In recent months there have been a number of uniquely beautiful books in translation for children and young adults. From a picture book by one of Sweden’s most beloved authors, a hilarious book about a dad trying to keep their child busy during lockdown, to a story set in Nazi Germany and more. Read on to discover these unique perspectives.

The Tale of the Tiny Man by Barbro Lindgren & Eva Nilsson (translated from the Swedish language by Julia Marshall)

A classic picture book from Sweden with a very happy ending about feeling lonely and finding friends. It is possible, after all, to have more than one friend!

There is a fascinating Q&A with the author on the publisher’s website here.

Suitable for ages 3 and up.

Seahorses are Sold Out by Constanze Spengler & Katja Gehrmann (translated from the German language by Shelley Tanaka)

A relatable, cheerful and wild picture book, with a single-parent juggling working from home and childcare during lockdown.

Featuring a gender neutral child, Mika, and a cast of wildly inappropriate pets, this picture book is a whole menagerie of fun.

Suitable for ages 4 and up.

I’ll Keep You Close by Jeska Verstegen (translated from the Dutch language by Bill Nagelkerke)

Jeska doesn’t know why her mother keeps the curtains drawn so tightly every day. And what exactly is she trying to drown out when she floods the house with Mozart? What are they hiding from?

I’ll Keep You Close is about what comes after disaster: how survivors move forward, what they bring with them when they do, and the promise of beginning again while always keeping the past close.

Suitable for ages 9 and up.

Boy in a White Room by Karl Osberg (translated from the German language by Larisa Villar Hauser)

A boy wakes to find himself locked in a white room. He has no memories, no idea who he is and no idea how he got here.

A computer-generated voice named Alice responds to his questions. He gradually pieces together his story-an abduction, a critical injury, snippets of his past… But how can the boy tell what’s real and what’s not? Who is he really? Shortlisted for a prestigious literary award in Germany, this is a fascinating science fiction thriller.

Suitable for ages 12 and up.

The Edelweiss Pirates by Dirk Reinhardt (translated from the German language by Rachel Ward)

16 year-old Daniel befriends much older Josef Gerlach and when Josef gives him his teenage diary to read, Daniel discovers a shocking story of rebellion and struggle.

It tells how Gerlach left the Hitler Youth at the age of 14 and instead joined a gang called the Edelweiss Pirates. Their uniform: long hair and cool clothes. Their motto: freedom!

A fascinating story of rebellion under the Nazi regime.

Suitable for readers aged 12 and up.