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KRYPTO is a Norwegian series that will consist of ten books.
The books are currently translated into German, French, Danish, Swedish, Icelandic, Spanish, Catalan, Macedonian and Dutch.

A magical underwater world!

Into the deep

Hans Jørgen Sandnes interviewed by Amanda Schultz, Studentlitteratur AB.

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It all began when Hans Jørgen Sandnes found an old map from 1539, depicting Scandinavia surrounded by fantastic sea monsters. That spurred the idea of creating a universe of his own, set below sea. Part of the inspiration comes from Sandnes himself growing up by the ocean. There was a small pier there, and his best friend was the fisherman in the house by the pier. In the series, Ophelia also meets and befriends a fisherman.

– They’re an odd pairing, but I really do think that grownups should treat all kids with the same respect and seriousness that the fisherman Bernard shows
Ophelia, Hans Jørgen says.

 

In the Krypto series, the text and the images are almost inseparable, and much of the story is told solely through the illustrations. By holding back on details and using simple backgrounds, the focus is placed on the characters and their actions.

Krypto helps kids get into reading, no matter their age

 

– Many kids have more experience reading pictures than text. My goal is to create an exciting, visually driven story where the illustrations support the kids through reading the text itself. Many kids need extra reading practice, and I hope that Krypto can help them “crack the code” to reading – no matter their age. 

 

Illustrated book series can be a great way of getting into reading, not only because the illustrations serve to guide the reader through the story, but also because the fast-paced story telling keeps the reader turning pages.

The readers are the animators

 

– I think of the story as a film that the readers are the animators of. They make up the rhythms and movements, they hear the sounds and create the atmosphere. In a world where audio books and digital platforms are increasingly dominant, it is wonderful to work in a medium that requires physical turning of pages to help propelling the story forward.

 

The books, Hans Jørgen says, are written for his inner ten-year-old self, and he hopes that the readers are so invested in the story, and  so curious about the next book, that they will make up new adventures themselves.

Seven of the ten volumes of Krypto are currently published.

Use your fantasy and curiosity

 

– I want to create adventures that belong in our world. The natural world is amazing, and we should all practice using our childlike fantasy and curiosity to get to know the world around us better. Just imagine – every year, thousands of new species are discovered, and 90% of the ocean is still a mystery to us!

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Behind the scenes

A bit of the research that startet it all.

Kraken and the monsters

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All the way back to old norse texts there are stories about sea monsters observed along the coast of Norway and along the routes Norse and Sami mariners and fishermen sailed. 

 

In peoples beliefs Kraken has through centuries been described as everything from a huge whale or fish, to a giant squid. Still, it’s the size that really makes it a monster. It has been called by many names, Kraken being just one of them. In Norwegian tradition Kraken wasn’t necessarily a bad sign, as it also brought along lots of fish to catch. In the old tales, the frightening was often also helpful in some way.

Pierre Denys de Montforts «Poulpe Colossal» depicts Kraken as a giant squid.

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Kraken is, after trolls, the internationally

best known Norwegian creature.

Den store norske glemmeboka, Bianca Boege/Jan Vardøen

Excerpt from Carta Marina (1539) that might also depict Kraken.

Sami fishermen, called the bravest seamen in the world, returning home from Lofoten. 

Illustration by M.J. Burns.

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Those behind the scenes

A short presentation of the people making the Krypto universe.

Hans Jørgen Sandnes

 

​is the author, illustrator and
art-director of Krypto. With
countless hours at the drawing board he works tirelessly to improve the visual storytelling, and leading the Krypto-staff with
a steady hand pages through pages and from one book to the next. 

Jon Løvaas

 

constantly imagines what the Krypto-universe would look like if real. As a scenographer he builds scenes and props where needed, creates anything you want from cardboard and glue, and is an unstoppable Krypto-imagineer.

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Lars Thorsen

 

is a graphic designer and has a great interest for transportation design. He works as the Krypto
submarine and vessel designer and also put the books together and makes them ready for print as the team supplies all the bits and pieces.

Ann-Kristin Lie

 

is a concept artist and illustrator. With her superb taste of color harmonies and a steady hand, she provides color design and hand texting where needed.

© Sandnes Media AS

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