Please note that a fund for the promotion of Icelandic literature operates under the auspices of the Icelandic Ministry of Education and Culture and subsidizes translations of literature. For further information please write to: Icelandic Literature Center Hverfisgata 54 | 101 Reykjavik Iceland Phone +354 552 8500 islit@islit.is | www.islit.is
Forlagid Rights Agency
New children’s books VALGERDUR BENEDIKTSDOTTIR vala@forlagid.is UA MATTHIASDOTTIR ua@forlagid.is
3-6 YEARS 4-9 YEARS 5-12 YEARS 6+ YEARS 7+ YEARS 8+ YEARS 9+ YEARS
路2路
11+ YEARS
PICTURE BOOKS
Index ┘
KRISTJANA FRIDB J Ö RNSDOT TIR TEXT
BERG R U N IRIS S AEVARS D OT TIR I L LUS T R AT IONS K R I S TJA N A F R I DB JOR NSD O T T I R (b.1976) has a degree from the Teachers University of Iceland. She has worked as primary school teacher in Reykjavik, besides organizing social activities for children and young people. She received the IBBY Spring Breeze award 2013 for her contribution to children’s culture in Iceland. Her title The Travel Log of Olafia Arndis was selected for the 2014 IBBY Honour List. BERGRUN IRIS SAEVARSDOTTIR is a recent graduate illustrator from the Reykjavik School of Visual Arts.
Freyja and Frodi Go Swimming Freyja og Fróði í sundi, 2015
Do you want to go swimming with Freyja and Frodi? You can go on the slide and splash about in the hot tub, but you’re not allowed to go in the deep pool unless you’re good at swimming. Freyja and Frodi Go Swimming is a beautiful and entertaining book about everything you need to HARDCOVER 32 pp, 15 x 15,5 cm
3– 6
S Y E AR
know when you go swimming.
Freyja and Frodi Go to the Dentist
Freyja og Fróði hjá tannlækni, 2015 Do you want to go to the dentist with Freyja and Frodi? You can try out the cool dentist’s chair and look at all the equipment. Maybe you will get some magic powder on your teeth, as well. Freyja and Frodi Go to the Dentist is a beautiful and enterHARDCOVER 32 pp, 15 x 15,5 cm
taining book about the first visit to the dentist. ·3·
PICTURE BOOKS
Index ┘
BIRGIT TA HAUKDAL TEXT
ANAHIT ALEQSANIAN I L LUS T R AT IONS BI RGI T TA H AU K DA L is a celebrated pop singer who has represented Iceland in the Eurovision song contest. Lara Learns to Ride a Bike and Lara Goes on an Aeroplane are her first books.
Lara Learns to Ride a Bike Lára lærir að hjóla, 2015
Lara loves to learn something new. Her teddy Ljonsi goes everywhere with her, and together they try their hands at lots of different things. Lara got a bicycle from her parents for her birthday. She also has a helmet and cycling gloves – but she doesn’t know how to ride a bike. With the help of her best friend Atli, her dad and Ljonsi the HARDCOVER 48 pp, 14,9 x 21 cm
teddy, Lara learns to ride a bike.
3– 6
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Lara Goes on an Aeroplane Lára fer í flugvél, 2015
Lara loves to learn something new. Her teddy Ljonsi goes everywhere with her, and together they try their hands at lots of different things. Lara and her parents are going to visit Granny and Grandpa in France. Lara has never been on an aeroplane before and feels a bit nervous. Of course, Ljonsi comes with her and the flight HARDCOVER 48 pp, 14,9 x 21 cm
turns out to be a fun experience. ·4·
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PICTURE BOOKS
J ONA VALBO RG ARNADOT TIR TEXT
ELSA NIELSEN I L LUS T R AT IONS
3– 6
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JON A VA L B ORG A R N A D O T T I R (b.1973) has a degree in Human Resources and a M.Paed. in Icelandic and Pedagogy from the University of Iceland. She has worked as a teacher, copywriter, marketing manager, and has directed an independent theatre group. Jona started writing the moment she got hold of a pen. E L S A N I E L SE N (b.1974) is an illustrator and senior graphic designer. She graduated from the Iceland Academy of Arts and has received various nominations and awards for her work.
The Friends Book Vinabókin, 2015
Sunny wishes she had a friend to talk to and have fun with. Her dad thinks she’s so little. When Sunny meets the mysterious Skorri, there are unforeseen consequences and her dad sees her in a new light. The Friends Book is an exciting, vibrant tale which shows us how we can make the world a friendly place. It is the sequel to The Smile Book and The Hug Book, familiar to many children. HARDCOVER 48 pp, 17,5 x 23,5 cm
The Hug Book Knúsbókin, 2012 When Sola is offered to stay at Grandma’s, she jumps at the chance. Once there, though, she is thrown into a world that is not without its dangers. Grandma has gone missing, and Sola will have to show what she is made of. The Hug Book is an enchanting contemporary adventure, thought-provoking for children and grownups alike. It’s an independent sequel to The Smile Book, which was nominated for the 2013 Icelandic Lit-
HARDCOVER 48 pp, 17,5 x 23,5 cm
erary Prize for Children and Young People’s Books. ·5·
PICTURE BOOKS
Index ┘
ASLAUG J ONSDOT TIR T E X T A N D I L LUS T R AT IONS A SL AUG JONSD O T T I R (b.1963) received The Reykjavik Children’s Literature Prize for her work as illustrator in 2000, and was nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award same year. Her illustrations have been selected for the IBBY Honor List: Children’s Verses with text by Bodvar Gudmundsson in 2004 and The Story of the Blue Planet with text by Andri Snaer Magnason in 2002, for which she received the West-Nordic Children’s Book Prize and the UKLA Award 2014 along with the author. She has been nominated to the 2015 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for her work.
I Want Fish Ég vil fisk, 2015
Unnur knows what she wants. She wants FISH! Mum and Dad think they know what Unnur wants and bring her all kinds of fish, but not the right one. I Want Fish is a lively, fun book for kids who know what they want! HARDCOVER 32 pp, 20,5 x 21,5 cm Sold to: Denmark (Milik); Sweden (Kabusa); Faroe Islands (BFL); Greenland (Milik) English, Frensh and Spanish translations available
3– 6
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PICTURE BOOKS
B RIAN PILKINGTON T E X T A N D I L LUS T R AT IONS BR I A N PI L K I NG T ON (b.1950) is very well known for his brilliant book illustrations. He has written and illustrated many books for children, which have been published in a number of countries.
3– 6
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An Icelandic Winter Tale Stúfur og snjókarlinn, 2015 A heart-warming Icelandic winter’s tale featuring the smallest of the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads. Aimed at children 3–6 years old, or anyone who has ever SOFTCOVER 28 pp, 23 x 20 cm ALSO INCLUDES AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ICELANDIC CHRISTMAS FAMILY AND THE UNIQUE CUSTOMS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN ICELAND.
built a snowman. Every page is as pretty as a Christmas card.
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ACTIVITY BOOK
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HALLFRIDUR OLAFSDOTTIR TEXT
THORARINN M. BALDURSSON I L LUS T R AT IONS H A L L F R I DU R OL A F SD O T T I R (b.1964) is principal flautist of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and an experienced music teacher. T HOR A R I N N M A R B A L DU R S S ON (b.1977) is a violist in the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. www.maximusmusicus.com
Maximus Musicus Visits the Orchestra Activity Book
Maxímús Músíkús heimsækir hljómsveitina – þrautabók, 2015 When Maximus Musicus accidentally finds himself inside the concert hall, he becomes very interested in all the things he sees and hears. Would you also like to know more about music and musical instruments? You will enjoy solving all the fun puzzles with Maxi the musical mouse. In this activity book you can ... - help Maxi get through dangerous labyrinths - create various home instruments - get acquainted with musical signs and instruments - make music by writing and sticking notes on a musical staff SOFTCOVER 32 pp,20,8 x 25,8 cm Two pages of stickers included
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- draw, colour and glue ... and many more fun activities! Maximus Musicus Visits the Orchestra - Activity Book is for all the children who enjoy music. The authors are music teachers and performing musicians in the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. ·8·
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PICTURE BOOKS
All the books include a CD telling the story with animated sound effects and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra plays the passages of the corresponding music.
Maximus Musicus Visits the Orchestra
Maxímús Músíkús heimsækir hljómsveitina, 2008 Maximus Musicus wanders one day into a concert hall where a symphony orchestra is rehearsing. This lively tale leads the reader into the magical world of music. The musical instruments are introduced one by one, as Maxi’s story progresses and readers learn to recognize
dis
kur fylg i
r
Geis la
HARDCOVER 48 pp, 21,5 x 26,5 cm Sold to: Australia (alto books); Korea (Daekyo); Faroe Islands (Bókadeildin); Germany (Schott Music); UK and USA (Music Word Media); China (99 Shanghai Readers’ Culture); Brazil (Melhoramentos) English, German and Finnish translations available
Maxímús Músíkús trítlar í tónlistarskólann
mús MaxíM úsíkús
trítlar í tónlistarskólan
n
the sounds each of them produces. • Reykjavik Children’s Literature Prize 2008 • The Icelandic Women’s Literature Prize 2008 • Nominated for the Frettabladid Community Award 2010
Maximus Musicus Visits the Music School
Maxímús Músíkús trítlar í tónlistarskólann, 2010
na
Maximus Musicus lives in an old bass in the corner of a large concert hall and enjoys his happy and melodious life. Embarking on an Hallfrí ur Ólafsdóttir Þórarinn Már Baldursson
HARDCOVER 48 pp, 21,5 x 26,5 cm Sold to: Germany (Schott Music); China (99 Shanghai Readers’ Culture); Brazil (Melhoramentos) English and German translations available
unexpected journey one day, he discovers that children can also play musical instruments, even in concerts! On the accompanying CD young soloists play the musical chapters of the story accompanied by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, directed by Daniel Bjarnason. ·9·
4–9
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PICTURE BOOKS
Maximus Musicus Saves the Ballet
Maxímús Músíkús bjargar ballettinum, 2012 Maximus Musicus is a musical mouse and when he returns one morning after an invigorating walk, some interesting guests are arriving at the concert hall – large groups of children! The youngsters are there to rehearse a ballet with the symphony orchestra and they dance HARDCOVER 48 pp, 21,5 x 26,5 cm Sold to: Germany (Schott Music); China (99 Shanghai Readers’ Culture); Brazil (Melhoramentos) English and German translations available
so well that Maxi becomes curious. Where did they become so good? Maxi decides to find out and has a great day at the ballet school.
Maximus Musicus Meets the Choir
Maxímús Músíkús kætist í kór, 2014 The fourth book about the music-loving mouse, Maximus Musicus, who has become a household name amongst Icelandic children. This time he joins a children’s choir leaving for a weekend of rehearsals in the country — and HARDCOVER 48 pp, 21,5 x 26,5 cm
finds himself in a tight spot with the local farmer’s cat. He then saves the day for two young choristers who are feeling very homesick.
4–9 · 10 ·
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ACTIVITY BOOK
VILHELM ANTON J ONSSON TEXT V I L H E L M A N T ON JONS S ON (b.1978) has a degree in philosophy from the University of Iceland. He is a visual artist and musician, and has hosted a number of popular TV programmes.
Villi’s Paper Planes – 17 fun paper planes and games for all the family!
Skutlubók Villa – 17 skemmtilegar skutlur og leikir fyrir alla fjölskylduna!, 2015 Making a stunt plane, a space ship or a superhero missile is no problem – all you need is a little creativity and clear instructions. In this book, Villi the Scientist teaches children of all ages to make all kinds of paper planes from the simplest material in the world – one sheet of paper! Armed with your own imagination, you can go on forever, improving the planes, inventing new ones and flying them further and further. Villi is renowned for his high quality, educaSOFTCOVER 48 pp 21 x 29 cm
tional material for children. Icelandic children and their families loved Villi’s Science Book and Villi’s Science Book 2. The former was nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize for Children’s Books and voted the best Icelandic children’s book by the nation’s booksellers. BON VOYAGE INTO THE SECRETS OF AERODYNAMICS, PILOT! · 11 ·
5 –12
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ILLUSTRATED SCIENCE
VÍSINDABÓK VILLA Geimurinn og geimferðir
Villi’s Science Book 3
Vilhelm Anton Jónsson & Sævar Helgi Bragason
VÍSINDABÓK VILLA Geimurinn og geimferðir Vilhelm Anton Jónsson & Sævar Helgi Bragason
HARDCOVER 96 pp 25 x 30 cm
Vísindabók Villa, 2015
Villi’s Science Book 2 Vísindabók Villa, 2014
Villi’s Science Book Vísindabók Villa, 2013 The Villi’s Science Book series has been incredibly popular and has opened the eyes of Icelandic children to the wonders of the universe and science. In the third book, Villi collaborates with amateur astronomer Saevar Helgi Bragason and together they direct their sights to the starry sky and man’s attempts to explore and chart it. Who
HARDCOVER 96 pp 25 x 30 cm
was the first person to travel into space? How does an astronaut prepare for a spacewalk? And where does the galaxy actually end? • The number one bestselling children´s book in Iceland in 2013 • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize for Children and Young People’s books 2013
HARDCOVER 96 pp 25 x 30 cm
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5 –12
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ILLUSTRATED FICTION
AEVAR TH OR BEN EDIKTSSO N TEXT
RAN F LYGENRIN G I L LUS T R AT IONS A E VA R T HOR BE N E DI K T S S ON (b.1984) has become popular for his entertaining children’s books and programmes, on the television and radio. In Your Own Folktale, he combines a huge number of Icelandic folktales and folk characters into one big fictional world, unlike any other. R A N F LYGE N R I NG (b.1987) is an award-winning illustrator and graphic designer. She has published books both in Iceland and Germany, country where she has received the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, the German-French Youth literature prize and the Jahres-Luchs prize, besides being nominated for the German Academy of Children’s and Youth Literature Illustration prize Serafina and the Alma prize (Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award).
Dinosaurs in Reykjavik Risaeðlur í Reykjavík, 2015 WARNING! CONTAINS MAN-EATING DINOSAURS! Aevar was just an ordinary boy ... well, maybe not completely ordinary. For example, he didn’t want any friends and would rather not talk to anyone, except his cat Einstein. But on his eleventh birthday everything changed! This is a book about seven ravening dinosaurs, a highly dangerous teenager, the usefulness of dodgeball, a bus driver in peril and the best companion in the world. Dinosaurs in Reykjavik is a thrilling story for readers of SOFTCOVER 208 pp 14 x 22 cm
all ages. Here you go, bookworms, one more book!
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ILLUSTRATED FICTION
KRISTIN HELGA GUNNARSDOT TIR TEXT
LIN DA OL AFSDOTTIR I L LUS T R AT IONS K R I S T I N H E L G A GU N N A R SD O T T I R (b.1963) has in the past years established herself as one of the most popular writers in Iceland. Gunnarsdottir received the West-Nordic Children’s Literature Prize for her title Ghost Trail which was also nominated for the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Award. She has received and been nominated for Reykjavik Children’s Literature Prize and four of her books have been chosen Book of the Year by library visitors of 6 to 12 years. Gunnarsdottir was awarded the Story Stone of IBBY 2009 for her writer’s career. She has been nominated to the 2015 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for her work. LINDA OLAFSDOTTIR (b.1978) has a BFA degree from the Icelandic Academy of Arts and an MFA degree in Illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She received the IBBY Iceland Spring Breeze award in 2014. www.lindaolafsdottir.com
Moe the Prankster – National Prankster Convention Landsmót hrekkjusvína, 2015
HARDCOVER 117 pp, 15 x 21 cm
– Misunderstood Genius Misskilinn snillingur, 2014
– Cowboy in Arizona Kúreki í Arisóna, 2013
HARDCOVER 120 pp, 15 x 21 cm
HARDCOVER 96 pp, 15 x 21 cm
All books sold to: Germany/Austria/Switzerland (Muekenschwein) Excerpts in English available German translation available
This hilarious series chronicles the 9-year old Moe‘s various escapades, along with his best friend and a long dead cowboy from the wild west, called Gun Joe. Moe is kind at heart but gets crazy ideas that sometimes get him into trouble. · 14 ·
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GU DNI LIN DAL BENEDIK TSSON TEXT GUDNI LINDAL BENEDIKTSSON (b.1987) studied screenwriting and directing. He has worked as a scriptwriter for television and worked on films such as Of Horses and Men, and Thor 2: The Dark World. He became fascinated at an early age by the art of storytelling through books, movies, comics, and video games and has written plays, short stories, and short film. Presently he is working on a screenplay for a feature film, while finishing his MA in Screenwriting in Edinburgh. He received the Icelandic Children’s Book Prize in 2014 for his book The Search for Blood Island.
The Incredible Adventures of Grandpa – The Mystery of the Heir Ótrúleg ævintýri afa – Leyndardómur erfingjans, 2015 Kristjan hadn’t been sitting in the cold hospital corridor for long when his grandpa appeared with a brand new story in tow. It was all about a terribly dangerous journey that his grandfather took when he himself had to seek help at a remote hospital because of an unusual illness. On the way, he encountered mythical creatures, pirates, labyrinths, the giant worm that lives in Lake Lagarfljot, and all kinds of fearful creatures. Through it all, it takes every ounce of his energy to continue and unravel the mystery of the mysterious heir. Gudni Lindal Benediktsson broke onto the scene with
HARDCOVER 198 pp, 14 x 21 cm
his Icelandic Children’s Literature Prize-winning book, The Incredible Adventures of Grandpa: The Search for Blood Island. Here, he picks up the story, which is just as exciting as in the first book, spinning his yarn like the masterful storyteller that he is. Illustrations by Ivan Cappelli.
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· 15 ·
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ILLUSTRATED FICTION
The Incredible Adventures of Grandpa – The Search for Blood Island Ótrúleg ævintýri afa – Leitin að Blóðey, 2014 When Kristjan is sent off to bed early, Grandpa tells him a hair-raising tale. It’s a rollicking adventure from his younger days, when he was slightly less bald and no one had a cell phone. It’s a tale of wizards, ninjas, griffons, dragons, trolls, eldritch abominations – and a mysterious island found on no map. Although Grandpa insists that it’s all true, the story is more incredible than anything Kristjan has heard before.
The Search for Blood Island is Gudni Lindal Benediktson’s HARDCOVER 198 pp, 14 x 21 cm
first book, a heart-thumping and hilarious romp for ages 7-12, and the winner of the Icelandic Children’s Literature Prize in 2014. Illustrations by Ivan Cappelli.
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GU D RU N TEXT
Index ┘
H ELGADOT TIR
SIG RU N ELD JARN I L LUS T R AT IONS (see author information on page 22) GU DRU N H E L G A D O T T I R (b.1935) published her first book in 1974 and has since been one of Iceland’s most popular and respected children’s authors. From that date onwards she has published over two dozen books. Helgadottir has received several prizes and recognitions for her work. In 1992 she received the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize for the book From Beneath the Weeds, in 1994 she received the Reykjavik Children’s Literature Prize for Poor Little Things, in 2005 the book Different Family received The Children’ s Choice Book Prize and later that year she recived The Jonas Hallgrimsson award for her contribution to the Icelandic language. She received the DV Cultural Prize Honour Award in 2014 for her lifetime achievements.
May Angels Watch Me Through the Night Wake Me in the Morning Light Sitji guðs englar Saman í hring Sænginni yfir minni, 2015 In a tiny house in a tiny village lives a large family: a sailor and his wife, seven playful children, their god-fearing grandmother, and their foulmouthed grandfather. There’s a war going on in HARDCOVER 290 pp, 15,3 x 23 cm
the outside world and it’s not long until the conflict stretches itself all the way to Iceland — with good and bad consequences. Gudrun Helgadottir’s trilogy about this colourful family has enjoyed immense popularity since the first installment was originally published. Here all of the stories have been collected into one splendid collection.
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GERDU R KRISTN Y TEXT
LIN DA OL AFSDOTTIR I L LUS T R AT IONS GE R DU R K R I S T N Y (b.1970) proved herself as one of Iceland’s most interesting poets with her first book, and has since then published several books of poetry, as well as short stories, novels, and children’s books. She received the West-Nordic Children’s Literature Prize and the Icelandic Booksellers’ Prize for her novel The Garden and The Icelandic Children’s Literature Prize for Marta Smarta, but she’s also earned great acclaim for her books for adults, including the Icelandic Literature Prize for Blood Hoof. LINDA OLAFSDOTTIR (see author information on page 14)
Doll Dúkka, 2015 “Aren’t you too old for a doll?” asked my mom, looking away from me. “Nuh-uh!” I said, shocked. “All the girls my age go crazy about dolls. They aren’t for little girls, either.” “Why not?” “These aren’t normal dolls. You have to take really good care of them.” After her tenth birthday, Kristin Katla could finally buy herself the doll that all the girls were totally obsessed with. She doesn’t care that Petur Uni, her twin brother, makes fun of her — it’s a doll for older girls. She murmurs and giggles when she likes something and her hair smells wonderful. But why does Petur Uni think the doll is
HARDCOVER 108 pp, 14 x 22 cm
creepy? Could it be that she can do more than the girls
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ever imagined? Doll is a thrilling story for readers aged eight and older which will make the hair on your neck stand on end. · 18 ·
ILLUSTRATED SCIENCE
Index ┘
HELGI B J O RNSSON TEXT H E L GI B JOR NS S ON is Professor and Research Scientist in glaciology and geophysics in the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences at the University of Iceland. His ground breaking book on glaciers in Iceland received the Icelandic Literary Prize for Non-Fiction.
T H O RARINN MAR BALDU RSSON I L LUS T R AT IONS (see author information on page 8)
Glaciers and Global Warming Jöklar og hlýnun jarðar, 2015 Questions about glaciers and climate issues, drawn from the Science Web, the open Q&A website maintained by scholars at the University of Iceland. Once glaciers covered all of Iceland and stretched far out into the sea, but today, the glaciers are receding quickly and some of them will actually disappear completely before the readers of this book get old. Glaciers and Global Warming collects 45 questions and answers about glaciers and climate issues. The answers are explained in a straightforward and simple manner, but still with scientific accuracy, and are suited to inquisitive readers aged eight and older. Each of the questions is accompanied with interesting and explanatory pictures and a map
HARDCOVER 55 pp, 20 x 26,5 cm
showing the largest glaciers in the world. How do glaciers
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form? Where are the largest glaciers in the world? Why is it cold up in the mountains even though they are closer to the sun? Are there glaciers on other planets? What is the difference between glacial periods and an ice age? Why is the earth warming up now? Find the answers in this book and get better informed about glaciers and climate issues! · 19 ·
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ILLUSTRATED FICTION
AEVAR TH OR BEN EDIKTSSO N A E VA R T HOR BE N E DI K T S S ON (see author information on page 13)
Your Own Fable Þín eigin goðsaga, 2015 LIKE A COMPUTER GAME – BECAUSE YOU DECIDE WHAT HAPPENS Do you know about Norse mythology? It’s full of giants and monsters, gods and heroes. But what would you do if you were to meet these creatures? Your Own Fable is a sequel to the very popular Your Own Folktale, last year’s runaway success that was awarded the 2014 Icelandic Children’s Book Prize and the Bookseller’s Award as the best Icelandic children’s book. Your Own Fable is different from other books – here you are the hero and you decide what happens. It is set in the world of Norse mythology, with dangers lurking at every step. You may meet terrifying monsters such as the HARDCOVER 309 pp 14 x 22 cm
Midgard Serpent, the wolf Fenrir, or Hel. You can visit the dawn of the world, take part in adventures with Thor the god of thunder, climb the Yggdrasil Ash tree, meet the dangerous schemer Loki, or try to survive Ragnarök itself – all depending on the choices you make. Enjoy – and good luck! More than fifty different endings, from eternal happiness to sudden death. · 20 ·
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ILLUSTRATED FICTION
“A highly entertaining and amusing book.” MORGUNBLADID DAILY
“An interesting and entertaining experiment that is sure to be a hit with young readers, also offering a fun interactive experience when read aloud.” FRETTABLADID DAILY
Your Own Folktale Þín eigin þjóðsaga, 2014 A BOOK THAT WORKS LIKE A COMPUTER GAME – YOU DECIDE WHAT HAPPENS Have you heard about the Icelandic folktales? They are full of trolls and monsters, elves and the undead, ghosts and the Christmas lads. But what would you do if you met these creatures? Your Own Folktale is not like any other book – you are the hero and you decide what happens. The story is set in the world of Icelandic folktales, and danger lurks round every corner. You might run into treacherous Icelandic mermaids, wrestle with a giant dragon or save people from the most horrible trolls ever seen in Iceland! HARDCOVER 309 pp 14 x 22 cm
• The Icelandic Booksellers’ Prize 2014 • The Children’s Choice Book Prize 2014 (the only children’s book prize voted for by children themselves)
· 21 ·
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ILLUSTRATED FICTION
Index ┘
SIG RU N ELD JARN T E X T A N D I L LUS T R AT IONS SIGRU N E L D JA R N (b.1954) has written and illustrated high on forty children’s books. She was the first author to receive the Sogusteinn Children’s Book Award for her literary career in 2007, having received up to that point several awards and recognition for her work, among others Reykjavik Children’s Literature Prize three times and nominations to the H.C. Andersen Award, the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s literature Prize, the Icelandic Optimism Prize and the West-Nordic Children’s Literature Prize.
The Secret Tower at Shadowskerry
Leyniturninn á Skuggaskeri, 2015 Everything’s gone haywire on Shadowskerry, where a furious woman is directing the search for her daughter, boats are getting lost in thick fog, and something spooky is underway that no one knows anything about. Meanwhile, people sit in Fairdale concerned for their children, since it seems like it isn’t possible to sail out to the skerry any longer. The Secret Tower at Shadowskerry is the third book about the children who ran away from HARDCOVER 206 pp, 14 x 21 cm
Fairdale and the mysterious skerry that they called home. The first installment in the series, The
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Runaways from Shadowskerry, was nominated for the Icelandic Literature Prize and the Icelandic Women’s Literature Prize.
· 22 ·
ILLUSTRATED FICTION
Index ┘
The Haunting of Shadowskerry
Draugagangur á Skuggaskeri, 2014 The runaways on Shadowskerry have been found! But they refuse to return home until the adults have fixed everything that was ruined in the war back home in the valley. Summer is coming and Shadowskerry is the best place in the whole world. Or is it? Is there something dangerous afoot? The children come across mysterious men and a spooky HARDCOVER 206 pp, 14 x 21 cm
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little girl! Are they living people – or ghosts?
The Runaways on Shadowskerry Strokubörnin á Skuggaskeri, 2013 Once upon a time Austurhlid and Vesturhlid were peaceful towns where it was good to live in. Now, a war has started and the adults are all behaving very strangely. That’s why the brother and sister Lina and Hringur decide to run away from home on Happadisin, their homemade boat. Their destination is Shadowskerry – the creepy island out by the horizon that everybody is afraid of. An exciting story, funny and abundantly decorated. HARDCOVER 193 pp, 14 x 21 cm Chapters in English available
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S • Nominated for the Icelandic Literary Prize for Children and Young People´s books • Nominated for the Icelandic Women‘s Literature Prize
· 23 ·
ILLUSTRATED FICTION
GU NNAR TEXT
Index ┘
H ELGASON
RAN F LYGENRIN G I L LUS T R AT IONS (see author information on page 13) GU N N A R H E L G A S ON (b.1965) is a popular actor and well known for all kinds of entertaining material for children which has enjoyed great popularity for some years. Amongst other things he has directed a popular children’s program on Icelandic State TV. He received the IBBY Spring Winds award 2013 for his contribution to children’s culture in Iceland. All the books in Great Football Adventure series “The author clearly knows how to create a captivating narrative that maintains its momentum and completely sucks the reader in.” MORGUNBLADID DAILY ON FREE KICK IN AKUREYRI
are written with advice from Reykjavik Child Services as well as the Icelandic Football Association. Stories about the footballer Jon Jonsson have been mainstays on Icelandic bestseller lists for the past years.
My Crazy Mom Mamma klikk, 2015 Dear reader, Do you think that you have a crazy mother? Wait just a sec until you read about mine! Once upon a time, she was fun and great and cheerful but lately, she’s completely fallen apart. Everyone thinks so! I could give you tons of examples so you’d believe me, but it’ll be better to save them for the book—unless no one buys it. But no worries. I have a plan. Plan: Let’s Change Mom! She can’t go crazy. And if you have a crazy mother, you can learn how to fix yours just like me. Just open up the book and see how I’m doing! Regards, Stella, age 12 (aaaaaalllllmost 13) Gunnar Helgason is one of Iceland’s most popular children’s book authors, owing to his The Great Football Saga series. In My Crazy Mom, he puts a hilarious spin on a serious issue, making for a story that all family members will enjoy reading—not least crazy mothers.
HARDCOVER 192 pp, 14x21 cm
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S “Upbeat, heartfelt, and uproarious YA book. Readers will laugh, but also consider serious issues.” · 24 ·
FRETTABLADID DAILY ON OFFSIDE IN REYKJAVIK
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T H O RG RIM U R T H RAINSSON T HORGR I M U R T H R A I NS S ON (b.1959) is an award-winning author and free-lance journalist. His books for teenagers have been extremely popular in Iceland. He received the Reykjavik Children’s Literature Prize in 1991, the Visa Cultural Award in 1992 and the Icelandic Children’s Literature Prize in 1997. Thrainsson was awarded the position of city artist in Reykjavik 2013 for his contribution to children and young people's culture and the IBBY Icelandic Spring Breeze award for his contribution to children's culture in Iceland.
Þorgrímur Þráinsson
a Ég elsk máva
I Love Seagulls Ég elska máva, 2015 Anton is amazed when a snow-white dove with a letter tied to its leg flies in through his window—and pretty frustrated when she flies right back out into the night. After this, a number of surprising things start happening to Anton and Pandora, his best friend. Could it be that Hallfredur the janitor is sending people letters and books even though he’s long been dead? Could miraculous stories from the past be true? Is it possible to go on a journey at night at the same time that you’re sleeping? Why mightn’t you encounter a rat at the school? How can you listen to the voice of your heart?
HARDCOVER 198 pp, 14 x 22 cm
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Over the last 25 years, Thorgrimur Thrainsson has published many books for children and teens, all of which have enjoyed immense popularity. Here he introduces two unusual characters in a fascinating narrative that will appeal to both children and their parents.
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Tears, Smiles and Football Boots Tár, bros og takkaskór, 2015 The friends Kiddi and Tryggvi are back in school after a vibrant football summer. There‘s a new guy in class, Skapti, who becomes their friend despite being more interested in ballet and poetry than football. There is also a new girl, Agnes, that immediately catches Kiddi‘s eye. It will be an eventful autumn, with the school tournament in football and work with the national youth football team, as well as a ski vacation in Kerlingafjoll mountains where a mysterious thing happens that will have serious consequences. Tears, Smiles and Football Boots was first published in SOFTCOVER 188 pp, 14 x 22 cm
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1990 and became an immediate success with the readers. • Reykjavik Children‘s Literature Prize 1991 • The VISA Cultural Prize 1992
“Actually the best book I have read!!!” SARA, BOKMENNTIR.IS
“ I have read this book and I found it amazing, I literally wept over it. All the books I’ve read by this author are great stories.” LINDA YR, BOKMENNTIR.IS
“Few people will close this book before they have finished reading it to the end ... The author is a skilful narrator, his style is playful, vigorous and extremely agile.” MORGUNBLADID DAILY
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KJARTAN YNGVI B J O RNSSON SNAEB J O RN B RYNJARSSON TEXT K JA RTA N Y NG V I B JOR NS S ON and S N A E B JOR N BRY NJA R S S ON are both born 1984 and have been friends since secondary school. Both are great fans of fantasy fiction. Kjartan has a degree in Literature and creative writing. Snaebjorn has studied theatre both in Iceland and Japan and
“Outstanding fantasy for all ages…the third and best title in the Three Worlds Series is not only exciting and gripping fantasy, but also a broad and many-voiced novel directly linked with current times.” FRETTABLADID DAILY
is currently living in Paris, where he works as a theatremaker and writer.
Wormstongue Ormstunga – Þriggja heima saga, 2015 I have seen the three worlds, Recall the nature of man, Heard from the yawning span Ancient drones, deep tones, a shout. After the great explosion under Velaja, the group is scattered – Ragnar plummets to a vast glass plain where no life can survive, Sirja comes to on an unfamiliar beach and Breki wakes up in a forbidden cave full of gold and jewels. None of them know what has become of their friends, but the hope of being reunited keeps them alive. Meanwhile, the survivors of Vebakki fight for their lives, unaware of the ancient terrors that have come back to life. It seems that Ragnar, Sirja and Breki’s attempts to enlist the help of the sages have failed and there is no time to lose. The darkness holds many secrets, so many … Wormstongue is the third book in the Three Worlds Series, an exciting story cycle in which blood magic, hidden secrets, and forgotten creatures terrorize the whole world. The previous books won great acclaim, and
HARDCOVER 583 pp, 14 x 22 cm
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the authors received the Booksellers’ Prize for the first volume, as well as the Icelandic Children’s Book Award. · 27 ·
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“An energetic and exciting continuation of Raveneye. Fantasy with a large scope, believable characters, and a great story.” FRETTABLADID DAILY
Dreamsword Draumsverð, 2013 Near a thousand years ago the seven sages created their seals to imprison the Shadows, but now they are breaking. The evil wizards are awakening and can once more touch the three worlds. After their pale men and harpies decimated the village Vebakki, Ragnar, Breki and Sirja have been fleeing for their lives. Ragnar has discovered that he carries within himself one of the seven seals and with it comes great and terrible magic he must learn to control. Now their path lies south, into the darkness of the swamps that surround the ruins of Kaernelon, where the bog-witch Hedwig Wurmlord is said to dwell. With the aid of Nanuk, the mysterious hunter from the north, they must face death and seek out Hedwig in the swamps where terrifying monsters await and Sirja begins to hear a familiar song she has never heard before.
HARDCOVER 383 pp, 14 x 22 cm
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Dreamsword is the second book in the Three Worlds Series, a thrilling saga of blood magic, hidden secrets, and forgotten fiends that threaten all three worlds. The first book, Raveneye, won the Icelandic Children’s Literature Prize in 2012 as well as the Icelandic Booksellers’ Prize, for best young adult fiction book in the same year.
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“... the beginning of an incredible series of books.” MORGUNBLADID DAILY
“Raveneye is a timeless fairytale and classic fantasy, immensely entertaining and exciting, and tremendously well-written.” FRETTABLADID DAILY
Raveneye Hrafnsauga, 2012 Almost a thousand years have passed since the Age of Darkness, when the seven sages joined forces and vanquished the Shadows. The dark times are now mostly forgotten. But though man´s memory is fleeting, the ancient forces never forget. The initiation festival is coming soon, the day when the Shaman will tell Ragnar, Breki, Sirja, and their peers in the village what their roles and duties are to be. The youths should be enjoying their last carefree days in the summer sun, but the future holds different things in store.
HARDCOVER 383 pp, 14 x 22 cm Chapters in English available
The ancient forces that once plunged the world into
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relentless night have stirred again and their harpies are afoot. They are seeking something in the village. It is not long before the children are drawn into events that they don’t understand, but soon they realize that their actions will decide the fate of three worlds. Raveneye is the first book in the Three Worlds Series, a thrilling saga of blood-magic, hidden secrets, and forgotten fiends that threaten all three worlds.
• The Icelandic Children’s Literature Prize 2012 • The Icelandic Booksellers’ Prize as the best book for best young adult fiction 2012
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GU NNAR T H. EGGERTSSON TEXT GU N N A R T H E OD OR E G GE RT S S ON (b.1982) has a degree in literature and cinema. He received the Icelandic Children’s Literature Prize for his first book, The Stone Animals.
Dead Disa Drauga-Dísa, 2015 “The sentinel stood like he always had, stock-still with his hands stretched to the sky. She shook her head and laughed to herself for having believed that a tree could come to life.” Disa is called a lot of names at school and Dead Disa is not the worst of them. When everything goes haywire between her and the most popular clique in the ninth grade, she flees with her parents to the country where she plans to enjoy the solitude and write adventure stories. Three hundred years before, a boy sits in the same valley, waiting for a dying hen to lay its first and only egg so that he can get the Skoffin — a mythical creature with a lethal gaze — that is about to hatch, even though there’s a strict ban on raising such a monster. Neither one of them knows it, but soon Disa and Bjorn’s paths will cross and set off a course of events that will surpass all the monster stories the world has ever known. HARDCOVER 288 pp, 14 x 21,5 cm
Gunnar Theodor Eggertsson won the Icelandic Children’s Literature Prize for The Stone Animals, which he followed up with its acclaimed sequel The Stone Creatures, in which he reworked creatures from Icelandic folklore in a completely original way. Here, in The Stone Animals, he spins a thrilling story which bounces back and forth in time and takes its inspiration from Icelandic legends as well as foreign ghost stories. Readers will be on the edge of their seats right up until the story ends.
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RAGN HEIDU R EYJ OLFSDOT TIR TEXT R AGN H E I DU R E YJOL F SD O T T I R (b.1984) is an architect by profession. The Heir is her first work and is inspired by Nordic sagas and European mythology and fairy tales. She is already hard at work on the next story about Saga and Baldur.
Shadow Saga – The Heir Skuggasaga – Arftakinn, 2015 Saga is the kind of girl that no one notices. It’s always been like that. She also sees things that no one else sees, but she learned long ago to keep quiet about that, at the very least with her father, a practical car salesman, and her mischievous brother, who no one can help but notice. When the maid in the basement vanishes and a horrifying monster takes her place, Saga gets an explanation of why she is different from others. It’s an explanation that’s hard to face, but also the beginning of an amazing adventure. • The Icelandic Children Literary Award 2015 HARDCOVER 420 pp, 14 x 21 cm
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HILDU R KN UTSDOT TIR TEXT H I L DU R K N U T SD O T T I R (b.1984) volunteered in Guatemala after graduating from college and travelled through Latin America. After that she spent a winter in Berlin and lived in Taiwan for a year, studying Chinese at Chengchi University, Taipei. This is her second novel for children, but she has also published a novel for adults.
Winter Break Vetrarfrí, 2015 What do you like to do during winter break? What if you didn’t have any choice? What if you were suddenly faced with the unthinkable happening? It is the last day of winter break. Bergljot is looking forward to going to a party with the other tenth graders and her brother Bragi is going to stay over at his friend’s house. Their parents have booked a romantic trip to a vacation cottage. But all these plans come to nothing when a strange epidemic breaks out. When that happens, no one’s thinking about anything anymore except how to save their lives.
HARDCOVER 210 pp, 14.2 x 21,7 cm
11+
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B RYN DIS B J O RGVINSDOT TIR, OLI GUNNAR GUNNARSSON a n d ARN O R B J O RNSSON TEXT
SOLEY DUFA LEOSDOT TIR I L LUS T R A I T ONS
BRY N DI S B JORG V I NSD O T T I R (b. 1982) is an award winning author, folklorist and adjunct professor at Iceland Academy af Arts. OL I GU N N A R GU N N A R S S ON (b.1997) and A R NOR B JOR NS S ON (b.1998) wrote and performed the hit play The Teenager, a huge success which was later commissioned to show all the way in China! S OL E Y DU FA L E O SD O T T I R (b.1999) loves to draw and goes to Hamrahlid Highschool.
The Search for the Point of Teenagers Leitin að tilgangi unglingsins, 2015 What’s the point of teenagers? And of life? Here, with the help of expert in teenagerology and bestselling author Bryndis Bjorgvinsdottir, Arnor and Oli Gunnar scrutinize the teenage psyche, which they themselves know only all too well. This book is for teens, anyone who knows teens, PLC 287 pp, 14 x 22 cm
anyone who has been a teen, and anyone else who has an interest in odd social behavior, bad breath, handshakes, and failure and triumph in equal measure.
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