Grandpa (in Somalia) Has 4 Wives

Hat tip Fria Tider and Isak

Grandpa has 4 wives

That’s the title of a new children’s book that is just hitting the shelves in Sweden. It is bi-lingual, Swedish and Somalian, and targeted for a children’s audience between 3-6 years. The writer is Oscar  Trimbel. He is also the author of another new children’s book entitled, (in Swedish) Grandma is no ghost (referring to her burka). The stories concern a Somali-Swedish children meeting their Somali grandparents for the first time and the cultural differences they see There is quite a stir over the release of these books. The latter book is being criticized because many feel it is promoting polygamy among Swedish children who read the book.

By chance I was speaking over the phone with an acquaintance in Sweden today who picked up a copy of the book at the Gothenberg book fair (second largest in the world). He said he actually met and spoke with the author, Trimbel, who told him the book was meant as a way to help Somali kids integrate into Sweden. The article from Fria Tider was translated by me.

http://www.friatider.se/3-ringar-ska-l-ra-sig-om-islam-och-polygami-farfar-har-fyra-fruar