Children’s books/young adult – Spring

BOLOGNA 2023

Foreign rights catalogue

BOOTH D30-E31

Illustration from Jub and his tear, a picture book by Arne De Loore and Astrid Vandendael

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Pelckmans aims to inspire, inform and relax today’s readers. This publishing house offers children’s literature, narrative non-fiction that expands readers’ horizons, memoirs, lifestyle, essays, novels, topical themes and recent history. In our Spring 2023 catalog we showcase our newest and hottest titles in children’s books and YA . Please note that our backlist is much more elaborate than this catalog is able to convey. Should you be looking for a specific topic, title or type of publication: please reach out to us via e-mail or through www.pelckmansuitgevers.be/foreign-rights. PDFs of our previous catalogs are also available with more translated information on our titles.

RECENT TRANSLATION SALES

The Biggest Underpantstheft by Kim Crabeels & Melvin to Denmark and Italy

– Billie and his genes by Stefan Boonen & Melvin to Germany and Russia

Friend by Stefan Boonen & Jan Van Lierde to Korea

– Viktor by Jacques & Lise to Japan, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, Korea and France

RECENT TRANSLATION ACQUISITIONS

Hästpojkarna by Johan Ehn

– Creepy carrots! by Aaron Reynolds & Peter Brown

BOOM, La Guerra de Los Colores by Ximo Abadía

– L’ultimo cacciatore by Davide Morosinotto

vain of The Hunger Games

LILY

a dystopian novel for 11 years and up by Tom De Cock

winner best book for Young Adults 2022 world rights available

It’s fifty degrees out. Sea levels are rising every day and each day holds a brand new lockdown due to some new virus – or worse, a nasty fungus. But Lily couldn’t be damned. She’s fourteen, bathes in luxury, and is always busy busy busy as one of the most famous influencers of her time.

author’s debut sold 10.000 copies

LILY sold well over 7.000 copies to date

LILY won Best Book for YA 2022 in the Netherlands

When she falls head over heels in love with the gorgeous yet grumpy Samuel on vacation, she embarks on a crazy adventure to win his heart (and lips). What she hadn’t counted on was the harsh truth about the life she leads. A journey of discovery that will rock not only her existence, but that of every young person on the planet.

A girl who has everything gives up her life for love. She takes on a crushing responsibility instead.

A gripping, exciting, moving and eye-opening YA in the vein of The Hunger Games and Divergent. By bestselling author, Belgian radio voice and content creator Tom De Cock.

★★★★ HET LAATSTE NIEUWS, biggest newspaper in Belgium with 2.6 million daily readers

“With wit, character growth and at times scary visions of the future, De Cock manages to convince the reader effortlessly. An impressively solid YA debut!”

with the cast of Sex Education. +++

LILY: STORM a dystopian YA by

Tom De Cock

world rights available

It’s breaking news worldwide – in what’s left of the world, that is. Lily Rieder-Dubois is alive. She once appraised hair products and soft drinks as a famous influencer. Today she only sells the message that everything urgently needs to change.

The fifteen-year-old rebel with the eye patch has seen the price of luxury. Human blood, melting polar caps, dying nature. And then she discovers that the worst is yet to come. But no matter how loud she shouts, not everyone trusts her. Isn’t she the girl who wants to tear down the Wall? Aren’t her followers terrorists? Isn’t she exaggerating a bit?

With heroism, humor and a motley crew of allies, Lily fights her way out of the quagmire of lies. Because the Storm is coming, and someone has to save the world before it hits…

In this second part of the enthusiastically received Lily saga, Tom De Cock invites you to return to the universe of the teenage girl who opened the world’s eyes, in a future that seems eerily close.

LILY: STEEL is coming AUGUST 2023! a quest around the world on a race against time and nature

“Well-written dystopian YA on climate change and not being heard with an incredibly strong female main character. Even more exciting and timely than the first chapter of this series!”

★★★★ youngadults.nl on Goodreads

ONCE UPON A TIME THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN

a non-fiction storybook by Kamiel De Bruyne & Yarne Daeren

world rights available

nominated for the Dutch children’s book awards 2021

over 10.000 copies sold in under two years

Once upon a time there might have been a cat that became a mailman, and a man that ate a plane … or not. 20 stories that may or may not have truly happened. One spread tells the story, after which the reader needs to answer the question: true or false? After the page is flipped, an explanation as well as a few other fun facts are given.

Full of humor, wit and generously illustrated.

ONCE UPON A TIME THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN 2

a non-fiction storybook by Kamiel De Bruyne & Yarne Daeren

world rights available

over 5.000 copies sold

Once upon a time there might have been a canary with a thousand friends and a man that became filthy rich with his farts … or not. 20 stories that may or may not have truly happened. The success continues!

BEFORE THE NEW MOON

a middle grade novel by Tine Lefebvre, illustrated by Jacques & Lise world rights available

At the top of Bores’ back, just where wings would have been if he had been an elf, sits a hump. A small hump that makes it seem like he is constantly bending slightly while carrying the whole world on his shoulders.

The hump has only been there for a short time. Before that, Bores just walked upright like any other boy does: with the top of his head parallel to the trees and the tip of his nose pointed toward the clouds. The only way you can fully take in the world around you.

But then Mama and Papa decided that the island was too big. Too big, anyway, for just the three of them and a dog to live there. They also said something about how much room they had in their hearts, but Bores had already run to the dock by then.

Big hearts, blegh.

Bores has everything to be happy – no: had. Friday, his faithful dog.

Ark, the island his parents built themselves in the SansLake.

But then along came Moon. His new sister from the Mainland.

When Bores wishes for Moon to disappear and his wish comes true, everything seems to return to normal on Ark. And yet: suddenly, Friday is nowhere to be seen.

To retrieve his dog, Bores sets out to leave for the Mainland for the first time. But there he has to beware of the Landlubbers Mama and Papa have always warned him about.

Before the new moon is a wonderful, exceptional debut middle grade novel on what it’s like to have a sister. And even more about how it feels to be a brother.

+++ Jacques & Lise are working on

a leporello series by Jacques & Lise

world rights available THE MARKET PLACE DRAGON QUEST

It was high time we got a chance to bring Jacques & Lises world into the baby room. Very easy denominated objects for vocabulary training on the one side, and a glorious illustration on the other.

a new project for Fall 2023! +++

a picture book by Jacques & Lise

grants available rights sold to France and Korea, Italian rights optioned

A highly surprising and original picture book that sheds a new light on reality – to make you stop and really listen. A novel creation by the awarded duo.

HENRY

a picture book by Jacques & Lise

3rd place Flemish Children’s and Youth’s Jury 2022

Belgian submission for the 28th edition of Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava 2021

grants available rights sold to Korea, Italian rights optioned

A playful story on a collector of nature, brimmed with imagination and luxurious images. A story that , much like Henry doesn’t know how to stop collecting, isn’t finished after the final page.

BE: €19,50 SEPTEMBER 2021

SAMPLE TRANSLATION AND FINISHED COPIES AVAILABLE HARDCOVER, FULL COLOR 214,5 X 304 MM PAGE EXTENT: 40 AGE 6 AND UP

BE: €19,50 AUGUST 2020

SAMPLE TRANSLATION AND FINISHED COPIES AVAILABLE HARDCOVER, FULL COLOR 225 X 325 MM PAGE EXTENT: 44

PIGEON

a picture book by Jacques & Lise

shortlisted and selected for

the illustrators exhibition at Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2018

the biennal and exhibition of ILLUSTRARTE 2018

the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition exhibition of China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair 2018

the Nami Concours 2019 International Picture Book Illustration Contest

honorable mention at the Picturale, Biennial of illustration 2019

grants available rights sold to Korea and Argentina

The story of an avid pigeon fancier that is full of amazement, emotion, humor, and a whiff of surrealism. A must-have for old and young alike.

a wordless picture book by Jacques & Lise

global Illustration Award winner

Gold Award for Oskar

grants available

rights sold to United Arab Emirates

An endearing and original visual children’s book on unconditional friendship and bravery.

LIKE SNOW IN THE SUN

a wordless picture book by

Jacques & Lise

grants available world rights available

A poetic, dreamy and multi-layered story about letting go and finding closure, in Jacques & Lise’s gorgeous signature style.

VIKTOR

a picture book by Jacques & Lise

nominated Flemish Children’s and Youth’s Jury 2020

Belgian submission for the 27th edition of Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava 2019

honorable mention at the Picturale, Biennial of illustration 2019

two times Global Illustration Award winner: Excellence Award for Viktor

Grand Award for best illustrators of 2018

French translation ‘Viktor’: honorable mention for Prix Libbylit 2020 and essential read according to Paul Hurtmans Biennial

Polish translation ‘Wiktor’: shortlisted for the 2021 Lokomotywa award in the category ‘illustration’

grants available

rights sold to Japan, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, Korea and France

The playful story of a hunter with regret, full of surprising pictures and compositions with an ending you won’t forget.

JUB AND HIS TEAR

a picture book by Arne De Loore and Astrid Vandendael

world rights available

There is a tag on the bottle:

1 tear.

1 tear?

What is that? 1 tear?

Jub has never heard of such a thing.

When the bottle falls from Jub’s hands and the tear dissolves into a thousand drops, Jub has to look for a tear. On his quest, he meets an old rhyming mailman, a busy saleswoman, an onion-cutting fisherman and a lost traveler of the world. Little by little, Jub learns what a real tear is.

THAT I CAN’T DO, THAT I CAN DO

a non-fiction picture book to flip by Inge

Rylant

world rights available

That I can’t do, that I can do is a book you can flip around on the special things animals can and cannot do. You’ll read why a pig isn’t able to look up and herrings can’t swim backwards. The flipside of the book then tells you that a pig is able to dream the best dreams, and herrings communicate through their farts. The central mirroring spread invites readers to think about their own talents.

Also by Inge Rylant: a playful wordless board book with flaps series

An unusual book about crying and showing your emotions.

Coming Summer 2023: How big is a dinosaur turd?

IS IT OKAY TO PET SHARKS?

CAN MOUNTAINS SHRINK?

DOES OLD CHEESE STEM FROM OLD COWS?

a non-fiction book series by Katrijn De Wit, illustrated by Inge Rylant and Laura Bergans

This appraised an highly imaginative series of nonfiction for toddlers answers their everyday questions. The editions tackle the themes of animals, earth, food and birds.

Every spread opens with a question, and when you flip open the page you get both a fantastical response as well as a scientific answer.

winner of Henry van de Velde Graphic & Communication Award 2021

winner of the Belgian Youth Jury 2021

CAN BIRDS SNEEZE?

world rights available

Adapted picture book format with more questions in the making

BEDTIME FOR ADULTS

a

picture book

by Lynn Pinsart and Julie Vangeel

world rights available

Today we reverse the roles. YOU put the grown-ups to bed. Because they are tired, exhausted and in serious need of sleep. And here’s why. They are snout cleaner, weightlifter, wizard… Adults have up to 10 different jobs during the day. Will you help put them to bed? One more story, one last kiss and you’re done!

This books invites the tiny readers to put their parents to bed. Or is it the other way around? A heartwarming story that is sure to turn bedtime upside down.

Also by Lynn Pinsart

Picture books with Flore Deman

THE LONGEST NIGHT

a picture book by Yule Hermans

world rights available

The longest night is a story on the midsummer solstice, inspired by the origin of Yules name. It’s a magical story about being afraid of the dark. The dark of the night, the dark of the unknown and the dark of your own mind.

Also by Yule Hermans

A picture book with Tom Mariën

EVERYTHING IS CHANGING

a picture book by

Laïla Koubaa & Inge Bogaerts

world rights available

Every year, at the beginning of summer, Dounia heads to the city. It’s a gloriously festive occasion.

When Dounia falls asleep on the return ride on the train, something surprising happens. There are no parents waiting at the final stop, instead Dounia finds a gecko, a flamingo, a ray and other stray animals. Together they look for the way home – and decide to make their journey a little more beautiful.

THE BIGGEST UNDERPANTSTHEFT

a picture book by Kim Crabeels and Melvin

rights sold to Italy and Denmark

What to do when you’re a KA-TCHING wealthy director of a museum full of underpants on the day that the most prestigious of panties (the lacy pair of Mona Lisa) gets stolen? You put on your big boy panties and you try and find the culprit.

A visual feast in an incredibly musical and rhytmical text that you’ll just want to read over and over again.

a picture book by Marije Siezenga and Oirik

world rights available

Florian is a tiny fly with huge plans: he wants to make his family proud by planting a flag on the moon. The only thing is: he’s in a bit of a hurry.

Moon is an endearing story about persevering, being brave and chasing your dreams.

Nominated for the Belgian Children’s & Youth’s Jury 2023

NOTHING BUT LOVE

a picture book by Sarah De Bie & Laura Muls

world

rights available

Most things start out small Except our love for you Which couldn’t be bigger at all.

Moms Sarah de Bie, wife of Wout van Aert, and Laura Muls took up pen and drawing pencil to create this endearing, playful and universally recognizable bedtime story on the many ways love is shown in a modern family: it’s not because one parent is (sometimes) away, that you are any less loved as a child. The smallest readers can look for the bees that are hidden throughout the story.

A book to cherish for generations to come.

THE STRAIGHT STORY OF SLUG

a

picture book by

Tom Mariën and Eleni Debo

world rights available

Slug’s road runs straight, dead straight. He avoids flower nor bush. But the sun burns hot and the road is long. ‘Let yourself go,’ states Centipede. ‘Break out of yourself,’ says Ant. But how does one do that, Slug ponders. And will it hurt?

The straight story of Slug tells a compelling story about right and not so right. About holding on and holding steady. Breaking in and breaking out.

DINOSAURS AND HOW TO HIDE THEM

a picture book by Gheleyne

world rights available

Bastiaen

Sam has a most peculiar pet: a dinosaur! They are inseparable.

Sam has to stay with her dad every other week. The only problem is: dad isn’t keen on dinosaurs, especially not for girls. So Sam concocts a plan to bring her dinosaur home in secret. But is hiding her friend the best idea?

Dinosaurs and how to hide them is a debut about acceptance and breaking free from expectations.

BILLIE AND HIS GENES

a non-fiction adventure on genetics

by Stefan Boonen and Melvin

rights sold to Russia and Germany

Stefan Boonen & Melvin take you on a journey through (and to) your genes: this book will tell you anything you want to know about why you either taste cilantro or soap, why your nose looks the way it does, why you love chocolate and, even, why you like to read. It’s all in your genes.

In collaboration with the university of Leuven.

LISTEN TO THE DONKEY AND THE BEAR

a funny storybook by Aby Hartog

world rights available

“Can you teach me how to climb a tree?” asked the donkey.

“I just start running,” said the bear, “and when I reach the tree, I’ll keep on running, but upwards.”

“I should be able to do that,” said the donkey.

“I don’t think so,” said the bear.

The donkey gave it a try. He took a run, dashed towards the tree, and hit his head.

“Thud,” went the tree.

“Ow!” cried the donkey.

“Yup,” said the bear.

They are quirky. Adventurous, resourceful. Cranky, but sweet. Sometimes philosophical, but just as often wonderfully pragmatic. The donkey and the bear are friends for life. They don’t shy away from a challenge. No mountain is too high, no situation too dangerous.

author was previously translated in Germany

Also by Stefan Boonen: picture books with Jan Van Lierde

rights sold to Turkey rights sold to Korea

early readers with Jan Van Lierde

middle grade novels with Tom Schoonooghe

middle grade novel with Julie Vangeel middle grade novel

rights sold to Turkey, Denmark, Croatia and Slovenia

rights sold to Croatia

ONCE AGAIN LITTLE REDHOOD

a storybook by Astrid Van der Schueren and Sanny Winters

world rights available

And they lived happily ever after… Or so we’re told at the end of a fairy tale. But what if the story doesn’t end there? How would your favorite characters live on? In this contemporary follow-up to a tale as old as time, Little Redhood has anxiety, Wolf has trouble digesting his second meal and grandma is enjoying a second childhood …

A story on conquering your fears and making friends.

NO. STORIES FOR CHILDREN WHO LOVE TO SAY NO TO EVERYTHING

a storybook by Liesbeth Talboom, illustrated by Liesbeth Haesevoets. Addended by prof. dr. K. Nowitall.

world rights available

What do the angry ant, the dwarfish dachshund, the reeking raccoon and other animals in this book have in common? They all LOVE the word NO. No to washing up, no to working, no to going to school, no to doing as you’re told, no to eating what you’re served. Just: no. NO brings 10 humorous, surprising and touching stories on the favorite word of many children.

A certain professor K. Nowitall couldn’t be stopped from giving her scientific notes on the adventures of our friends. We couldn’t say no to her.

THE UNIVERSE OF THE GREENHOUSES OF MENDEL

three middle grade novels by

Kirstin Van Lierde and Jurgen Walschot

world rights available

Reya knows the greenhouses like the back of her hand, because she’s been living there all her life, together with Mendel. He takes care of everything that lives under the great, green domes and ensures that nothing gets sowed where it shouldn’t be. One day Reya makes a mistake that has grave consequences. For Mendel, for the greenhouses ánd for herself.

In book 2, we see a young boy named Robin living in poverty and looking for answers. Where do these lush green images in his dreams come from? Who is the girl he sees dancing through the plants – he thinks her name is Ree? His questions lead him back to the greenhouses, just as crisis hits the species living there. An aggressive plague is threatening every being, including Mendel, and Reya has to set out into the world for the very first time.

In book 3, the greenhouses are slowly coming back to life, and Robin is using his special talent to heal the plants. Reya helps wherever she can. When the greenhouses get hit by a new challenge, answers are to be found at the bottom of the ocean. But how do you get there, when you’re petrified of water?

The books can be read in order, but just as easily as standalones.

Enthralling fairytalelike stories on the importance of nature and friendship.

LOWIE

a

middle grade novel

by Stefan Boonen, illustrated by Dieter De Schutter

world rights available

Until that fateful Wednesday in April, Lowie was employed by Mr and Mrs Simmer. Just like her mum (before she left) and grandmother (before she died). All day long - and all by herself - she has to do one lousy chore after the other. Until Mrs Simmer snaps her fingers one time too many. Lowie decides to run away. The thing you need to know about Lowie: when she gets angry or sad, she can jump so high it’s almost as if she can fly.

She ends up in the village of Hinkel. Not wanting to stand out, she cuts her hair and pretends to be a boy. She/he finds work and lodging with hairdresser Roedie. A series of events puts pressure on her anonymous existence. The village discovers that she can jump very high, she meets the king, raises the Commander’s suspicious, makes friends, is forced to admit that she is a girl and meets an old friend of hairdresser Roedie; captain Dobrik Dalmast.

Then her past catches up with her: Lowie falls ill and can no longer jump. The Commander “unmasks” her as the Simmers’ ungrateful maid. Lowie realises that starting over is not for her. She ends up in the ‘pen’. But she underestimates how important she became to several residents of Hinkel, including hairdresser Roedie. After a revolt, the Commander has to release her again. With a bold move - death, maybe?- Lowie manages to escape.

Lowie’s world gets bigger and bigger. The book ends as the girl gets on a boat and embarks on a long journey with Captain Dalmast and the king. To an island where it’s said people live who, when triggered, can jump so high it’s almost as if they can fly … ends as the girl gets on a boat and embarks on a long journey with Captain Dalmast and the king. To an island where it’s said people live who, when triggered, can jump so high it’s almost as if they can fly …

If you haven’t got a lot of time: this is a story about a girl, Lowie. She runs away. In the end she (amost) dies. And there’s more, of course, much more.

Coined Best Children’s Book of 2022 by Dutch teacher’s association

a non-fiction comic book series by Kim Crabeels & Emma Thyssen

middle grade by Mark Tijsmans

middle grade by Vera Van Renterghem , Luc Descamps and Sofie Leyts

storybooks by Karen Hellemans and Stephanie Dehennin and by Korneel De Rynck , illustrated by Joris Thys and Naomi Christiaens

over 6.000 copies sold

DAAN QUICHOT

a graphic

novel

by Stedho

grants available rights sold to Slovenia, Mexico and France

One day, little Dean Quixote goes on a mission with Panza, his grandfather’s cat. He goes hunting for the magic ingredients of spaghetti. He runs, climbs, jumps, flies, falls ... in a strange world where things don’t go as you’d expect.

A wordless story full of surprises.

children’s biographies

by Barbara Rottiers

world rights available

Why do we no longer know who Alexander Von Humboldt, the inventor of nature, really was? And why should we actually care for his legacy? And what exactly is it that Astrid Lindgren, the famous children’s book author, can teach us about growing up and growing old? Allow Barbara Rottiers to explain.

nominated Flemish Children’s and Youth’s Jury 2022

THE H. IN HUMBOLDT LONG LIVE ASTRID

combining wit, delight, humor and a very personal take on these majestic historical figures

SEA SPARKLE

a coming-of-age novel on loss for 11 years and up by Wendy Huyghe

world rights available

international movie with Sverre Rous, Saar Rogiers, Valentijn Dhaenens, Dunia Elwaleed and Hilde De Baerdemaeker

premiered on February 17 at the Berlinale, the international Film Festival of Berlin

One stormy night, Lena’s father’s fishing boat sinks. Antoine Blomme and his two crew members, one of them the dad of Lena’s best friend Kaz, die. The funeral is chilly, because everyone in Ostend seems to have their own version of what happened. According to those present, it was all Antoine’s fault, because an experienced fisherman shouldn’t head out during a storm now should he? Lena doesn’t believe them, her father knew the sea like the back of his hand. When the funeral boat is suddenly startled by a fierce shock, she catches a glimpse of a black shadow disappearing under the boat.

With the help of Vincent, a lanky octopus suit (covering up a 14-year-old boy) who shares a fascination for marine life and holds a summer job at the brand-new Secret Sea Creatures Museum, she sets out in search of the sea creature she think she’s seen – and the true cause of her father’s death.

more information on the movie

more information on the Berlinale selection

CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE SERIAL KILLER: THE GUARDIAN ANGEL

a YA thriller by Bjorn Van den Eynde world

rights available

Adana pointed to the boy’s sternum in awe. Text was written on it in black marker. “Ne la touchez pas.” It meant something like: don’t touch her. Although the person in the water was a boy. His name was printed on the breast pocket of his sweater. Yanis Fournier. His mouth was wide open, and there were red spots on his neck and sweater too.

Golden boy Yanis Fournier (18) is murdered in Rocher de Bohanan. Three stab wounds and the handwritten text ‘Ne la touchez pas’ on his chest are the signature of the perpetrator.

The inconspicuous and unpopular Alix Vexin-Blanc (16) suddenly finds herself in the spotlight. A week earlier she had a very unpleasant encounter with Yanis. Is someone trying to protect her? And is he or she willing to kill for it? Will there be more victims? And is Alix sure that she herself is safe from her mysterious “guardian angel”?

Confessions of a teenage serial killer is a new YA series from the author of Team Mortis that lets young serial killers speak for themselves, and has all the elements of a gritty thriller.

Also by Bjorn Van den Eynde a bestselling YA chapter series of 10 years, with over 40.000 copies sold

more titles in the making

ALL THE THINGS I NEVER SAID

an illustrated poetic journey by Roxanne

Wellens

world rights available

Awarded with the Dutch Acceleration Prize 2021

The love I came to know is adamant There is nothing romantic or pink about it

It’s not the kind of love you long for when you’re alone in bed at night, or the kind that strikes you unexpectedly.

It’s the love that haunts you in nightmares.

The love you hide from. Love that looks inviting at first sight, soft like feathers, but will eventually make you bleed.

- Skeleton woman

A Flemish Rupi Kaur sees the day. Beautifully written, gorgeously illustrated: Roxanne Wellens is one to watch!

Contact us

Pelckmans Publishers www.pelckmansuitgevers.be/foreign-rights

Publishers

Petra Muller petra.muller@pelckmans.nl

Julie Verhaert julie.verhaert@pelckmans.be

Management

Peter Saerens peter.saerens@pelckmans.be

Line extensions Stijn Baeckens stijn.baeckens@pelckmans.be

Foreign rights Sarah Claeys sarah@booketlistagency.com

Illustration from Bedtime for adults , a picture book by Lynn Pinsart and Julie Vangeel.

FRONT: Illustration from Before the new moon , a middle grade by Tine Lefebvre, illustrated by Jacques & Lise. BACK: Illustration from That I can do, That I can’t do , a picture book by Inge Rylant. ISBN