Much translated children’s and youth literature from Flanders

With an artistic tradition that goes back hundreds of years, which they constantly renew and translate into their own style, Flemish illustrators are absolutely world class. And with their precision, their powers of suggestion, their humour and their gift for depicting complex characters, Flemish authors for children and young adults are certainly a match for our illustrators. Discover some titles for children and young adults that have been widely translated.

1943. In rich and vivid language, Els Beerten maps out the hopes, dreams and desires of four friends, deftly capturing the blurring of the boundaries between good and evil, black and white. In this moving and subtle portrayal of the darkest pages of our history, all of the characters follow their instincts and act in good faith. But what happens when the course you have chosen turns out to be the wrong one?

This beautifully structured story, told through four voices and nonlinear timelines, reads like a carefully composed symphony. It’s a Shakespearean tragedy deeply rooted in Flemish history yet universal and relevant. A full Norwegian translation is available.

Penguin crosses the ocean to the house of his friend Bear. He wants to tell him a big secret, so big that it will change everything: he’s in love with Bear. Even the most hard-hearted of readers will be captivated by this love story for its humour and the playful, exceptional use of colour.

This award-winning picture book is a masterpiece of understated beauty. The tender and universal love story between two male characters captivates with its simplicity: the prose is honed to perfection with not a word too many, and the illustrations are deceptively simple with an extraordinary subtlety and charm. A modern classic to cherish forever.

A paper boat is launched in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It makes a long journey, meeting the strangest of beings, passing between towering mangroves and braving a devastating storm.

This wordless debut is a graphic masterpiece that has earned fans like Shaun Tan. The black-and-white world created by Peter Van den Ende sparks the imagination and invites endless exploration. In 2020, The New York Times named it one of the 25 best children’s books worldwide.

Calm Leon takes Otto on a journey through the world of colour. This Encyclopaedia Otto-colorista is a feast for the eyes: after the restrained grey, black and white, the pages are a riot of colour and detail and there is always something new to discover. 

Tom Schamp’s universe offers endless visual delight. His vibrant and detailed illustrations are filled with ingenious wordplay, trivia, and cultural references. This quirky seek-and-find book will captivate readers of all ages.

Jadran is five years older than Josh, but his head and his heart are those of a child much younger. When they find an injured young crane, Jadran wants to teach it to fly. The two boys go on a journey that is brave, adventurous and hopeless all at the same time.

Jef Aerts’ poetic and heartfelt style is on full display in this heartwarming story that has charmed readers globally, especially in the US. Publisher Levine Querido hailed it as “a warm, love-filled story about fragility, strength, and brotherhood in all its complications”.

Valentina, the emperor’s spoilt daughter, collects birds. When she encounters a talking bird in her dreams, a use for the empty ‘golden cage’ is quickly found. Cneut’s prints exceed all the limits of the illustrative powers of expression: this is art with a capital A.

A true virtuoso, Carll Cneut is one of Flanders’ most internationally celebrated illustrators. His layered, painterly illustrations are works of art in their own right. With unmatched originality and depth, Cneut challenges and elevates his readers, offering them a literary and visual experience like no other.