The Most Beautiful Story

Description

This 2022 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor book is a testament to the power of the imagination and the saving power of storytelling.

While the rest of the world is sleeping, Vera is out running, flying to the lake at the top of the hill. She needs to meet her little brother again, and so, she turns to Syl. Syl, the magical creature who rises from the lake. Syl, who helps reframe grief and pain into healing and acceptance. Syl, who tells the story Vera most wants to hear: the story that brings Vera’s brother back to life. 

The Most Beautiful Story, both sad and hopeful, is a stunning testament to the saving power of stories. Together, Tjønn and Torseter have created a quiet, introspective book about longing, loss, and a love that transcends both.

Brynjulf Jung Tjønn (b. 1980) made his literary debut with the novel I Came to Love (Eg kom for å elske) in 2002. He has since published a number of books for both children and adults. His young adult novel You Are So Beautiful (Så vakker du er) won the Brage Prize for children’s and young adult literature in 2013.

Øyvind Torseter is a Norwegian artist and illustrator who has created eight books on his own and several with other authors. He’s received numerous awards for his books, including a Bologna Ragazzi Award and the Norwegian Book Art Prize. In 2014, Øyvind was a finalist for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. This is his sixth book to be published by Enchanted Lion.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Kari Dickson grew up bilingually, as her mother is Norwegian and her grandparents could not speak English. She holds a B.A. in Scandinavian studies and an M.A. in translation.

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