögren informative, and designed to encourage children to Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency think about existential subjects. Her illustrations are An important book about the drawn in a naive style to align the subject-matter to a mortally serious subject of death child’s perception and to inspire children to write and in a very personal way. What draw. Her books are available in fourteen countries. happens at a funeral? And what really happens when you die? Do The first, The Hair Book, received the Heffaklump, while you go to Heaven? Or do The Death Book was nominated for the Deutscher you turn into a hot dog? Jugendliteraturpreis Swedish Books for Young Readers 26 Kristina Ohlsson Photo: ThronUllberg

The Glass Children Trilogy, children’s fiction, 2013-2015, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Salomonsson Agency

Billie, Aladdin and Simona investigate mysteries in the small town of Åhus in this creepy, suspenseful and deliciously spooky trilogy.

The Monster Trilogy, children’s fiction, 2016-2018, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Salomonsson Agency

The bestselling trilogy about the small town Eldsala, a place with deep ties to the paranormal, and the two friends Herbert and Sally.

Kristina Ohlsson is one of Sweden’s most successful authors of crime fiction and children’s books. Before becoming a full-time writer in 2012, Kristina worked for among else the OSCE (the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and the Security Service. In 2013 she wrote her first children’s book, The Glass Children. Selling over 200 000 copies in Sweden alone, The Glass Children and its sequels have won multiple awards, and cemented Kristina Ohlsson as a highly popular author with a broad fan base of all ages. 27 Swedish Books for Young Readers Lena Sjöberg

Lena Sjöberg is a writer, illustrator, graphic What If …, picture book, designer for advertising agencies, magazines, and 2009, Rabén & Sjögren) Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency book publishers, who has created almost twenty books, both fiction and non-fiction. Ever since What If … is an irresistible book she was young, she’s been interested in the world about security, insecurity, and and how things around us work. She frequently about being close. A declaration of love from parent to child. writes in verse, taking a warm-hearted, humanist, humorous approach to the theme of the emotional bonds between children and adults. Each book is designed as a total work of art. The small details Underneath a Rhubarb Leaf, picture book, 2016, in her illustrations hint at a wider world beyond, Rabén & Sjögren encouraging children to imagine, and explore their Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency own creativity. She has been awarded with the Elsa Beskow Plaque and has twice been nominated for A fine first encounter with poetry for children, the book the August Prize. Her books are also translated to features rhymed verses about a number of languages, giving children all over the nature and animals, about a lost world the chance to participate in her curiosity in mitten and a frozen vegetable the world. garden. The lyrical poems and the fantastic pictures bring us different seasons, changing settings and unusual meetings. Photo: Bruno WegeliusPhoto:

The Night Shines, children’s non-fiction, 2018, Bokförlaget Opal Rights: Opal Agency

When the night seems dark, look closer, and you’ll find that there are actually lights everywhere. Find out exactly how many things that shine in the dark!

Beating Facts About the Heart, children’s non-fiction, 2016, Bokförlaget Opal Rights: Opal Agency

You never knew there were so many things you didn’t know about the heart. But here’s a chance to learn them all, from your body’s blood flow to the mysterious secrets of love. Swedish Books for Young Readers 28 ULF STARK

Ulf Stark (1944-2017) is considered as one of Sweden’s most renowned children’s and young adult authors. His breakthrough came in 1984 when he won a children’s book prize award with Nutcases Can You Whistle Johanna, and Norms which also became a popular tv-series. ill. Anna Höglund picture book, 1992, A large number of Stark’s other books have also Bonnier Carlsen been dramatized. The film based on one of his most Rights: Bonnier Rights observed books, Can You Whistle Johanna, is shown at Christmas time every year on Swedish National TV. There are plenty of old men who would do as a grandfather at Ulf Starks’s authorship is versatile, and he the retirement home. This is Ulf’s collaborated with some of our time’s most suggestion, when Berra won- celebrated illustrators. With an unmistakable voice ders why he doesn’t have one. Stark managed to cover the broad spectrum of They go there together to find one – ideally one who eats pig’s living. He was the master at seeing the grand in the trotters, invites you to tea and small and many of his stories often contained a big who can teach you to whistle. adventure, waiting just around the corner. The child’s perspective is always central in his books, as is hope, humour and a great love of dogs. A Little Book About Love, ill. Ida Björs children’s fiction, 2015, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget

Fred is in love with Elsa. She has frizzy hair and is really good at arm wrestling. A warm book for all ages about love and longing that takes place during the end of World War II.

The Runaways, ill. Kitty Crowther children’s fiction, 2018, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget

A grandfather who curses too much worries about whether he will be admitted to heaven or not. Together with his grandson he runs away from the hospital for one last adventures. Depicted with warmth and humor.

Thunder, ill. Marcus Gunnar Petterson, children’s fiction, 2017, Brombergs Rights: Koja Agency

A heartfelt, classic story about

Photo: CarolinePhoto: Andersson two boys’ summer adventures and their unusual friendship with ‘Thunder’, the big frightening neighbor and music lover. 29 Swedish Books for Young Readers Mats Strandberg

The End, Photo: Henric Lindsten YA novel, 2018, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Grand Agency

You are 17 years old. It is sum- mer, and everything looks the same as usual. But everyone knows what’s coming. In little more than a month, a comet is crashing into earth and we will all be gone.

Frank The Monster Trilogy, children’s fiction, 2016-2019, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Grand Agency

Stories about monsters and humans, about not fitting in, and about finding your pack where you least expect it. Exciting, fun and just the right level of scary, with cliffhangers.

The Engelsfors Trilogy, written together with Sara B. Elfgren, YA novel, 2011-2013, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Grand Agency

Six girls just started high school. They have nothing in common – except they discover they are all witches and they are hunted by an ancient evil. Together they need to stop the apocalypse!

Mats Strandberg writes for children as well as for the YA audience. Everyone wants to work with him, and he is a reader and media favorite. Together with Sara B. Elfgren he penned the bestselling and critically acclaimed Engelsfors trilogy, in which the first title has been translated to twenty-five languages and was made into a movie. Later, when writing a standalone YA novel, The End¸ his publisher started with a first print run of 12 000! He also writes “horror for children” for the young audience, 6-9 years. He has the unique skill to find just the right level of exciting, fun and scary. The books are being adapted to film and into a family musical in Stockholm. His books have been on the list of best books of the year in several newspapers. The End was chosen as the Swedish addition to the IBBY Honour List 2020. Swedish Books for Young Readers 30 Johanna Thydell

Johanna Thydell (b. 1980) received both the August Stupid Drawing, Prize and the debut prize “Slangbellan” in 2003 for ill. Emma Adbåge, her celebrated, critically acclaimed and bestselling picture book, 2017, Alfabeta debut novel Glowing Stars, which also became a Rights: Alfabeta film. Very soon she became one of Sweden’s most A book about siblings, being popular and loved young writers. Her young adult the younger one and feeling novels have been published in sixteen languages. In small, but also portraying their fondness of each other. About 2012 Johanna published her first picture book There’s sometimes wanting to do more a Pig at Nursery, illustrated by Charlotte Ramel, than you are able to and the which has already become a much-loved modern frustration that causes and the classic with over 60 000 copies sold in Sweden joy when you succeed. and published in sixteen languages. Her second picture book Stupid Drawing, illustrated by Emma Adbåge, was published in 2017 and was nominated There’s A Pig At Nursery, to the August Prize. It has sold over 15 000 copies ill. Charlotte Ramel, picture book, 2012, Alfabeta in Sweden and into ten languages. Johanna’s text Rights: Alfabeta written in her quirky signature style full of humor and Emma’s expressive and enchanting illustrations The loneliest pig in the world together create an absolutely irresistible picture escapes his pen and spends a day with the children at the book! 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)ornitholo- gist. 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

Photo: Magnus Liam Karlsson same time. 31 Swedish Books for Young Readers Anna-Clara & Thomas Tidholm

This outstanding husband and wife team has created a string of wonderful, award winning books since The Knock Knock Series, the early 1980s. They developed a view of visual picture books, 1992-1994, storytelling without the need of traditional (adult) 8 titles, Alfabeta dramaturgy. Their idea is that children put together Rights: Alfabeta the plot based on much looser entities, like scenes Tidholm’s most iconic title linked together impressionistically. Anna-Clara Tidholm focuses on the actual turning has an extremely rich body of work also on her own. of the pages, that are opened She is considered as one of Sweden’s most prominent and closed like “doors”, an early, and innovative children’s book creators. The child’s interactive picture book! It has a perma­nent place on Sweden’s perspective has been a constant point of departure bestseller list with 500 000 cop- in her work. Her illustrations are full of warmth and ies sold in Sweden and nearly as although seemingly simple, very expressive. Anna-Clara many internationally, translated has been nominated to the Hans Christian Andersen into 20 languages. Award several times. She has also received the Elsa Beskow Plaque and the August Prize among others. Everyone Can Ride Along, picture book, 2004, Alfabeta Rights: Alfabeta

A little girl is enjoying driving around in her big blue lorry, soon joined by a Santa Claus. Together they pass a pig who is brooding gloomily in the rain. He, as all the other characters they meet, drive home to have a party, enjoying each other’s company!

The Ture Series, picture books, 1995-1998, 8 titles, Alfabeta Rights: Alfabeta

Seemingly simple, but poetic and philosophical stories about Ture’s little adventures and everyday situations with his dog “Hello”. Ture has something that appeals to all of us, both young and old.

The Journey to Ugri-La-Brek, picture book, 1987, Alfabeta Rights: Alfabeta

Hinken and Myran go on a trip to Granddad on the other side of the world. A very moving story about life and death seen through the children’s own mythological wide-angle perspective. It is a modern classic, which has received awards such as the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis in 1991. Photo:Alfabeta Swedish Books for Young Readers 32 Jakob Wegelius

The Legend of Sally Jones, Jakob Wegelius is an all-round author of books for childrens’s fiction, 9-12 years, children who not only writes but also masterfully 2008, Bonnier Carlsen illustrates and designs his stories. He studied Rights: Bonnier Rights literature and philosophy, and graduated from Our hero is a gorilla whose Konstfack/University College of Arts, Crafts and parents get killed by hunters. Design in Stockholm in 1996. He now lives with To avoid paying duty on the his wife and two children and works as a graphic orphaned gorilla, her owner designer, illustrator and author. His books have smuggles her out of the country dressed as a baby, with a been translated into more than twenty languages. passport issued for Sally Jones. Esperanza from 1999 received the Heffaklumpen In Istanbul Sally is sold to a very Prize and was nominated for the August Prize and nice lady with shady plans for the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis. The Legend of Sally! This is only the beginning of Sally’s adventures and Sally Jones received the prestigious August Prize journeys around the world. in 2008. For The Murderer’s Ape, Jakob Wegelius was awarded the August Prize in 2014, The Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize The Murderer’s Ape, in 2015 and the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis in children’s fiction, 9-12 years, 2017. The third part in this series, The False Rose, is 2014, Bonnier Carlsen published in 2020. Rights: Bonnier Rights

The gorilla Sally Jones is engi- neer and her friend, the Chief, sailor on a small cargo boat. Their boat sinks and the Chief is falsely convicted of a murder. For Sally Jones this is the start of a long battle both for her own survival and for exonerating her friend. A story about a puzzling murder case and heinous crimes, but also of friendship, hope and forgiveness. Photo: Lena Sjöberg 33 Swedish Books for Young Readers Martin Widmark Photo: StefanPhoto: Tell

The LasseMaja Series, ill. Helena Willis, children’s fiction, 2003-present, 30+ titles, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights

Sweden’s biggest series for the 7 to 10 age group, with over 8 mil- lion copies sold worldwide and the translation rights sold in over 35 languages. After many years’ experience in the detection business, Lasse and Maja have the sharpest wits in Valleby. But the cases, though always easy to read, are never easy to solve!

The Nelly Rapp Series, ill. Christina Alvner, children’s fiction, 2003-2020, 21 titles, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights

At the Monster Academy, the Photo: xx school that trains monster agents, Nelly learns how to recognize and fight terrifying creatures without becoming a victim of her own fear. The books about Nelly are just-enough- scary tales for early readers. Martin Widmark is considered one of the giants of contemporary Swedish children’s fiction. His books have for many years been the most popular books Halvdan the Viking Series, in Swedish libraries. He has received the children’s ill. Mats Vänehem, children’s own award for the best books 11 years in a row. His fiction, 2011-present, 10 titles, Bonnier Carlsen books are consistently on the best-seller lists, have Rights: Bonnier Rights received critical acclaim worldwide, and have been translated into more than 35 languages. Before Halvdan and Meia are best becoming a full-time author, Martin Widmark friends even though they come from rival villages and believe worked as a middle-school instructor and a Swedish in different Gods. The stories teacher for immigrants. He has also written several about the friendship between text books. The project “En läsande klass/A Reading the Viking boy Halvdan and Class”, initiated by Martin Widmark, is about Meia offer both excitement and laughter combined, together reading comprehension and provides tools for with a significant deal of history. teachers for ages 7-12. Swedish Books for Young Readers 34 JuJja Wieslander

Few double acts in children’s literature are so Mamma Moo Builds a Tree House, loved and enduring as Jujja Wieslander’s Mamma ill. Sven Nordqvist, Moo, a beautiful, friendly, inquisitive cow, and 2014, picture book Rabén & Sjögren the argumentative, know-all Crow. Their deep Rights: Raben & Sjögren Agency friendship and vivid personalities, contrasting but also complementary, have entertained readers for “I want to build a tree house,” three decades. Mamma Moo likes to experiment, Mamma Moo said. “A what?” Said the crow. Crow, on the other hand, has a firm sense of what “Yes, moo. A house. In that tree.” cows should and should not do and tells her so, “You’re a cow Mamma Moo. Re- sometimes becoming extremely angry in the process. peat after me: I am a cow. Cows But although he constantly rebukes her, Crow do not climb trees, and do not build tree houses. Say it.” also admires Mamma Moo’s zest for adventure. “Now I’m getting a hammer and Central to all the books is the importance of play nail,” said Mamma Moo in developing the child’s imagination, a positive outlook on life and the ability to solve problems. The Mamma Moo books are illustrated by the Mamma Moo Cleans Up, highly-acclaimed Sven Nordqvist, and have been ill. Sven Nordqvist, picture book, 2017, Rabén & Sjögren translated into more than twenty languages. Jujja Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency Wieslander has won the Astrid Lindgren Prize and the Barnboksplaketten, among other awards. “Look what I’ve done!” said Mamma Moo. I’ve picked flowers, polished windows and swept the floor. Not all cows can do that.” “Do what?” said the crow. “Cleaning,” said Mamma Moo. “Cleaning ?!” cried Crow. “You call that cleaning?!”

Vina Vina’s Wolfstick, 2013, ill. Lotta Geffenblad, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

Vina Vina has found a stick! You can pretend it’s a chain saw (urrhn, urrhn, urrhn) or a fishing pole (drip, drip, drip), and you can draw long lines in the sand with it. But most importantly, you can use it when the wolf comes. Vina Vina throws, and the wolf fetches, again and again and again.

Hjördis at School, 2019, ill. Lotta Geffenblad, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency

Number 1 Sunny Street is the best place in the world. You can hear that in the name. Here lives Hjördis, dealing with with friendship, play and everyday life: just as fun, exciting and someti-

Photo: Magnus Liam Karlsson mes as frightening as it should be. It’s about best friends, secret societies and the love for a cat as well as games and mysterious old ladies. 35 Swedish Books for Young Readers Stina Wirsén

Who Series, picture books, 2005-present, Maria Annas Photo: 21 titles, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights

In this series, Wirsén talks about big feelings. She captures both the comic and the more dif- ficult aspects of everyday life situations in a masterly way. The books are aimed at the very young – they may look very simple, but with great finesse Wirsén finds the nuances which make these books a powerful experience!

Brokiga Series, picture books, 2006-present, 17 titles, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights

The books are both playful, inspi- rational and have an educational purpose. They present easy con- cepts in a way that children can understand and relate to.

Stina Wirsén (b. 1968) is known for her illustrations in the newspapers and she has received several awards. With her illustrations she moves between vastly different subjects; touching on everything from fashion to psychology. She is also famous as illustrator of children’s books, working a lot with her mother Carin and her sister Anna. The Swedish Arts Council works to promote Swedish literature and drama in translation. Contact Under the name Swedish Literature Exchange, we do this through grants, information, networking, translator activities, Alfabeta Bokförlag and attendance at book fairs and other www.alfabeta.se meeting places for literature exchange. AnnaKaisa Danielsson, Foreign Rights Manager For information about our grants, Dag Hernried, Publisher [email protected] please visit www.swedishliterature.se. [email protected] We look forward to applications regarding: Astrid Lindgren Company www.astridlindgren.com • Translation and production costs Lina Talgre, Senior Foreign Rights Manager • Events about Swedish literature abroad [email protected] and the promotion of translated works [email protected] • Participation in international fellowship Bonnier Rights programs in Sweden www.bonnierrights.se Mathilde Coffy, Literary Agent, Children’s & YA [email protected]

Grand Agency www.grandagency.se Rights contact for Sara B. Elfgren’s and Mats Strandberg’s books Lena Stjernström [email protected] Rights contact for Jenny Jägerfeld’s books Jenni Brunn [email protected]

Koja Agency www.kojaagency.com Carin Bacho, [email protected]

Lilla Piratförlaget/Gilla Böcker www.lillapiratforlaget.se Linda Widman, Foreign Rights Manager [email protected]

Opal Agency Swedish Books for Young Readers www.opal.se Anja Eriksson, Texts Foreign Rights Manager by Swedish agents and publishers who [email protected] sell international rights relating to Swedish Melina Nordstrand, children’s and YA literature Foreign Rights Manager [email protected] Editor Rabén & Sjögren Agency Maria Antas, Swedish Arts Council www.rabensjogrenagency.se Åsa Bergman, Rights Director Graphic Design [email protected] Tegel och Hatt Lillevi Cederin, Rights Director [email protected] Print Taberg Media Group Salomonsson Agency www.salomonssonagency.ses Josephine Oxelheim, Cover Junior Literary Agent Eva Lindström josephine.oxelheim@ Cropped illustration from Everyone Leaves salomonssonagency.se (see page 18) Systrar. Sara Lundberg Cropped illustration From The Bird Within Me Flies Wherever It Wants (see page 19)