The award was given to Sofia and Amanda Chanfreau with their first book The Giraffe’s heart is unusually large. The book is a fantasy story about the desire to be loved as you are.
is a fantasy story about longing and the desire to be loved as one is. The book is about Vega, who lives on Giraffe Island and misses her mother. For comfort, he has a bunch of imaginary animals. Vega’s father follows his daughter’s life with her imaginary friends.
– The authors of the book have succeeded in creating a world where literally anything is possible, and whose bottomless rich language and illustrations you would never want to leave.
Lawson also admitted that he didn’t read enough books as a child, but this one he would have read over and over again as a child.
Childhood in Åland
Sofia and Amanda Chanfreau were born in Helsinki, but the family moved to Åland when they were children. They went to school in Åland. As adults, both siblings have settled in Malmö.
The winning story started years ago, when Sofia Chanfreau wrote it just for her own pleasure. He has always liked animals, so writing about imaginary animals felt natural.
– Writing and reading have always been important to me. I have also studied writing.
However, the story of Giraffe Island was buried in a desk drawer for several years.
– I am a multitasker. I do a lot of all kinds of things, that’s why I didn’t have enough time to write, says Sofia Chanfreau, who works as a music producer.
When the story slowly began to develop and grow again, it was clear to Sofia Chanfreau that her sister would illustrate the book.
– Our cooperation is seamless. We understand each other by half a word.
The cooperation continues
Amanda Chanfreau has loved drawing since she was a child. Today he works as a tattoo artist.
When the call about the Finlandia win reached Amanda, it was a little difficult for her to keep the ink jet steady.
– For my part, I squealed with joy at my workplace until my publishing editor said on the phone that this should still be a secret until Wednesday evening, laughs Sofia.
With the win, the siblings plan to continue their collaboration.
– This gives us a lot of faith. Of course, the financial importance is also great.
The value of the Finlandia prize is 30,000 euros.