The Icelandic “Maximus Musicus” has been nominated for a YAMaward (Young Audiences Music Award), a prize that honors “creativity and innovation in the field of musical productions for young audiences, from all corners of the world, created by professional ensembles of all forms, from solo artist to orchestra.”

The Maximus books — originally written in Icelandic and translated into several languages, including English — are a musical delight. Hallfridur Olafsdottir is herself principal flutist of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and she has brought the joy of symphony to children.

See more in this YAM video (and you can vote for little Maximus at their website).

Previous winners include Rikskonsertene/Kulturtanken (Norway), Oorkaan (The Netherlands), Smalands Musik&Teater (Sweden), Body Rhythm Factory (Denmark), Zonzo Compagnie (Belgium), Jazz for Juniors (South Africa) and Muziektheater Transparant (Belgium).

I particularly recommend Maximus Visits the Orchestra, by Hallfridur Olafsdottir, ill. Thorarin Mar Baldursson, tr. Daði Kolbeinsson.