Thorarinn Eldjarn

(b.1949) is one of Iceland’s most admired authors and the recipient of many awards. A superb poet, he has tackled every genre, published countless children’s books, written novels, collections of short stories, and scripts, and also worked as a translator.

“Eldjarn is a great stylist and subtle humorist.”

KILJAN, ICELANDIC STATE TELEVISION

Awards

2014 – The Reykjavík Scholastic Children’s Literature Prize: Veiða vind (Catching Wind) (as best translated children’s book of the year)
2013 – Special recognition by the Swedish Academy for the advancement of Swedish culture.
2010 – Icelandic Booksellter’s Award: Árstíðirnar (Seasons) (As the best children’s book of the year)
2008 – Reykjavik City Artist
2007 – Icelandic Bookseller’s Award: Gælur, fælur og þvælur (As the best children’s book of the year)
2006 – The Guðmundur Böðvarsson Poetry Award
2005 – Icelandic Bookseller’s Award: Hættur og mörk (As the best poetry book of the year)
2004 – The Reykjavik City Children’s Literature Prize: Greppikló (The Gruffalo) by Julia Donaldson (For translation)
2001 – IBBY Iceland Award: For his writings for children
2001 – Icelandic Bookseller’s Award
1998 – The Reykjavik City Children’s Literature Prize: Halastjarna (Comet)
1998 – The Jónas Hallgrímsson Award
1993 – IBBY Iceland Award: For his writings for children
1992 – The Reykjavík City Children’s Literature Prize: Óðfluga (Fastfly)

Nominations

2010 – The Icelandic Translation Prize: Lér konungur (King Lear) by William Shakespeare
2001 – International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award: Blue Tower 1999 – The Nordic Council’s Literature Prize: Brotahöfuð (Blue Tower)
1998 – Aristeion; The European Literature Award: Blue Tower (Shortlisted with 5 other books)
1997 – DV Cultural Prize for Literature: Brotahöfuð (Blue Tower)

Title Awards

Wordsmith (2018) — Icelandic Booksellers' Prize - Children's Book of the Year 2018, Won
Wordsmith (2018) — Reykjavik Children's Literature Prize for the Best Illustrations 2019, Nominated
Madcomhere (2010) — Honorary Award from The Reykjavik Educational Council, Won
Madcomhere (2010) — Nordic Council Children and Young People's Literature Prize, Nominated
The Sybil‘s Prophecy (2005) — The Icelandic Illustration Award 2005, Nominated
The Blue Tower (1996) — European Aristeion Literary Award, Shortlisted
The Blue Tower (1996) — Nordic Council Literature Prize, Nominated
The Blue Tower (1996) — IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2001, Nominated