Literature and Fiction / Children's Books · Hardback

Mule Boy

Norwegian title: Mulegutten

Øyvind Torseter

The king has sent six of his seven sons out into the world to find suitable princesses. They do not return, and Mule Boy insists on finding out what happened to them. He discovers that the troll has turned them and their brides into stone. He enters the mountain to find the troll and free the princess that the troll has captured.

This is a funny twist on an old folk tale. There is a lot of humour and funny lines in the book. It is impressive and exciting to enter the mountain together with Mule Boy, and the princess is both tough and charismatic. We also know Mule Boy from previous books.

The illustrations are beautiful, funny and fanciful both in terms of line and use of colour.Mule Boy was nominated to The Nordic Councils Childrens Book Prize in 2016.

‘… a beautiful little hero story about impossible choices and fearlessness, about fighting for what you believe in and finding happiness. This is fun reading for adults and children, and it is perfect for young people who will go on to compare narrative styles and values in contemporary texts with those in myths and folklore when they are at upper secondary school. Mulegutten should feature in a course or three.’ DEMOKRATEN ‘Øyvind Torseter lets his imagination run riot through a classic story. It’s particularly funny if you’ve heard the story before. Curiosity, adventurousness and courage characterise the young prince who rides out to save his brothers. Curiosity is a word that can also be used when talking about Øyvind Torseter himself – the result is a fantastic picture book that both children and adults will love.’ NRK

'Torseter is an entertaining story-teller, in both words and pictures.' DAGBLADET

Danish Review Cuttings: The Mule Boy by Øyvind Torseter

’Mulegutten is a formidable work (…) This book fully deserved the Norwegian Critics Prize for 2015, and stands out as the most original illustrated book in many years. If it were possible, this book should be given 7 full stars!’

BERLINGSKE

‘This is a supreme presentation of a folk tale. (…) Elements from the present day are brought in, but the traditional folk-tale struggle between good and evil is maintained. (…) Øyvind Torseter does this well. “And then the Princess and the Mule Boy lived happily ever after. ‘

BOGBOTTEN

’The picture pages are outstanding (…) Mulegutten is a modern hero in a classic epic. So he stands apart from the metaphor, leaving it to the reader’s imagination. This is beautifully done.

FINE SPIND

'Mulegutten which at the same time celebrates, unites and renews the genres of the classic folk tale and the cartoon series (…) Mulegutten is a book for all ages, which offers much on many different levels.’

KRISTELIGT DAGBLAD

‘Torseter’s pictures have a quite special and modern quality. (…) A beautiful and exciting book, which is not afraid to be different.’

MICHAEL LINDAL ANDERSEN