Do Not Kill! (2023)

In this third book in the series about Alexander, big questions are tackled as indicated by the title. The story, which focuses on war conflicts, sorrow, and loss, revolves around Alexander's new friend, Vola from Ukraine. These complex issues are addressed with humor and warmth, where the child's perspective leads the way, making the reader an active participant in Alexander's reflections. The story effectively intertwines an international event and its impact on the lives of ordinary people in the conflict zone and back home in Iceland. Despite the gravely serious subject matter, the story is characterized by a sparkling joy of storytelling, which is further enhanced by Ran Flygenring's lively illustrations. Like the previous books in the series, the cast of characters is diverse and colorful, and the plot is exciting. Do Not Kill! is a book written with an understanding of the world of children and respect for the diversity of human life. It does not necessarily provide definitive answers to all questions but certainly offers lively conversations between children and adults reading it together.

In Do Not Destroy! Gunnar Helgason frankly, but with sensitive insight and much fine humour, paints a compelling picture of the story‘s protagonist, Alexander Daníel Hermann Dawidsson. Alexander experiences the world in a very special way, which has both a negative and a positive impact on his whole life. But one thing is perfectly clear from the start: We are on Alexander‘s level, and therein lies the strength of the book. … A strong thread in the book is the important idea of meeting everyone, big or small, where they stand. Everyone deserves respect, and most of us go through all kinds of difficulties that have a complicated impact on our daily lives. … Gunnar Helgason masterfully directs the narrative, allowing the rhythm of the story to chime with Alexander‘s state of mind, and giving the reader insight into the role of ADHD in it. … The book‘s illustrator is Rán Flygenring. The powerful, almost quivering ink drawings portray Alexander‘s inner point of view, and show how he struggles hyperactively to cope with his life. Sometimes there is total chaos in the imagery, while elsewhere there is just a single thing: namely when something completely absorbs Alexander‘s attention. Just like the book‘s text, the drawings are full of imagination, humour and respect for the material.