“Swisstory: The Untold, Bloody, and Absolutely Real History of Switzerland” by Laurie Theurer has scooped up a prestigious international award recognising excellence in children’s books.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/ds
The book, published by Schwabe Verlagsgruppe in Basel, was among the 2020 Crystal Kite Winners, getting top place in the category covering Europe, Latin America and Africa.
The Crystal Kites Awards is the only global award for children’s books that is based on peer reviews.
This is the first time that the award, which is present by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, goes to a book from Switzerland.
“Swisstory” deals with the history of Switzerland. It skips over fictional characters such as Heidi and William Tell, focusing instead on the real Swiss, from the mountain dwellers of the early day to the women who fought for their right to vote in the 20th century.
Young readers learn how dukes were slaughtered by farmers, or how “witches” used to be executed.
Theurer, the author, is a dual Swiss-American citizen. Swiss artist Michael Meister illustrated the book.
Young undocumented migrants gain easier access to vocational training
This content was published on
Rejected asylum-seekers and young undocumented migrants in Switzerland will have easier access to basic vocational training from June 1.
Migration: Swiss government wants to shorten reunification period for families
This content was published on
Family members of people temporarily admitted to Switzerland should in future be able to join them after two years instead of three.
This content was published on
2023 was a record year for the Rhaetian Railway in several respects. Never before has the narrow-gauge railway in Graubünden, eastern Switzerland, transported so many passengers and cars.
Swiss CFOs much more optimistic despite global uncertainty
This content was published on
The main concerns of business leaders in Switzerland are geopolitical uncertainty and the important trading partners Germany and China.
Record organ donation in Switzerland despite high rejection rates
This content was published on
More organ donations were recorded in Switzerland in 2023 than ever before. This was despite a high rejection rate of 58% by surviving relatives.
This content was published on
Seven years after the death of record-breaking Swiss mountain climber Ueli Steck, his estate is going to the Alpine Museum of Switzerland in Bern.
This content was published on
The 2019 Nobel Prize for Literature went to Austrian writer Peter Handke. One hundred years ago it was Swiss poet Carl Spitteler who won the award.
This content was published on
Many writers have found shelter, inspiration and adventure in Switzerland. A new book distils two centuries of literature with Swiss connections.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.