Scandinavian children's literature now in Hindi

Norway has opened its treasure chest of children's literature to vernacular readers in India by translating four Norwegian books in Hindi. This is the second lot of Norwegian children's literature to be translated in English. Last year, the Embassy of Norway had translated four children's books into Hindi.Cover of Pippi Longstocking

The books translated this year include 'Naye Ghar Mein Gadbadi' written by Av Lene Ask, 'Chai ki Ketli' by Jan Kora Olen, 'Dost ya Dushman' by Kala Benedik and Trond Braenne; and 'Rajkumar Bho-Bho' by Bjorn Ousland. The translation projects have been funded by a non-profit Norwegian literary forum, Norla which is supporting the translation of yet another book, 'Out Stealing Horses', a work of fiction by Per Petterson, in three Indian languages. It will be released late autumn.

Besides, the organisation is also helping translate selected works of Norwegian playwright Ibsen in Indian languages. The Norwegian children's books in Hindi are 'pictorial novels' with colourful illustrations and accompanying texts. The books are subsidised and cost Rs.50 each.

Norway, along with Denmark and Sweden has a rich history of children's and young adult's literature. The northern nations' greatest legacy to children's literature are Danish raconteur Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales and Sweden's Astrid Lindgren's cult heroine Pippi Longstocking.

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