Freya and the Snake - by Fredrik Sonck (Hardcover)

About the Book

"At their summer cottage, Freya's little brother, Hugo, spots a snake in the cairn. "Its name is Ormis," Freya proclaims. Worried for Hugo's safety, Freya's parents decide they don't want Ormis around -- they must catch the snake and take it away from their home. They assure Freya that the snake won't be harmed. Wearing rain boots and thick gloves, Freya's dad tries to capture Ormis all day. But Ormis is too quick, hissing and slithering in and out of rocky crevices, hiding from view. By the end of the day, Freya's dad is frustrated, his patience thin. So, when he spots Ormis again at last, he sneaks up slowly ... and kills him with an oar. Freya sees the whole thing. "Murder!" Freya yells at her dad. Disheartened by her dad's actions, Freya shuns him. She knows that Ormis could have hurt Hugo, but does that mean the snake deserved to die? Surely not. But even if her dad did a bad thing, can Freya really stay mad at him forever? This unflinching picture book explores death, the relationship between humans and nature, and what happens when a child sees their parent do something they think is wrong -- and what it takes to find forgiveness"--

Book Synopsis

When a dangerous snake enters the safe space of a family, a child and parent have different ideas about how to handle the situation.

When Freya and her siblings spot a snake near where they're playing, Freya names it Snakey. But her parents are concerned, worried that Snakey will bite someone. Her dad tries to capture the snake, planning to take it far away. Only, that's much harder to do than he expects. So, to make sure Snakey doesn't harm his family, her dad decides he must take a different approach. One that offers a more permanent solution. One that Freya says she'll never forgive him for.

Told with empathy and honesty, this thought-provoking book explores death, forgiveness and what happens when a child disapproves of something their parent has done. Highlighting both family relationships and those between humans and wild animals, it takes an unflinching look at making difficult decisions - and living with the consequences.

Review Quotes

An incredible story that highlights a universal child moment of distrust and acceptance unlike anything else on the picture book market.--Fuse 8 (School Library Journal)

... an emotionally honest look at death and forgiveness ... A lovely and empathetic look at the often-difficult decisions we must make in life.--Kirkus Reviews

Thoughtful and unusual, this story, translated from Swedish, will provoke family discussion.--Booklist

About the Author

Fredrik Sonck is a journalist and the author of Freja och kr?kungen and Freya and the Snake. Formerly the head of culture at Hufvudstadsbladet newspaper, he now works as the CEO of Ålands Radio and TV.
Jenny Lucander is the acclaimed illustrator of many books, including Freja och kr?kungen, Freya and the Snake and We Are Lions!, which won the 2020 Nordic Council Children and Young People's Literature Prize. She was nominated for the 2024 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Jenny lives and works in Helsinki, Finland.