Approached by a variety of animals driven out of their homes by climate change, a young girl heads to the halls of power and throws a tantrum that just might save the world. Includes a science section explaining global warming, climate change, and the perils of environmental destruction
On the Idiosyncrasies, Delights, and Sheer Tyranny of the Icelandic Language
Icelandic is one of the oldest and most complex languages in the world. In this book, Alda Sigmundsdóttir looks at the Icelandic language with wit and humor, and how it reflects the heart and soul of the Icelandic people and their culture. Many of the Icelanders' idioms and proverbs, their meaning, and origins are discussed, as is the Icelanders' love for their language and their attempts to keep it pure through the ongoing construction of new words and terminology. There is a section on Icelandic curse words as well as Icelandic slang, which is mostly derived from English. Throughout, this book deconstructs Icelandic vocabulary, and the often-hilarious, almost naive, ways in which words are made. Among the fascinating topics broached in The Little Book of Icelandic: ¿ The Language Committee: how Icelanders struggle to keep their language "pure" ¿ Let's make a word!-How names for new things are constructed ¿ Old letters, strange sounds: wrapping your tongue around the Icelanders' tongue ¿ $#*!%&!"#$%*, or how Icelanders curse ¿ The missing dialects-why Icelandic has none ¿ Which is the prettiest of all: contests to find the most lovely word in Icelandic (and the ugliest!) ¿ Quintessential Icelandic words and phrases (the ones that describe the Icelanders like no others) ¿ Useful phrases to impress your new Icelandic friends! ¿ Klósett-the unexpected origin of the Icelandic word for toilet ¿ and so much more!
Christmas in Iceland is a vibrant celebration that unites the nation through festive traditions. Music fills the air, friends gather, and restaurants buzz with people enjoying special Yuletide offerings. The excitement of the season is encapsulated in the word "jólaskap," meaning "Christmas mood." Alda Sigmundsdóttir takes you on a journey through Iceland's enchanting Yuletide season, exploring unique foods, customs, and the colorful characters integral to the festivities. Her engaging narrative blends modern practices with the historical and cultural significance of enduring traditions. Discover the delights of smoked lamb, ptarmigan, and the essential Sarah Bernhardt cookies. Learn about the significance of Christmas lights during the dark winter months, family traditions, and the quirky customs that define Icelandic celebrations. Meet the whimsical figures of Grýla, Leppalúði, and the Yule Cat, and dive into the pyrotechnic madness of New Year's Eve. A cherished tradition in Iceland is gifting books during Christmas, which began during World War II when paper imports were less restricted. This custom has flourished, making Iceland the country with the highest book publication rate per capita, especially during the six weeks leading up to Christmas, known as jólabókaflóðið or the Christmas book flood.