Faroese author awarded big children’s book prize

Bárður Oskarsson can now add a Nordic Council prize and DKK 350,000 to the long list of awards and accolades he has received for his children’s books.

The Faroese author was recently awarded the West Nordic Council’s Children’s Book Award, and last night he won the prestigious Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize 2018 for his picture book Træið (The Tree).

Oskarsson is best known for his simple drawings, which critics say carry a philosophical weight that appeals to children.

His books have been published in numerous countries and have received critical acclaim in major publications such as the New York Times.

The Nordic Council judging panel pointed out that despite being a children’s book, Træið is an equally rewarding read for adults.

Yesterday’s biggest prize was the Nordic Council Literature Prize. Faroese author Jóanes Nielsen was nominated for this award for the fifth time, but the prize was given to Iceland’s Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir for the book Ör.

Faroese heavy metal band Hamferð was nominated for the Nordic Council Music Prize, but Norwegian composer Niels Henrik Asheim took the honours in this category.

Translated by prosa.fo