In late August, author Nguyen Nhat Anh participated in several book presentation and reader meet-and-greet sessions in Stockholm. These events marked the debut of his story "Co hai con meo ngoi ben cua so" in Sweden. The work was translated by Hien Ekeroth and published by Barnens Val, featuring illustrations by artist Do Hoang Tuong.

Nguyen Nhat Anh at a reader meet-and-greet in Sweden.

The author's discussions took place at various venues, including the Study Promotion Association at the People's University, Transtromer Library, Stockholm International Library, and Gamla Stans bookstore. Seeing many Vietnamese and Swedish readers attend, Nguyen Nhat Anh said he felt a warmth that made him forget he was abroad. "I thought I was back home, immersed in the familiar atmosphere of reader gatherings at schools or book fairs," he stated.

The author appreciated the warm welcome from the publisher. The Barnens Val publishing house team created a video with an original song to introduce the book. The song lyrics, summarized in Vietnamese, are:

"Cat Gau sits waiting by the window,

Ao Hoa has vanished somewhere.

Ti Hon draws a small world,

Quietly moving through life.

Cats chase mice, that's how life is,

The wise often say so.

But strangely, a small friend

Made all rules change.

Two cats sit by the window,

A small story, a vast sky.

Sometimes those thought to be lifelong pursuers

Become soulmates."

Excerpt from the song introducing the book "Co hai con meo ngoi ben cua so". *Video: Organizers provided*.

The affection from readers, both domestically and abroad, fuels Nguyen Nhat Anh's passion for writing. On one occasion, during a meet-and-greet in Thailand, he saw local readers queueing patiently for his autograph. Leaving for the airport, the author noticed a Thai reader holding "Cho toi xin mot ve di tuoi tho" and examining it closely. Though unsure if the book was purchased, he felt a surge of pride.

Author Christina Wahlden, an executive board member of IBBY Sweden (International Board on Books for Young People), described the event as a special gathering, marking the first time readers could enjoy Nguyen Nhat Anh's stories in Swedish. She recognized him as one of Vietnam's most beloved authors, with generations of children growing up with his tales. Wahlden was moved to see a reader drive for hours from Landskrona to attend the program. "The atmosphere was like a rock star concert," she said. On the organizer's fanpage, a reader named Lim commented that the book was warm, charming, and rich in philosophy, exploring themes of inequality and solidarity.

The author presented a signed book and took a photo with Tran Van Tuan, Vietnam's ambassador to Sweden. *Photo: Organizers provided*.

"Co hai con meo ngoi ben cua so," released in 2012, is one of the author's most popular stories. It recounts the love story between poet cat Gau and cat Ao Hoa, alongside the touching friendship between cat Gau and mouse Ti Hon. All relationships are told through the innocent narrative style of a fable. Cat Gau's love, as the author concludes, "always radiates a sparkling light with which anyone can create magic for this world." The book is over 200 pages, featuring 67 illustrations by artist Do Hoang Tuong interspersed with many poems.

Author Nguyen Nhat Anh at a book launch event in 2024. *Photo: Mai Nhat*.

Nguyen Nhat Anh has many best-selling books translated into English, Korean, Japanese, and Thai. Examples include "Mat biec" (Japanese edition - 2004), "Cho toi xin mot ve di tuoi tho" (Thai - 2011, Korean - 2013, English - 2014, Japanese - 2020), "Toi thay hoa vang tren co xanh" (Japanese - 2017, English - 2018), and "Di qua hoa cuc" (Japanese - 2020).

Nguyen Nhat Anh, 71, hails from Thang Binh, Quang Nam. In 1973, he moved to the Southern region to study pedagogy, graduating in 1976. Besides 5 poetry collections, over 30 comic books, and 12 film scripts, Nguyen Nhat Anh has published more than 100 prose works for teenagers, young adults, and children. He has also released 3 sports commentary collections and over 50 love advice collections under various pseudonyms. The Vietnam Book of Records Center recognizes him as the nation's most prolific author for young adults.

Tam Ky