The Tree

“The Tree” is an exhibition that explores the concept of trees in children’s books, featuring illustrations from Nordic picture books. These books are part of The Bookworm, a Nordic database of educational materials related to books nominated for The Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize. The database is free and accessible to everyone in all Nordic languages at bokslukaren.org.

The gathering point in the exhibition is a tree, made by Finnish artist Corinna Helenelund. The tree sculpture, located at the heart of the exhibition, is an interactive textile sculpture, where visitors can gather to enjoy reading a book, playing and experiencing original artworks and illustrations from the featured books. The exhibition offers an insight into the process of creating an illustration by mixing original artworks and sketches with finished prints. The Tree exhibition promotes image reading -beyond languages and encourages guests to read books from the images.

Visitors can take home books and practice image reading and be inspired by their artworks by renting available Bookworm bags that hold a selection of the books that the exhibition is based on.Drawing game: An interactive drawing game is a part of the exhibition and interested participants will automatically become a part of an exhibition opening in May showcasing a selection of the drawings made over the exhibition time.

Story bags: Visitors can borrow books in a special Story bag, which includes a selection of the featured books showcased at the exhibition, and practice reading through images at home.

Bookworm Banana figure: Find as many banana figures as you can, that is hidden somewhere around the library. The figure is doing different activities and experiencing different emotions. Practice discussing what they are doing or experiencing and see if you find a book with a similar emotion.

Family workshops, Winter Break Workshops, Story- & Singing Hours as well as Music Moments for Babies and Toddlers will take place in the library – Follow details about events on our website and social media pages.

Guided tours: The exhibition is suitable for all ages, starting from 3 years old. Guided tours can be booked for groups from 3 years old, through the booking page of the Nordic house or by emailing: hrafnhildur@nordichouse.is.

Opening hours and accessibility: The Children’s Library is open for all. Accessible for wheelchair users via the elevator and through Hvelfing exhibition space. Accessible restrooms and a restroom for families with babies is on the main floor. Opening hours are TUE-SUN 10 am-17 pm. Entrance to the library and all events is free of charge.

The cover image contains images from books by: Linda Bondestam & Svein Nyhus