โNothing is too much for a childโ: the Norwegian books for kids tackling taboo topics from IVF to incest
In the Nordic country, books covering subjects such as childbirth and sex have become bestsellers among younger readers โ and an export hit. Behind their success lies a unique philosophy of childhood learning โI wasnโt aware that I am such a brave writer and illustrator,โ says Anna Fiske, a softly spoken Swedish-born author living in Norway who received death threats for a book she wrote in 2019. โI just tell things as they are.โ Fiske doesnโt write political polemics but books for children: the title of the offending book is Hvordan Lager Man en Baby?, โHow Do You Make a Babyโ โ and, yes, there are illustrations. Distributed in English-speaking territories through Fiskeโs New Zealand publisher, it triggered threats from Canada and was banned from several school libraries in the US. โThey said it was pornographic.โ Continue reading...