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‘We need the literature of other countries to expand our
horizons and stimulate our ideas. Without it, we are not only
diminished, we are starved’
(The Times, Magnus Linklater 29/06/05)
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Most Beautiful Story (The)
by Brynjulf Jung Tjonn
Age Range: 6-8
From the simple black and white doodles to the dream-like pops of colour, The Most Beautiful Story, written by Norwegian author Brynjulf Jung Tjønn, translated by Kari Dickson and illustrated by Øyvind Torseter, contains images that move the readers along with abstract ideas. The subtext of the story is that Vera goes to the magical lake figure named Syl to tell her stories of her late brother Salander, but the context could potentially be unclear to a young reader. A reading of this story paired with additional conversations will help a child understand the nuances of death and how storytelling can keep the images alive of our loved ones who have passed away.
The complexity of bereavement should not be a reason for children to avoid reading and talking about the concept of death; in fact, The Most Beautiful Story takes a different approach with its fantastical, magical light with the character Syl. One of the most striking images of the book (which is also featured on the cover) is combined with the words “the stars shower down like warm, whizzing balls of fire. And there is Syl, rising out of the lake.”
Vera’s quest for “the most beautiful story...the one where there is so much pain, but everything is fine in the end” teaches readers that storytelling is a valid and key method of keeping memories alive.
Honor Book Mildred Batchelder Award 2022.
Catherine Hurwitz (Jan22)