In 2012, Anna Woltz (The Netherlands) experienced Hurricane Sandy in New York. Here she explains how she turned this frightening episode into a Young Adult novel. How close do you to keep to reality? And how did misbehaving parents, a boy with nine fingers and a fear of bacteria find their way into the story?

In English

Three writers talk about their stories published in the anthology Odyssey. They will share their inspiration with the audience and discuss the central themes. The stories are: #Parisjetaime by Sanne Munk Jensen (Denmark), Nearly Home by B.R. Collins (UK), The Blue Well by Ana Pessoa (Portugal).

All are available on Gyldendal’s Danskportal

In Danish and English

Two authors talk about their about their very different stories commissioned for the anthology Odyssey. They will share their ideas with the audience and discuss the central themes. The tales are: What We Have Lost by Sarah Engell (Denmark) and How the Gods Came to Abandon their Mountain and go Travelling by Gideon Samson (The Netherlands).

Both are available on the Gyldendals Danskportal

In English and Danish

In this interactive workshop we will learn about Louis Jensen’s story Lakridsmanden. It’s about a boy who lives in a small village. One day he finds a magical purse with a piece of liquorice inside shaped like an arm. Other pieces are shaped like legs and a head. Can the pieces be put together to form a human? or a monster? In this workshop we will look into the boy’s notebook and create our own journey – and together we will find an ending to the story.

In Danish

Drop in to the Illustration Hub where you can watch professional artists at work, from first stroke to finished book. Join in a workshop or simply watch and be inspired.

In Danish

An exhibition by the publishing house Gyldendal of the author and illustrator Jakob Martin Strid’s world, together with other well-loved children’s books. There will be readings and activities throughout the festival.

In Danish

Learn how to create your own narrative by cutting up pages from old picturebooks and using an iPad to make a short animated film.

In Danish

We need your help to give new life to old books. In this workshop you can create book art by making figures from the pages, or compose poetry through rearranging words and phrases. We provide books and suggestions to get you started.

All languages

Author Cecilie Eken will guide you through the basics of storytelling – how to catch and keep the reader’s attention, how to improve your writing and acquire new skills. You will leave with the draft of a story that you can develop and complete at home.

In Danish

Laura Gallego (Spain) talks to Ana Cristina Herreros about her stories in the anthology Odyssey. She will talk about her inspiration and discuss the central themes. The story is: The Longest Pedestrian Route in the World. It is available on Gyldendal’s Danskportal.

In Spanish

Two writers discuss their stories written for the anthology Odyssey, sharing with the audience the ideas that sparked the central themes.

The stories are: RMS Titanic by Nina E. Grøntvedt (Norway) and Mine by Sarah Crossan (Ireland).

All are available on Gyldendal’s Danskportal

In English and Danish

Every story starts with a character. How does a writer create the characters we come to love so much in our favourite books? In this workshop with the Belgian writer you will use your imagination to create a central character – and a big secret. Because everybody has a secret…

In English

The author of numerous books about Hubert and Benny Bob talks about how to make kids laugh.

In Norwegian and Danish

Two writers discuss their stories written for the anthology Odyssey. They will share with the audience the ideas that sparked their tales and explore the central themes. The stories are: Pekka-Style by Finn-Ole Heinrich (Germany), When I Open My Eyes the World’s Askew by Annette Münch (Norway).

All are available on Gyldendal’s Danskportal

In Danish and English

An exhibition by the publishing house Gyldendal of the author and illustrator Jakob Martin Strid’s world, together with other well-loved children’s books. There will be readings and activities throughout the festival.

In Danish

We need your help to give new life to old books. In this workshop you can create book art by making figures from the pages, or compose poetry through rearranging words and phrases. We provide books and suggestions to get you started.

You have a great idea but don’t know yet how to make it into a whole story. This workshop with Finnish writer Salla Simukka will teach you expert tips on how to do just that.

In English

The Swedish author reads aloud from her book The Ice Sea Pirates, nominated for a Nordic children’s book award, and the story will be illustrated live on stage.

In Swedish and Danish

Moderator: Nina Sif Tønder
Illustrator: Cato Thau-Jensen

The author of Berørte Katrine and Pragtfuldt, Pragtfuldt talks about on his book for teenagers – his inspiration, motivation and conviction that reading is important.

In Danish

Two writers talk about their stories written for the anthology Quest. They will share with the audience the ideas that sparked their tales and expand on the central themes. The stories are: A Trip to Town by Maria Parr (Norway), Journey to the Centre of the Dark by David Machado (Portugal).

Both are available on Gyldendal’s Danskportal

In English and Danish