For one little girl, the prospect of a playdate at her friend Henry’s house fills her with excitement. To get to Henry’s house, they have to take a bus, then the underground, then change to another line, then a bus, and then walk for a bit, but it’s worth it because Henry’s house has millions of rooms to hide in and hundreds of toys to play with.
But while the text tells one story, the illustrations slowly reveal another. As the kids tear around the house enjoying each other’s company, their mums experience the playdate very differently. Soon we find that the little girl and her friend Henry live lives that are poles apart. A powerful story about friendship across economic divides that encourages readers to question why we live in a society where those who have and those who have not live very different lives.
Nominated for the August Prize, Swedish Children's and Youth Book of the Year 2018 in the original Swedish
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Swedish author Uje Brandelius worked as a journalist and press secretary in Sweden before becoming the frontman of chart-topping pop band Doktor Kosmos and touring sold-out concert venues for several years. The Playdate is his first picture book. (Image © Stefan Tell)
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Clara Dackenberg is a Swedish illustrator and visual artist. She studied in Gothenburg and Stockholm before debuting as a picture book illustrator. Her work has been chosen for the Contemporary Swedish Illustrators exhibition at the Bologna Children's Book Fair. (Image © Leo Brekell)
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Nichola Smalley is a literary translator from Swedish and Norwegian. Her translations have won or been nominated for multiple awards, including the International Booker Prize, twice. She has lived in many places, but calls London home.
“Remarkably subtle and sophisticated. This thought-provoking book rewards close exploration and provides perceptive insights into inequalities, offering rich opportunities for conversations, and heightened awareness and empathy for some of the disparities in society. This impressive story lives on long after the final page has been turned.”
- Jake Hope, Inclusive Books for Children
“Now this title deals with a topic that we don’t see enough of in our picture books: economic diversity. Fascinating stuff.”
- Betsy Bird , School Library Journal
“The story approaches the child’s and mother’s lives with empathy, imbuing both with dignity. A frankly told, child’s-eye view of the intersection of friendship and socioeconomic status.”
- Kirkus Reviews
“I am sometimes astounded by the power of story, especially when said story comes in the form of a picturebook. “The Playdate” is the perfect example. Opening eyes to the differences that economic divide creates, intelligently portrayed with two different stories told in the illustrations & text. The perfect book for classroom discussions.”
- Armadillo Magazine
“Older readers may find much to discuss in what is left unsaid, and educators may wish to use this title to introduce the topic of class differences and the larger issue of economic justice.”
- School Library Journal
