Mette Newth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mette Newth
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| Born | 31 January 1942 Oslo, Norway
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| Nationality | Norwegian |
| Education | Ceramist and sculptor |
| Occupation | Illustrator, children's writer and educator |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | Eirik Newth |
| Parent(s) |
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| Awards | Norwegian Critics Prize for Literature |
Mette Cecilie Newth (born 31 January 1942) is a talented Norwegian artist and writer. She is famous for illustrating and writing books, especially for children. Mette Newth has won the Norwegian Critics Prize for Best Children's Book twice!
Contents
About Mette Newth's Life
Mette Newth was born in Oslo, Norway. Her father, Fridtjof Knutsen, was a journalist and writer. Her mother, Alfhild Gundersen, was also a crime writer. In 1963, Mette married another writer, Philip Newth. They lived in Bærum and have a son named Eirik Newth, who is also an author. It seems writing runs in the family!
Mette Newth's Creative Journey
Mette Newth first studied to become a ceramicist. This means she learned to make art from clay. She also studied sculpture, which is about creating 3D art.
Early Books and Illustrations
Mette Newth started her writing career in 1969. Her first book was a picture book called Den lille vikingen (The Little Viking). She became well-known for her illustrations in 1975. This was for her book Lille Skrekk (Little Scaredy), which was about a lizard child.
Her book Skomakerdokka (The Shoemaker's Doll) from 1977 was inspired by stories from a famous Norwegian writer, Alf Prøysen.
Books for All Children
Mette Newth has a special interest in making books for all children. She has illustrated books for deaf children. These books use sign language along with text. For example, her 1979 book Nora og ordene (Nora and the Words) tells the story of a deaf girl. It uses both written words and sign language.
With her husband Philip, she created Ballsprett (Ball Bounce) in 1980. This picture book was made for children with learning difficulties.
Award-Winning Stories
In 1985, Mette Newth won the Norwegian Critics Prize for Best Children's Book. She won it with her husband Philip for their book Soldreperen (The Sun Killer).
Her young adult novel Bortførelsen (The Abduction) came out in 1987. This book became famous around the world. It was translated into 14 different languages! The story is about the colonization of Greenland in the 1600s. It also includes exciting parts from Inuit myths and legends. Her 1988 book Erobringen (The Conquest) also explores the lives of the Inuit people.
Mette Newth also worked with writer Paal-Helge Haugen on several picture books. These include Vårfuglen (The Spring Bird) from 1989, Gjennom steinen (Through the Stone) from 1990, and Eldsalamanderen (The Fire Salamander) from 1994.
She won the critics' prize again in 1995. This time it was for her children's book Det mørke lyset (The Dark Light). This novel tells about the lives of people with leprosy in Norway in the early 1800s.
Leadership Roles
Mette Newth has also been a leader in the world of children's literature. She was the head of the Norwegian Writers for Children organization. She held this role from 1977 to 1979 and again from 1981 to 1982. From 1999 to 2002, she was the rector (like a principal) of the Oslo National Academy of the Arts.
