The Skeleton in the Cupboard

A compelling and surreal collection of interconnected fairytales focused on a community of of strange creatures in the north of Latvia.

Nine fairytales about a community of strange creatures who live along the Livonian coast, in the north of Latvia. These interconnected stories follow the anxieties and existential crises of the creatures, gently satirising their preoccupations and suggesting solutions with empathy and wisdom.

In the titular story, Namby-Pamby takes the skeleton in his cupboard out for its annual airing on the first day of spring. He worries about what his neighbours would think if they saw him, unaware that they all know about his skeleton (and do not judge him for it!).

In "The Sea Wolf and the Hare", Hare falls in love with Wolf, a dashing sailor, and decides to kidnap him so he can keep him forever.

In "The Long Day", Harrumph is tortured by the constant flow of time and so sets sail with two friends to try and catch up with time, making the day neverending.

These are strange, slightly dark, certainly surreal tales, aimed at an older target audience than fairytales usually are in the UK. With strong shades of Tove Jansson, the Moomins and The Summer Book, as well as The Wind in the Willows and the dreamy expanse of Winnie the Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood.

A Skeleton in the Cupboard won the prestigious Latvian Literary Award of the Year (Children's Category) in 2019, with judges noting: 'Lilija Berzinska's tales ooze warmth and sweetness.'

Translated by Žanete Vēvere Pasqualini and Sara Smith. With black and white illustrations by the author.