Hekla and Laki - by Marine Schneider (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Carried in by a strong wind, a tiny creature named Hekla twirls delicately into a crater, falling at the feet--and, very suddenly, into the life--of an old giant named Laki. Each is vastly different from the other: Laki is a solitary being, preferring order and calmness, while Hekla is young, spirited, and messy. But in their newfound state of coexistence, they learn to live together and help each other grow, forging an attachment that binds them in life--and in death. Inspired by two Icelandic volcanoes."--Publisher description.

Book Synopsis

A comforting, poetic picture book about the beauty and brutality of life and death, inspired by two Icelandic volcanoes, from award-winning creator Marine Schneider

"Achingly beautiful . . . These are dreams drawn from the subconscious, realized by gifted artists, suitable for study by children awake to the surreal and the sublime." --Dave Eggers, New York Times Book Review

Carried in by a strong wind, a tiny creature named Hekla twirls delicately into a crater, falling at the feet--and, very suddenly, into the life--of an old giant named Laki. Each is vastly different from the other: Laki is a solitary being, preferring order and calmness, while Hekla is young, spirited, and messy. But in their newfound state of coexistence, they learn to live together and help each other grow, forging an attachment that binds them in life--and in death. Inspired by two Icelandic volcanoes, Hekla and Laki is a masterstroke of text and image about the beauty and the brutality of life, the passing of knowledge over time, and the sense of optimism that emerges in death.

Review Quotes

"Achingly beautiful . . . These are dreams drawn from the subconscious, realized by gifted artists, suitable for study by children awake to the surreal and the sublime."

--Dave Eggers, New York Times Book Review

"A visually compelling and emotionally gratifying glimpse at learning how to hold on and let go."--Kirkus, starred review

"Belgian author Schneider weaves a tale of unexpected love, loss, and renewal . . . a narrative that is both somber and hopeful, depicting a world that is simultaneously merciless and marvelous."
--School Library Journal

"Inspired by two Icelandic volcanoes - one old and inactive, the other young and erupting - Hekla Laki tells a tale of the beauty and brutality of life, providing young readers with a comforting and vividly engaging story that looks at life and death through the eyes of friendship, acceptance, and ultimately hope. . . Poetry and powerful symbolism across every page."--Montreal Review of Books

"Schneider's refined, atmospheric illustrations present the beauty, power,
and magnificence of Icelandic landscapes in striking wordless spreads . . .Originally published in French, this nuanced translation is full of warmth."
--Booklist

"Via dynamic, ambitious painting and writing, Schneider doesn't just create a myth but also imagines geological-level shifts with crystalline intensity."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

About the Author

Marine Schneider is a Belgian author and illustrator, who decided, at age five, that she would grow up to make children's books. After studying illustration in Ghent and traveling the world, she began her career by illustrating three books for children's author Elisabeth Helland Larsen. Schneider's most recent work, Hekla et Laki, was awarded the 2022 Pepite d'or--one of France's top honors for children's literature--at the Montreuil Children's Book Fair. She lives and works in Brussels.