Jakob Martin Strid: From political cartoons to imaginative children’s literature
In this article, you'll learn about Jakob Martin Strid, one of Denmark’s most beloved children's authors and illustrators. We'll explore his career from his early satirical cartoons to his highly imaginative children's books, like “Den Fantastiske Bus" and "Den utrolige historie om den kæmpestore pære”. You'll also discover Strid's distinct artistic style, which blends whimsical storytelling with detailed, hand-drawn illustrations. By the end of this article, you’ll understand the unique place Strid holds in Danish culture, his influence on both political satire and children's literature, and the visual artistry that makes his work so captivating.
Early career and political satire
Jakob Martin Strid began his career as a politically motivated cartoonist, gaining attention with his comic series Vi Hader Alting ("We Hate Everything"). His early works were featured in the Danish newspaper Politiken, where Strid became known for his sharp satirical take on politics through his STRID comics. These comics were anarchistic in nature and reflected Strid’s left-wing ideology. The strip often portrayed exaggerated and far-fetched plots, drawing controversy for its critiques, especially when it expressed sympathy towards groups like the Red Army Faction (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia, den frie encyklopædi).
Transition to children's literature
Despite his roots in political satire, Strid found widespread success in children's literature. He shifted from adult satire to storytelling for children, and his books quickly became beloved classics in Denmark. His children’s stories are known for their humor, adventure, and strong moral lessons, often featuring anthropomorphized animals with vibrant personalities. One of his most popular children's books, Den utrolige historie om den kæmpestore pære ("The Incredible Story of the Giant Pear"), follows two friends on an epic adventure to rescue their mayor (Wikipedia).
“Den fantastiske bus” and its impact
Den fantastiske bus ("The Fantastic Bus") is another standout work in Strid's portfolio. The book tells the story of a group of animals who embark on a journey to save a boy named Timo. The tale is filled with surreal landscapes and imaginative twists, blending humor with a heartfelt message about friendship and creativity. The artwork for this book was featured in a major exhibition at Copenhagen Contemporary, where more than 50 original drawings were displayed, showcasing Strid's artistic process and his love for transportation themes.
Awards and recognition
Throughout his career, Jakob Martin Strid has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Crown Prince Couple’s Culture Prize, the Ministry of Culture's Illustrator Prize, and the Dan Turèll Prize. His ability to captivate both children and adults with his stories and illustrations has made him a household name in Denmark. His works are known for their timeless appeal, and his influence extends beyond children's literature to exhibitions that draw significant attention (Wikipedia).
Influence, style and legacy
Strid’s work is often compared to that of other legendary children's authors and illustrators, such as Tove Jansson, Astrid Lindgren, and Bill Waterson. His books, especially Den fantastiske bus and Den utrolige historie om den kæmpestore pære, have become staples in Danish children's literature, admired for their creativity, humor, and intricate illustrations.
His style stands out due to its blend of satirical edge and whimsical, child-friendly illustrations. The characters in his works often have exaggerated, expressive features, while his detailed, hand-drawn settings transport readers into imaginative landscapes. His visual storytelling is deeply intertwined with the narrative, using vibrant, large-scale drawings that are both playful and meaningful. This unique combination allows his stories to resonate on multiple levels—entertaining children with fantastical plots while subtly critiquing adult structures and celebrating creativity and friendship.
His continued influence on both the literary and art world has cemented his status as one of Denmark’s most beloved contemporary authors.
Take a look at Jakob Martin Strid's art here.
