The Most Beautiful Story

by Brynjulf Jung Tjønn (Author) Oyvind Torseter (Illustrator)

The Most Beautiful Story
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

This 2022 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor book is a testament to the power of the imagination and the saving power of storytelling.

While the rest of the world is sleeping, Vera is out running, flying to the lake at the top of the hill. She needs to meet her little brother again, and so, she turns to Syl. Syl, the magical creature who rises from the lake. Syl, who helps reframe grief and pain into healing and acceptance. Syl, who tells the story Vera most wants to hear: the story that brings Vera's brother back to life.

The Most Beautiful Story, both sad and hopeful, is a stunning testament to the saving power of stories. Together, Tjønn and Torseter have created a quiet, introspective book about longing, loss, and a love that transcends both.

Select format:
Hardcover
$17.95

Kirkus Reviews

A delicate, unnerving meditation. (Picture book. 5-10).

Copyright 2021 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

A 2022 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book"An intricate tale of tragic loss and fervent hope as Vera seeks help from a compassionate, magical entity who uses the wonder of story to bring the memories of a lost sibling back to life." —American Library Association
"Thought-provoking narrative entwined with emotive illustrations create an enchanting story that can be appreciated by children of all ages." —Dr. Marie A. Lejeune, 2022 Batchelder Chair
Brynjulf Jung Tjønn
Brynjulf Jung Tjønn (b. 1980) made his literary debut with the novel I Came to Love (Eg kom for å elske) in 2002. He has since published a number of books for both children and adults. His young adult novel You Are So Beautiful (Så vakker du er) won the Brage Prize for children's and young adult literature in 2013.


Øyvind Torseter is a Norwegian artist and illustrator who has created eight books on his own and several with other authors. He's received numerous awards for his books, including a Bologna Ragazzi Award and the Norwegian Book Art Prize. In 2014, Øyvind was a finalist for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. This is his sixth book to be published by Enchanted Lion.


Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Kari Dickson grew up bilingually, as her mother is Norwegian and her grandparents could not speak English. She holds a B.A. in Scandinavian studies and an M.A. in translation.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781592703500
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Enchanted Lion Books
Publication date
September 20, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV039030 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Death & Dying
JUV051000 - Juvenile Fiction | Imagination & Play
JUV013070 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Siblings
Library of Congress categories
Brothers and sisters
Storytelling
Death
Picture books
Life
Mildred L. Batchelder Award
Honor Book 2022 - 2022
ALSC Notable Children's Book
Selection 2022

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!