By Marita Thomsen

If I mention Nordic picture books, The Moomins perhaps spring to mind first. Tove Jansson’s bold and bright universe populated by cuddly creatures. As the Moomins go about their, mostly, quiet lives, we see their foibles. They are entirely fantastical lifeforms and yet profoundly human. It is precisely this humanity that permeates the characters and universes of three contemporary Nordic illustrators, who you also deserve to meet: Lisa Aisato, Sven Nordqvist and Bárður Oskarsson.

Like Tove Jansson, they are generally classed as children’s authors and illustrators. Though it seems more accurate to say that their works tell truths for all ages in formats that also appeal to children. What they have in common is a secular-humanist approach, yet never one devoid of spirit. A spirit that resides in their depictions and celebrations of connection and empathy as a bulwark against life’s lows. They all express themselves in distinct styles, once you have read them, you will not find it difficult to identify their art. They have all won numerous prizes and accolades. 

Findus & Pettson

Findus and Pettson’s universe is unmistakably the Swedish countryside with its characteristic red farm houses, crops, animals and interior furnishings. And then it has the extra dimension of the muckles – not trolls, not gnomes, entirely their own creatures – but reminiscent of the Nordic nisse and troll folklore in that they inhabit the farm and mirror the activities of the farming life. They are also our secret! Only the readers and Findus can see them, old man Pettson doesn’t have that privilege, and yet doesn’t bat an eyelid when Findus tells him about them.

One of the most salient characteristics of this series is, perhaps, the fact that it is about an aging man and his cat, who was given to him as a kitten to stave off loneliness, as told in When Findus Was Little and Disappeared. In a world where we don’t see enough diversity in portrayals of masculinity, this series is sorely needed. Heartwarming, tender and funny, and profoundly human. Pettson has angry outbursts, is impatient, and his mood can be low at times, particularly in Findus Goes Fishing while Findus can be self-centred in the way learners in life sometimes are, particularly in Findus Rules the Roost, but what matters is the repair. The author’s depiction of this relationship is a study in how a few words, yes Findus can talk, and little gestures can be crucial, and enough, to repair and to rebuild trust.

Nordqvist writes and draws beautifully about the ordinary moments that make up life, and how to celebrate the everyday. The first book in the series Pancakes for Findus explains how Findus gets a pancake birthday cake three times a year, and the hilarious string of mishaps that can arise when Pettson tries to bake it.

This series is perfect for reading aloud first to and later with children. In my experience they will ask for the book again and again, just to discover yet another quirky detail in the illustrations.

All the Findus and Pettson books are available in English translated by Nathan Large. Nordqvist has a raft of other titles in Swedish, which hopefully will become available in English too. In the meantime, The Dog Walk is a picture-only book that defies description, the best I can do I say that it is a surreal folk fantasy treasure that will take the whole family on a journey.

About Marita Thomsen

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