Reviews

• “This is a book written to be read out loud. It’s wonderfully crazy and humoristic, just like Hanna Gustavsson’s accompanying illustrations.”

• “Lisbet and the Samba King is a chapter book filled with zany stories, excellent for being read out loud. /…/ There is a lot of funny quirks to the book, for example Sixten the pirate cat with his wooden leg that enriches the story. /…/ Lisbet and the Samba King is a hilarious book that both invites to exciting reflections and offers crazy antics to enjoy. ”

• “A wild, hilarious and entirely unexpected norm-creative tale told from the child’s perspective.”

• “I can’t recall any other book that has granted me and the younger test panel – who are eagerly awaiting the sequel – greater joy as of late.”

• “I have two new favourites, Lisbet and her granny the Samba King./…/ [Lisbet and the Samba King] is funny, bonkers, crazy, feministic and between the lines a tad bit sad. It’s topped off with colourful and imaginative illustrations by Hanna Gustavsson. Go ahead and read – I said read! Read out loud together with young and old.”

• “This is a hilarious chapter book about summer and funny antics. The books questions norms in a good way, and touches upon the value of getting to be whoever one wants to be.”

• “A chapter book that questions norms, filled with absurd humor and a wild imagination.”

• “Lisbet and the Samba King is a firework of color, norm-creativity and imagination. The character gallery sparkles with creativity, warmth and liberating silliness. A much welcomed addition amongst illustrated chapter books /…/ A read-out-loud treat for the entire family!”

• “A belly laugh-inducing book.”

• “The book’s zany humor, crazy antics and themes such as the right to be just as you are evokes classics such as Karlsson-on-the-roof and Pippi Longstocking.”

• “A slam dunk./…/ Emma Karinsdotter has written a thought-provoking and entertaining book about daring to be yourself.”

• “[Lisbet and the Samba King] brings my mind to Pippi Longstocking. /…/ It’s humorous and twisted, a tribute to play and imagination. /…/ The book conveys the message that it’s alright to be just as you are – it’s okay to be different, and it’s also okay to be just alike. Just be yourself. /…/ A read-out-loud gem that suits ages 6-9 and that will also likely appeal to many adults with its blend of crazy hilarious humor, poignancy and gravity. It also leaves room for discussions about the book’s themes in connection to reading, if one is so inclined. Lisbet is a sympathetic character that thinks and ponders a lot, and who goes her own way. The book is richly illustrated with humoristic and charming illustrations.”

• “Lisbet and the Samba King raises questions about the boundaries between peer pressure and feeling included (…) and it throws gender norms out the window.”

• “A captivating story that brings back childhood memories and shows that adults too can be a bit crazy sometimes. ”

• “[Lisbet and the Samba King] is bonkers, funny, wonderfully unconventional and often reminds me of the stories about Pippi Longstocking. /…/ For all children from five/six years who are keen to laugh out loud when reading.”

• “The story about Granny and Lisbet is enchanting.”