Text by Magnús Scheving and drawings by Halldór Baldursson.
Æskan, 1997 – 102 pages.
Review by Anna G. Ólafsdóttir
Original title: The Sports elf goes on holiday
Latibær í Vandræðum is not quite a proper name in Magnús Scheving’s story because as most kids remember, Latibær is no longer Latibær but Sólskinsbær. The people have turned the page and adopted a better way of life, cycling and eating healthy and nutritious food. The Sports elf is telling the omniscient sun that he is going on a journey when the story begins. The sun is curious and anxious, as the Sports elf manages not to convince her that it is possible to leave the townspeople unattended. The Sports elf has not left town until it is revealed that the sun has been right. With a simple trick, Rikki Ríki, who is of course the worst criminal, manages to win over the townspeople. He is elected mayor and sells all kinds of unhealthy things to the townspeople.
As before, Magnús’ characters are clearly drawn. No one needs to doubt who is good, bad or just a little simple. Young readers also do not have to worry about everything going well in the end. The big question is only when the Sports elf will come home. The message of the story is simple and clear or as the elf Eðvarð finally reminds: “That not all gold is glowing. At first glance, an object may seem harmless, but on closer inspection, it can be dangerous or worrying. Therefore, always be careful and think carefully about every step you take in life. My wish is that each of your steps will be a step of good fortune “(p. 102).
The Sports elf has long been a legend among a large group of children and they will no doubt be looking forward to the book. The authors have chosen to make two versions of the story, for older children and younger children, as the sports elf seems to have won the hearts and minds of children from the age of three. It is not far off that the shorter version is more readable because Magnús tends to be a bit vocal in the longer version. However, he could have spent more time at the end of the story. That the children can be sure that everything will be as before in the town.
The drawings meet the goal and the text is natural and usually very agile. The finish of the book, however, could be better. On one page there was a missing letter on the back of a word and on the other the printing was not quite enough. But aren’t such mistakes small things compared to what the story will no doubt please many fans of the Sports elf? It does not hurt that the longer version comes with a so-called sports book with 40 gymnastic exercises and a training table and the shorter version a coloring book with pictures from the story. The books are both fun additions to the good work of Magnús and Halldór.
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Magnús Scheving's third story about the Sports elf and his teammates, Latibær í Vandræðum (Latibær in trouble) has been published. In fact, there are two versions with the same name but different lengths of text. One is intended for reading to young children ...
A fun sequel to the bestselling book Áfram-Latibær by Magnús Scheving. A lively and funny story with hilarious drawings by Halldór Baldursson. Sólskinsbær, formerly known as Latibær, offers to send competitors to the Olympics for young people. The main chara...
Magnús Scheving: Áfram Latibær.Halldór Baldursson: illustrationspublishing house Æskan, 1995 Book review by Halldór Kristjánsson This is a bit of a special storybook. It takes place in the adventurous land of Latibær where watching television and more...