7×7 Tales of a Sevensleeper
Encyclopedia
7×7 Tales of a Sevensleeper is a 1985 children's book written by Hanna Johansen
.
, the book was translated into Spanish by Lola Romero (as 1987's Cuentos de lirones), and in Portuguese as Histórias de Sete-Sonos in 1991. The Penguin
subsidiary E. P. Dutton
released an English translation for the U.S. market (by Christopher Franceschelli) in 1989; a British version, by Marion Koenig, appeared through Faber and Faber
a year later.
noted that "the writer [Johansen] is skilled in pithy observation" throughout the "49 witty, quirky yarns" comprising Tales of a Sevensleeper. "There is word-play, good natural history," he added, "and the pictures by Kathi Bhend, some cartoon format, some intricate miniatures, are unusually integral." Another British publication, The School Librarian, said of the book: "Despite an ambiguous opening [...], it is a clever work of imagination". Carolyn Phelan commented likewise in an issue of Booklist
: "While the whimsical prose will strike some readers as too precious, others will find its brand of imagination engaging." Tatiana Castleton, a Californian librarian, wrote in the School Library Journal
that this "unusual and intriguing little book [is] not for everyone, but made to order for lap and read-aloud sessions with the right listener." She praised Franceschelli's prose as "beautiful", and Bhend's illustrations "endlessly inventive and fascinating."
Hanna Johansen
Hanna Johansen, born Hanna Margarete Meyer , is a Swiss writer.She studied classical philology, education and German studies at the Universities of Marburg and Göttingen...
.
Synopsis
Much to his brother's and parents' dismay, a boy's obsession over the habits of his favourite animals—squirrel-like creatures called "sevensleepers"—makes him pretend he is one of them. The number seven figures in his daily routines throughout the course of 49 stories: he becomes that age early on in the book, with as many presents to match; he goes to bed every night at seven o'clock; and he even eats or owns things in groups of seven. This trait even helps him follow the week more efficiently than months or years, which are both far longer.Publishing history
Siebenschläfergeschichten, the original German version of 7×7 Tales of a Sevensleeper, was published in 1985 by the Swiss company Nagel & Kimche. A Dutch edition, titled De zevenslaper and translated by Erna Borawitz, came out through the Christofoor imprint a year later. In the Iberian realmIberian Peninsula
The Iberian Peninsula , sometimes called Iberia, is located in the extreme southwest of Europe and includes the modern-day sovereign states of Spain, Portugal and Andorra, as well as the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar...
, the book was translated into Spanish by Lola Romero (as 1987's Cuentos de lirones), and in Portuguese as Histórias de Sete-Sonos in 1991. The Penguin
Penguin Books
Penguin Books is a publisher founded in 1935 by Sir Allen Lane and V.K. Krishna Menon. Penguin revolutionised publishing in the 1930s through its high quality, inexpensive paperbacks, sold through Woolworths and other high street stores for sixpence. Penguin's success demonstrated that large...
subsidiary E. P. Dutton
E. P. Dutton
E. P. Dutton was an American book publishing company founded as a book retailer in Boston, Massachusetts in 1852 by Edward Payson Dutton. In 1986, the company was acquired by Penguin Group and split into two imprints: Dutton Penguin and Dutton Children's Books.-History:Edward Payson Dutton founded...
released an English translation for the U.S. market (by Christopher Franceschelli) in 1989; a British version, by Marion Koenig, appeared through Faber and Faber
Faber and Faber
Faber and Faber Limited, often abbreviated to Faber, is an independent publishing house in the UK, notable in particular for publishing a great deal of poetry and for its former editor T. S. Eliot. Faber has a rich tradition of publishing a wide range of fiction, non fiction, drama, film and music...
a year later.
Reception
Colin Mills of Britain's The GuardianThe Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
noted that "the writer [Johansen] is skilled in pithy observation" throughout the "49 witty, quirky yarns" comprising Tales of a Sevensleeper. "There is word-play, good natural history," he added, "and the pictures by Kathi Bhend, some cartoon format, some intricate miniatures, are unusually integral." Another British publication, The School Librarian, said of the book: "Despite an ambiguous opening [...], it is a clever work of imagination". Carolyn Phelan commented likewise in an issue of Booklist
Booklist
Booklist is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. It is geared toward libraries and booksellers and is available in print or online...
: "While the whimsical prose will strike some readers as too precious, others will find its brand of imagination engaging." Tatiana Castleton, a Californian librarian, wrote in the School Library Journal
School Library Journal
The School Library Journal is a monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with a focus on technology and multimedia. Reviews are included for preschool to 4th grade,...
that this "unusual and intriguing little book [is] not for everyone, but made to order for lap and read-aloud sessions with the right listener." She praised Franceschelli's prose as "beautiful", and Bhend's illustrations "endlessly inventive and fascinating."