Children's Books and Young Fiction Spring 2022 Catalogue

Rights & Brands Publishing Catalogue

Books and Young Fiction

Rights & Brands is a 360° licensing and publishing agency bringing Nordic rights and brands to a global arena. Starting from a strategic base in literature, art and design, R&B’s platform is built on knowledge, passion and people. Using all aspects of character representation and branding, from publishing and PR to licensing, merchandising and digital development, with a worldwide network of sub-agents and over 800 clients, R&B’s international insight and business capacity is unique.

Rights & Brands represents iconic Nordic brands, artists and authors and is the worldwide master agent on behalf of Moomin Characters. Other representation includes Tove Jansson, Stig Lindberg, Carl Larsson-gården Sundborn, Ilon Wikland, Hello Ruby, Mauri Kunnas and many more.

With its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden and local branches in Helsinki, Oslo and Tokyo, R&B was founded in 2016 by Moomin Characters and Bulls, combining over 70 years of licensing experience.

The Colourful Ghosts of Pippendorf Manor p. 13 by Mauri Kunnas

Moomin p. 4 by Tove Jansson

Moomin p. 4

Ilon Wikland p. 10

Mauri Kunnas p. 12

Nordic Classics. p. 16

Picture Books p. 20 Comics p. 34

Children's Fiction p. 36

Middle-Grade Fiction p. 39

Young Fiction p. 43

Young Adult Fiction p. 44 Non-fiction p. 46

Good Morning Space p. 28 by Linda Bondestam

Prisoners in Paris p. 35 by Patrick Nyström and Per Demervall

Mira and Moon: A Friend for Life p. 39 by Sofie Sarenbrant

Tove Jansson (1914-2001)

Finnish-Swedish writer and artist, who achieved worldwide fame as the creator of the Moomins, written and illustrated between 1945 and 1977. The books about the brave, adventurous, yet family-focused and homeloving Moomins have been translated into more than 50 languages and are still in print all over the world today. The Moomins were only a part of Jansson’s prodigious output. Already admired in Nordic art circles as a painter, cartoonist and illustrator, she would go on to write a series of classic novels and short stories. She remains Scandinavia’s bestloved author.

The Book about Moomin, Mymble and Little My (Hur gick det sen?)

Age 3+ | 26 pages | Förlaget M | 1952

This genre-breaking picture book celebrates 70 years in 2022.

The Book about Moomin, Mymble and Little My, was the first Moomin picture book by Tove Jansson and the book has been a source of inspiration for artists, writers and readers ever since.

The playful rhyming text describes the journey of Moomintroll taking milk back home to Moominmamma, when he meets Mymble who is searching for her missing sister, Little My. Together the pair go looking for her and encounter various characters from Moominvalley and get sucked into the most curious places along the way. The use of cutouts from page to page change the way the story is told in this innovative book.

The book is available in the original bright colours with new files.

© Per Olov Jansson

All Moomin images © Moomin Characters TM

Reading and Writing with Moomins

The Reading, Writing and the Moomins initiative brings together publishers, charity organisations and Moomin licensing all around the world. The aim is to strengthen the importance and joy of reading and writing.

The publishing program first launched in Finland and Sweden with bespoke Moomin ABC titles: Alphabet of Happiness and Moominvalley Alphabet – Danish, Norwegian, and Polish editions are to come in 2022, and Macmillan Children's Books are working on worldwide Moomin ABC titles. The artwork is all based on Tove Jansson’s unique hand-drawn alphabets and original illustrations.

To join this this poetic and inspiring initiative, please ask your R&B contact for more details.

Moominvalley's Alphabet

(Mumindalens alfabet) Age 5+ | 40 pages | Förlaget M & Bonnier Carlsen | 2021

The Alphabet of Happiness (Onnelliset aakkoset) 61 pages | Otava | 2021

Happy Wool Socks

– An Alphabetic Journey into Moominvalley (Onnelliset villasukat – Aakkosmatka muumilaaksoon)

174 pages | Otava | 2022

This knitting book will fulfill the dreams of every knitting Moomin fan! Happy Wool Socks contain 29 Moomin themed sock patterns, all made by wellknown Finnish knitwear designers. Every letter in the alphabet has its own model.

Moomin Nature Books

A series of beautiful gifty guidebooks introducing Nordic flora and fauna; full of facts, quotes and classic Moomin illustrations.

Little My's Bug Book (Pikku Myyn ötökkökirja)

Age 7+ | 128 pages | WSOY | 2022

Snufkin’s Fish Book (Nuuskamuikkusen kalakirja)

Age 7+ | 128 pages | WSOY | 2021

Moomin Picture Dictionaries

Hemulen’s Herbarium (Hemulin kasvio)

Age 7+ | 128 pages | WSOY | 2019

These colourful dictionaries are created with original Moomin illustrations, introducing colours, concepts and words and encouraging the joy of learning a language. Dictionaries are based on Tove Jansson's original Moomin illustrations and include things that are familiar to children and related to the Moomin vocabulary. They belong on the bookshelf of every family that loves words.

Moomin Small Picture Dictionary: Home (Muumien pieni kuvasanakirja: Koti)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | WSOY | 2021

Moomin Small Picture Dictionary: Colours (Muumien pieni kuvasanakirja: Värit)

Age 0+ | 32 pages | WSOY | 2021

Sleep My Little Ones - Little Stories from Moominvalley (Sov mina ungor - Småsagor från Mumindalen) Age 0+ | 18 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2022

Tove Jansson’s lullaby from the novel Comet in Moominland is depicted for the first time in an atmospheric board book with atmospheric illustrations by Mia Nilsson inspired by Tove Jansson's original picture books.

Little My is Funny (Pikku Myy on hauska) Age 0+ | 14 pages | WSOY | 2022

Little My is terribly funny. She does silly things and her laugh is sweeter than anyone else’s! She is small but has her own mind and is able to do great things. But sometimes Little My is also naughty and foolish.

Snorkmaiden is Wonderful (Niiskuneiti on ihana)

Age 0+ | 14 pages | WSOY | 2022

Snorkmaiden has a wonderful white fur and a pretty fringe. She loves wonderful things like seashells, cakes and kitties. But sometimes even Snorkmaiden wants to go wild and do something a little bit terrible or can have reasons to be angry.

Moomin and the First Snow (Mumintrollen och den första snön)

Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illusrated by Maya Jönsson Age 3+ | 40 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2022

The latest addition in the picture book series is Moomin and the First Snow, which is an adaptation of the original Moomin novel Moominland Midwinter, the illustrations bringing to life the snowy sceneries and gentle light of winter.

Moomintroll wakes up from his winter hibernation way too early and can't go back to sleep. Outside the Moominhouse, the world is white and winter's secrets are ready to be discovered. Moomintroll is curious to explore Moominvalley when the rest of the family is asleep. He comes across all the creatures busy with their wintery life and needs to find his way in the changed surroundings.

Step into the world of Moominvalley

This beautifully illustrated series introduces the world of Moominvalley, its characters and values to new young readers. The books are developed by Bonnier Carlsen in collaboration with Moomin Characters, and they are retold and illustrated by established Swedish authors and illustrators. The series returns to Tove Jansson’s original storylines and art style in watercolour and ink. The "Back to Tove" -series includes eight picture books, some of which are also published as part of story collections.

The next title is to be published in 2023.

Christmas Comes to Moominvalley (Julen kommer till Mumindalen)

Text by Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Filippa Wiklund Age 3+ | 40 pages

Bonnier Carlsen | 2018

The Invisible Guest in Moominvalley (Mumintrollen och den osynliga gästen)

Text by Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Filippa Wiklund Age 3+ | 40 pages

Bonnier Carlsen | 2019

The Way to Moominvalley (Vägen till Mumindalen)

Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Cecilia Heikkilä Age 3+ | 40 pages

Bonnier Carlsen |2020

Moomin and the Magic Hat (Mumintrollen och den magiska hatten)

Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Cecilia Heikkilä Age 3+ | 40 pages Bonnier Carlsen | 2021

Moomin on Hattifatteners Island (Mumintrollen på hattifnattarnas ö)

Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Cecilia Heikkilä Age 3+ | 40 pages Bonnier Carlsen | 2020

Moomin and the Last Dragon (Mumintrollen och draken)

Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Cecilia Heikkilä Age 3+ | 40 pages

Bonnier Carlsen | 2019

Moomin Sets Sail (Mumintrollen och havsorkestern)

Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Filippa Wiklund Age 3+ | 40 pages Bonnier Carlsen | 2020

Ilon Wikland artwork

Over 1000 images and illustrations in a variety of techniques are available for publishing and licensing purposes from Rights & Brands. The text rights are with The Astrid Lindgren Company.

Ilon Wikland (b. 1930)

is an Estonian-born Swedish artist and illustrator. In 1944 she escaped the Soviet occupation of Estonia and arrived in Sweden as a 14-year-old refugee.

She was later educated at Swedish art school Konstfack and in 1953 Wikland applied for a job as an illustrator at Stockholm-based publisher Rabén & Sjögren, where she started working with Astrid Lindgren. Wikland has said that Lindgren’s writing makes her see inner pictures. She also derives inspiration for her pictures from real life. Wikland illustrates in the the same way that Astrid Lindgren wrote - for “the child within her”.

The pair worked together for many years and Wikland has illustrated some of the most appreciated works by Lindgren, including Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, Mardie, Karlsson on the Roof, The Children on Troublemaker Street, and many more.

Ilon Wikland has donated over 600 of her original illustrations, now to be enjoyed at "Ilon's Wonderland", a gallery and theme centre for children and families in Haapsalu, Estonia.

© Leif Hansen

“Light, air, warmth, feeling and colour. That’s when the image comes alive.”

Ilon Wikland

Ronja the Robber's Daughter

Themed Activity Books

These stylish activity books contain maths puzzles, labyrinths, lovely stickers of the familiar characters and much more.

Lotta on Troublemaker Street Activity Book 24 pages

Rabén & Sjögren

Children of Noisy Village Activity Book

& Sjögren

Madicken Activity Book

& Sjögren

Christmas Activity Book

Sjögren

Modest and well-mannered Mr Clutterbuck is blissfully unaware of his reputation as the busiest sleepwalker in town. Not so his pet guinea-pig Gus, who has to chase his snoring master on his nocturnal adventurers full of humour and unexpected situations. Mr Clutterbuck features in four original books but he is a character every Finnish child recognises as he can also be spotted walking in the background on nearly every book illustrated by Mauri Kunnas.

Age 4+ | 38 pages | Otava

Mauri Kunnas (b. 1950) is Finland’s most successful children’s book author today. He has published over 50 books, which have been translated into over 40 languages and sold nearly 10 million copies. Kunnas is also widely appreciated by adults, particularly for his comics about the Beatles. Mauri Kunnas offers the reader an unparalleled joy of discovery: his brilliantly coloured illustrations are filled with rich and humorous details. He has an unrivalled gift for taking history and casting it in a new and hilarious way, as well as for giving old stories and legends his own delightful twist.

© Katja Lösönen

Age 4+

1999

Age 4+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2008

32 pages

2008

Age 4+ | 32 pages

Otava

2019

Good Night, Mr Clutterbuck (Hyvää yötä, herra Hakkarainen)

Sweet Dreams with Mr Clutterbuck (Hurjan hauska unikirja)

Mr Clutterbuck’s Seven Wonders (Herra Hakkaraisen seitsemän ihmettä)

Mr Clutterbuck's Funny Hobbies (Herra Hakkarainen harrastaa)

Otava

In the hilarious picture book The Ghosts of Pippindorf Manor, Kunnas reintroduces the ghost family from his classic scary story collection The Great Big Spooky Book published in 1985.

The grandmother is annoyed by her grandchildren’s shabby robes with holes in them, even if the kids claim that it’s the fashion to wear torn sheets. She orders them new sheets online. When the kids open the parcel, the sheets turn out to be in colourful pattern. They think the new robes are cool and head out to spook as it’s Friday 13th, the night of ghosts. Their appearance causes havoc in town, some people get understandably scared but a bunch of ghost spotters start following them and try taking pictures of them, disturbing the ghosts’ celebratory picnic. Mr Clutterbuck also makes an appearance.

The laugh-out-loud funny ghost story in Kunnas’ inimitable style is a spot-on social commentary of generation clash, online shopping and poor postal services.

The Colourful Ghosts of Pippendorf Manor (Pippendorfin kirjavat kummitukset)

2022

Santa Claus (Joulupukki)

Age 5+ | 50 pages | Otava 1981

In this Christmas classic we learn everything there is to know about Santa Claus, his elves and their magical home Mount Korvatunturi in Lapland. Santa Claus has been translated into 30 languages and about 2 million copies have been sold to date.

Santa’s Christmas Holiday (Joulupukin joululoma)

Age 5+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2020

40 years after the classic Santa Claus, Mauri Kunnas returns with his fourth book about the real Santa in Lapland.

Have you ever wondered what Santa Claus and the elves do when all the gifts are delivered? Up in the village of Korvatunturi, where the Christmas spirit is at its fullest, a welldeserved holiday break begins for everyone. It lasts for twelve days of Christmas, from Christmas Day to Epiphany. In this jolly Christmas story, we find out what happens over Santa’s holiday and how the Korvatunturi folk relax.

Twelve Gifts for Santa Claus (Kaksitoista lahjaa joulupukille)

Age 5+ | 42 pages | Otava

1987

What can an elf give Santa for Christmas? This is a story about sharing the gift of happiness with others, regardless of the season.

Santa Claus and the Magic Drum (Joulupukki ja noitarumpu) Age 5+ | 48 pages | Otava 1995

Odd things are happening in Santa’s village with Christmas just around the corner. A picture book based on an acclaimed animation, and the third book in the Christmas book series.

Collection of Little Books of Facts Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava

These small non-fiction books for pre-schoolers are packed with jolly pictures and real facts in an accessible format. The illustrations are familiar from previously published books by Mauri Kunnas, but the themes and design are new and learning fun facts does not require previous knowledge of the characters.

Bold Book of Adventurers (Pieni seikkailijoiden kirja) 2022

Brave Book of Fears (Pieni pelkojen kirja) 2021

Amazing Book of Space (Pieni avaruuskirja) 2019

Charming Book of Nature (Pieni luontokirja) 2018

Mad Book of Sports (Pieni urheilukirja) 2017

Bonkers Book of Speed (Hupsu vauhtikirja) 2016

Fun Book of Animals (Hauska eläinkirja) 2014

Tatu and Patu at Summer Camp (Tatu ja Patu kesäleirillä)

Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2021

Tatu and Patu at Summer Camp is a perfect book to allay anxieties about heading off to a new place and having to make new friends while being away from home. When the Oddville duo heads off to a week of summer camp for the first time, mishaps and bizarre incidents ensue and the usual hilarious antics follow. Summer camp with Tatu and Patu is something totally different and it all adds up to the best week ever for their new friend Timppa and the other campers.

Aino Havukainen (b. 1968) and Sami Toivonen (b. 1971) are best known as the creators of the hilarious Oddville boys, Tatu and Patu. The series includes 23 titles to date, and the riotous humour of these hugely popular illustrated books appeals to children and adults alike. Among many other awards and nominations, Tatu and Patu: This is Finland won the Finlandia Junior prize in 2007 and in 2017 the authors were granted the Finland State Prize for Children’s Culture. In Finland Tatu and Patu books have sold over 1 million copies and the translation rights have been sold in 31 languages.

Tatu and Patu: Tremendous Train Trip (Tatu ja Patu, kovaa menoa kiskoilla)

Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2020

Tatu and Patu are travelling on a train for the very first time. What does one pack on a train journey: hot chocolate induced underwear and mashed all-you-can-eat, of course. The joy of discovery in the train leads into the most hilarious train trip towards Helsinki in this new comic album design. Back to the basic oddness and essence of these curious brothers.

© Katja Tähjä

Aino

and Sami Toivonen

Tatu and Patu

The Wood Mouse’s Dance (Metsähiiren tanssi)

25 pages | Otava

Pirkko-Liisa Surojengin (b. 1950)

is renowned for her delicate and precise illustration style, which charms both children and adults. Most recently her books have been published in Chinese, English, German, Russian and Spanish.

Finnish Animal Fables (Suomen lasten eläinsadut)

Age 6+ | 166 pages | Otava | 1997

Finnish Animal Fables offers a path into the mysterious green world of the Forest Kingdom. It brings Finland’s forest and its animals close to the children of today and reminds us that the forest is our spiritual home, a sanctuary and a seedbed for adventure.

All sorts of forest creatures cavort across the pages of the book: a big, strong bear, a tricky fox, a dour wolf, a quick-witted rabbit and many other rogues

Untu and the Secret of the Heart of Winter (Untu ja sydäntalven salaisuus)

Age 6+ | 104 pages | Otava | 2012

Tiny elf Untu Willi heads north from his seaside hut to unravel the mystery of the light of Christmas. On his way, he encounters a variety of animals and creatures, some helpful and some not so much. Untu is not so easily discouraged, however, and in the end, he achieves his goal. In the glow of the northern lights, Untu meets the father of Christmas.

Untu and the Secret of the Heart of Winter is a beautiful and beguiling picture book for the whole family, illustrated by Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin and written by her daughter Nora Surojegin.

The Gnome’s Last Journey (Maahisen viimeinen matka)

32 pages | Otava |1995

Children’s Kalevala (Suomen lasten Kalevala)

Age 6+ | 184 pages | Otava | 2002

Oili Tanninen (b. 1933)

Finnish award-winning author and llustrator Oili Tanninen has created over 20 children’s books. Her works have been published in various languages. Her simple, yet bold illustrations in graphic colours make her artwork feel as fresh today as when the first books were published in the 1960’s. Tanninen’s books have been published in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Swedish.

© Tommi Tuovi

Bean and Ball (Papu ja Polla)

Age 1+ | 28 pages | Otava | 1970

A wintery tale in bold block colours. Bean the snow rabbit and Ball the snowman play in the snow. But when spring comes and rain starts, where do they go?

A retro picture book series originally published only in Japan has been brought to life in stunning Pantone colours. New translations published in Finnish, Korean and Italian.

Hippu (Hippu)

Age 1+ / 28 pages / Otava / 1967

Beautifully crafted in collage techique, this simple, stylish picture book about little mouse Hippu is a classic.

Hippu and a Friend (Hippu)

Age 1+ | 28 pages |

Kodansha | 1976

Hippu the mouse builds a snowmouse to enjoy a snowy day.

Heppu and a House (Heppu)

Age 1+ | 28 pages |

Kodansha| 1976

Heppu the dog needs a new home when his house gets too small.

Misu and a Balloon (Misu)

Age 1+ | 28 pages |

Kodansha | 1976

Misu the cat buys the perfect birthday present for a friend.

Pommo and a Ball (Pommo)

Age 1+ | 28 pages |

Kodanhsa | 1976

Pommo the girl plays with a ball, but her friend Piko the bird comes to help when the ball rolls onto the road.

Sandberg

Little Anna is a little girl who likes to do things by herself. She wants to build things and she wants to decide on things. She know how to! She has a good friend, the world’s Tallest Uncle. Tall Uncle is tall and thoughtful. Little Anna is small and very brave. Together they form a great team.

Little Ghost Laban is a ghost who’s afraid of the dark. His scary (but kind) father has high hopes for his son, but Laban is more interested in helping out around the castle than learning the spooky business. His sister Labolina is feisty, full of fun and with a very strong voice that keeps them all awake at night.

Inger Sandberg  (b. 1930) and Lasse Sandberg (1924-2008)

Swedish cartoonist and illustrator Lasse Sandberg and teacher and author Inger Sandberg met in the 1950s and started their successful collaboration as a creative team and married couple. Outside the Nordics they are best known for their books about Little Anna and Little Ghost Laban. Together Inger and Lasse wrote and illustrated over 100 books and they have been nominated and awarded several prestigious prizes, including the ALMA Award prize and Elsa Beskow plaque.

The Big Book about Little Anna, Ghost Laban and Friends (Stora boken om Lilla Spöket Laban, Lilla Anna och några till) Age 3+ | 142 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2021

Three Stories about Little Ghost Laban (Tre berättelser om lilla spöket Laban) Age 3+ | 96 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2021

Little Anna Looks at Vehicles (Lilla Anna tittar på fordon)

Age 0+ | 18 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2021

Little Anna Looks at Animals (Lilla Anna tittar på djur)

Age 0+ | 18 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2021

Special anthology of the bestloved classic stories created by Inger and Lasse Sandberg with refreshed artwork. The six stories include Little Anna and Tall Uncle at Sea, Little Ghost Laban, Thumb's ball runs away, Help me, said Pulvret, What's that Noise, said Ghost Laban, When Little Anna Had a Cold and Black, White and Other Colours.

This story collection includes the following three original stories: Ghost Laban gets a Little Sister, What's that Noise, said Ghost Laban, Daddy is Ill, said Ghost Laban.

Inger Sandberg and Lasse Sandberg / Nordic Classics

Kuvittaja magazine

Nina Pirhonen (b. 1975) is a multi-talented picture book author and fashion and graphic designer. She knows her target audience: bold designs and bright colours, whether it is vehicles, animals or a tantrum-prone toddler. New character Leo the Lion has a very personal touch. Nina's latest picture book project is a vehicle series published by Macmillan Children's Books UK.

Leo the Lion Says No (Leo Leijona sanoo ei)

Age 2+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2019

Heartfelt and real picture book about little Leo coming to terms with new emotions, learning new skills and pushing his boundaries. Temper tantrums are not always the way to get what you want!

The book was nominated for Rudolf Koivu picture book award in 2019.

Leo the Lion Makes Friends (Leo Leijona tykkää kavereista)

Age 2+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2020

A sequel to continue the series on Leo the Lion navigating his way through growing pains and new experiences – how does one make friends and play with them nicely? Real experiences shine through in this new series on emotional development.

Leo the Lion Faces his Fears (Leo Leijona voittaa pelon)

Age 2+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2021

In the third book, Leo has an exciting day ahead: he is going to the doctors and to a new nursery. At night he can’t sleep. Even though Mom and Dad comfort him and the bright flashlight and monster repellent chase away the monsters, fear remains. Why does one have to be scared when it makes you feel so miserable?

“The color scale of the illustration is as from a print by Marimekko”

© Nina Pirhonen

© Jonne Räsänen

Tuikku Dares (Tuikku uskaltaa)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2021

Tuikku dreams about playing football but hesitates when Mummy enrols her on a football class. What if she isn't good enough? Does she even dare to try? Friendly neighbour and football enthusiast Lucky knows just what to say and encourages Tuikku to step on the field.

Johanna Lestelä (b. 1984)

is an author who works as a teacher and understands her young audience. Fresh illustration style and funky colours make this new series stand out.

The praised Tuikku series on first experiences presents everyday worries in a relatable way.

Tuikku's Bedtime (Tuikku ja pimeän mörkö)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2020

It’s time for bedtime up, but Tuikku's toys all over the place. Mummy tells her to clean up but Tuikku gets upset. When her bedtime routine is finished, another worry raises its head. Luckily, Mummy knows the tricks for overcoming the fear of the dark.

Tuikku and the Grumpy Day (Tuikun tärkeä tehtävä)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2019

Tuikku is a three-year-old who has something heavy on her mind after a day at the nursery. The worry sits in her tummy and Tuikku must confess to her mummy that she has been mean to her best friend at nursery. Tuikku must apologise to her friend.

Carl-Otto Johansson (b. 1976) is the children’s music performer behind the stage name Daddy Donut (Pappa Kapsyl in Sweden). He released his first record in 2012 and has been touring with his unique dinosaur rock ever since.

Ola Lindblom (b. 1979)

The illustrator Ola Lindblom (b. 1979) brings to life the chase and trill in Daddy Donut's text. He is an illustrator and librarian.

Running from a T-Rex (Jagad av en T-rex)

Daddy Donut is buying a hot dog when an ill-mannered T-Rex suddenly shows up and wants a bite. The best thing to do is to take the hotdog and run, but the T-Rex follows, and a thrilling chase begins. The rhyming text gallops through the pages and the quirky illustrations encourage to play hide and seek with the dinosaur. You can almost taste the hotdog!

Running from a T-Rex is the debut picture book by Daddy Donut, one of Sweden’s most popular children’s artists. Daddy Donut is also well-known internationally and his English language Youtube channel has over 40 million views. Universal Music Group is planning to launch Daddy Donut in Germany as Papa Brezel.

Carl-Otto Johansson and Ola Lindbom / Picture Books

©Mattias Johansson

Susanne Trydal   (b. 1981)

comes from Åsa, a small town near Kungsbacka on the west coast of Sweden. She has worked in the publishing industry throughout her adult life. Trydal’s debut book, the first part of the fantasy trilogy about Hallahem that she co-wrote with Daniel Åhlin, was published in 2015.

Ellen Ekman  (b. 1986)

is an illustrator and cartoonist, who has created several picture books with other authors and is known for the series Little Berlin. Her first own picture book, Idde och hajen (Idde and the Shark) was published in 2019.

Celebrated Ekman has received numerous awards and prizes including te Albert Engström's Youth Prize, the Stora Pondus Prize, the Swedish Series Academy's Adamson Statuette and the Rosenström Culture Prize.

Do You Dare, Stella?

(Är du rädd, Stella?)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2022

Stella's big sister Agnes is going to babysit for a couple of hours while their mom and dad are away on a parent-teacher meeting. Agnes is not so interested in playing, but Stella wants to build a pillow fort and after a bit of nagging, her big sister helps. When the magnificent fort is done, Stella and Agnes turn down the lights and collect all their stuffed animals inside. But suddenly, Agnes looks cunning and wants to tell ghost stories, if Stella dares! Stella does dare, at least a little bit. But who is most scared, really?

Do You Dare, Stella? is the stand alone follow up to Watch out, Stella! The series portraits sibling relationships at both best and worst in a funny and loving way.

Watch out, Stella (Se upp, Stella)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2021

A warm and humorous portrayal of sibling rivalry and affection, but also a poignant depiction of how children deal with their inner fears.

Stella is five years old and has the world's best big sister. Agnes is cool, older and stronger, and she already goes to school. But when their mother says that Stella must visit the eye doctor, jealous Agnes tricks her little sister into thinking that she's going blind. The following night worried Stella cannot sleep, and the next morning she decides to practice being blind. Moving around in her daily life at home and daycare with her eyes closed turns out to be a challenge.

© Hugo Thambert and Kajsa Göransson

Ninka Reittu (b. 1982)

is an award-winning author-illustrator, who is based in Liperi in Eastern Finland. Reittu imbues both images and text with a uniquely heart-warming air. Her inspiration of her children and animals are visible in the lively details in her illustrations. Her touching Super-series on a father and son relationship has been nominated for various awards, including You Are Super Loved for Finlandia Junior in 2017.

Her books have been translated into ten languages to date. Tully and Roly the Pony, starting a new series, has already been published in Danish and Serbian.

© Vesa Tyni

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2022

Tully and Roly are tired of the grandmothers always telling them what to do. They want to decide for themselves, and the tree house at the back of the yard is a great place to try an independent life. But when the evening gets dark, independent living no longer feels so intriguing. Fortunately, the grandmothers start to understand that even children and ponies need to be able to have their say too.

Tully and Roly the Pony is a charming new picture book series about friendship, understanding and accepting one for who they are despite the differences. The thoughtful narration is combined with vivid and bubbly illustrations.

Tully and Roly the Pony (Ystäväni Pulla Vehnänen)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2021

Little Tully lives on a cosy farm together with her grandmothers and dreams about having her very own pony. When she encounters Roly at the nearby stables, she is convinced that this is the pony of her dreams. But suspicious Roly isn’t as sure and turns out to be as snappy and saucy as Tully herself. How will the two find common ground and ever understand one another?

Tully and Roly’s Night in the Treehouse (Pulla Vehnänen ja yö puumajassa)

You Are Super Loved (Sinä olet superrakas)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2017

Father and son share amazing adventures to find out what love is. Will it last if you are silly, or if you say no? Can super-love scare away monsters? This tender story about the superpowers of love is for fathers and sons and the superheroes of life everywhere.

My Super Bellybutton (Oma rakas supernapa)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2018

Father and son talk about strength, speed and round bellies. This humorous and sweet tale about body awareness helps to understand that everyone is perfect just the way they are.

I Feel Super! (Silloin kun on superolo)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2019

Father and son in superhero capes talk through emotions, what makes them happy and how to make others happy, too. Happiness shines through in a smile - and just like yawns, smiles are infectious!

Messi and Mystery Cat -series is about the power for imagination and friendship, how a young cat Messi is whisked into adventures with an inspiring friend Mystery, and together they get out of the stickiest spots. The series in Ninka Reittu's whimsical style first catapulted her into the international picture book scene.

Messi and Mystery Cat: Everything Will Be Fine! (Messi ja Mysteeri: Kaikki järjestyy!)

Age 3+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2013

Messi and Mystery Cat: Heading for an Adventure (Messi ja Mysteeri: Käpälät kohti seikkailua)

Age 3+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2015

Messi and Mystery Cat: Cat Race (Messi ja Mysteeri: Kattiralli)

Age 3+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2015

Ninka Reittu /

Books

Katri Kirkkopelto (b. 1966) is an award-winning artist, illustrator and art teacher who has a special talent for tailoring serious content to appeal to young children. She works closely with schools on material on emotional development. Her books support the child’s emotional and self-regulating development, and they have been translated into Dutch, Estonian and Russian to date.

A subtle, warm-hearted picture book series embracing social and emotional learning.

Blue (Molli) is a furry character, who grows from suspicious solitary creature into a loyal friend, who learns to smile along the way, braves out of her house into the garden and the forest beyond. She worries and frets about the unknown and learns to overcome her fears and shyness while her self-awareness grows. Blue's philosophy is about acceptance, everyday bravery and self-confidence and learning to recognise and accept emotions and change.

Blue’s Christmas (Mollin joulu)

Age 3+ | 34 pages | Lasten keskus | 2022

Something strange is happening. Blue’s friends Pluck and Messy behave weirdly and speak all the time about Christmas, who will come soon. Blue has no idea who or what this strange Christmas is. Blue gets tips from her friends about how to prepare for Christmas and she wants to do everything well, but it is hard if you don’t understand what it is all about. Blue is worried what happens if she doesn’t behave well enough and gets no presents.

Blue’s Christmas is a story about anticipation, sharing and being happy together.

Blue and Mysterious Messy (Molli ja salaperäinen Suttu)

Age 3+ | 40 pages | Lasten keskus | 2021

Blue and Mysterious Messy is a cheerful and touching story about the importance of privacy, different habits, the challenges of living together and the line between selfishness and selflessness.

Blue loves her home but strange things keep on occurring. Things are misplaced, objects are falling off the shelves, and messy little footprints appear here and there.

Together with her friend Little Pluck, Blue bravely attempts to solve the mysterious events and ends up on a bit of an adventure.

© Katri Kirkkopelto

Blue (Molli)

Age 4+ | 34 pages |

Lasten keskus | 2016

Blue is a sincere story about friendship and loneliness, longing and determination, told with compassion and humour.

Blue and the Strange One (Molli ja Kumma)

4+ | 36 pages

| Lasten Keskus | 2018

As Blue and her friend Little Sisu try to find the answer to The Strange One’s secret, they are forced to reflect on fear, bravery and prejudice.

Blue and the Edge of the World (Molli ja maan ääri)

Age 4+ | 40 pages |

Lasten Keskus | 2019

Blue’s world consists of her house and garden. Blue feels safe there but recently she has been drawn to the mysterious forest behind the stone wall.

The Blue series for little ones deals with daily matters that any family can relate to. With less text and underlined message, the series introduces the relatable character of Blue to the smallest readers in the family. By shaking, flipping, and gently patting the pages of the book, surprising things happen on the next page. The topics deal with bedtime tantrums, picky eating and getting a cold.

Blue and the Silly Sickness (Molli ja pöpi pipi)

Age 2+ | 24 pages

Lasten Keskus | 2022

Blue’s Bedtime Fit of Laughter (Mollin iltahepuli)

Age 2+ | 24 pages

Lasten keskus 2020

Blue and the Green Pea (Molli ja hirveä herne)

Age 2+ | 24 pages

Lasten keskus | 2020

Linda Bondestam (b. 1977) is one of the most celebrated illustrators of her generation and she has collaborated with numerous authors in Finland and abroad, most notably with Ulf Stark. Linda has been sitting on chair number 11 in the Swedish Children’s Book Academy since 2019. She has been nominated for a number of prizes for her vivid and playful illustrations, including the ALMA award, the August Prize and Finlandia Junior. She has won the Swedish Picture Book of the Year in 2016, the Nordic Council Prize in 2017 and was awarded the Family Initiative Prize for working in an admirable way for social security and increased well-being in families on a sustainable basis. Most recently, her works have been translated into Danish, English, Finnish, Italian, Latvian and Norwegian.

© Niklas Sandström

Good Morning Space (God morgon rymden)

Age 3+ | 40 pages | Förlaget M | 2022

Good Morning Space is a sibling book to Linda Bondestam’s celebrated Good Night Earth. This time the perspective is reversed – it is now a child on Earth who is looking at other space beings. Unexpected point of view, funny surprises, cut pages and small tasks, like waking up a sleepyhead, makes it a peppy challenger to the classic feel-good story.

Good Night Earth (God natt på jorden)

Age 3+ | 40 pages | Förlaget M | 2018

From the savanna to the city to outer space, this book offers a charming peek at the many ways we settle in for sleep, with gorgeous, dreamlike illustrations full of offbeat humor.

Linda Bondestam’s debut as a picture book author is a beautiful bedtime story that stands out with its visual storytelling, illustrations full of wit and tenderness, distinctive choice of colour, a dash of humour, varied landscape, and surprising species. Die-cut pages invite little ones to discover how all kinds of creatures find peaceful and playful ways to end the day. English edition published spring 2021.

My Life at the Bottom (Mitt bottenliv)

Age 4+ | 42 pages | Förlaget M | 2020

An enchanting, surprising and touching story about climate change told by the voice of an astonishing and rare axolotl, how the environment is affected, and changed. Beautifully detailed illustrations depict the wonders of the underworld.

An axolotl is a small smiling amphibian that lives its entire life at the larval stage, which means that it never really grows up. In this picture book we possibly meet the last of its kind as he thrives in his own pool enjoying his life beneath the waves. But as it gets hotter, the pool gets cloudy, and everyone moves on. Poor axolotl is left all alone. One day a giant wave sweeps away everything, and the axolotl embarks on a journey to the great unknown. English edition was published spring 2022.

You Are Not My Mother (Ni är inte min mamma)

Frank Furu (b. 1984)

is based in Pietarsaari. You Are Not My Mother is his debut book, creat ed together with illus trator Linda Bondestam. The touching story was inspired by his personal experiences and emo tional encounters while working with refugee children for almost a decade.

© Eva-Stina Kjellman

Age 4+ | 32 pages | Förlaget M | 2021

A wistful picture book depicting a little refugee girl’s emotional journey.

Aysha is on her own in a strange new place, Finland. Together with others she lives at a reception centre and goes to school. Everyone around her do their best to look after and comfort her. They are friendly, they cook and eat together with Aysha, talk to her and stroke her hair. But they are not her mother, heartbroken Aysha thinks to herself as she longs for her loved ones and familiar village life. Some days are good and some are gloomy, but there is always someone to comfort her and a lap to sit on, Aysha is not alone.

This is an important and stopping story based on real events – a touching narrative by Frank Furu combined with Linda Bondestam’s delicate colour palette. The book was nominated for Runeberg Junior Prize 2022.

Frank Furu and Linda Bondestam / Picture Books

"The illustrations invite us to step into a small person’s life, alone in a new and foreign country. The book’s short and melancholic text, together with the illustrations, creates a strong emotional experience for both the reader and the listener."

Runeberg Junior Prize jury 2022

Malin Kivelä (b. 1974) has written novels, children’s books and plays, and her writing has been published in several languages, including Vogue Italia.

She has studied journalism and theatre. Her special interests include space, television series and dance.

Martin Glaz Serup  (b. 1978) is an awarded Danish author who lives in Copenhagen where he works as a teacher of literary studies at the University of Copenhagen. He has published several children’s books, poetry collections, chapbooksessays and prose work and also works as a literary critique for different publications.

If You Meet a Bear

Om du möter en björn 40 pages | Förlaget M | 2021

A quirky field guide on what to do if you encounter a bear in the forest that encourages to talk about the relationship between humans and animals. A must-read for every aspiring outdoor adventurer!

This laugh-out-loud, how-to guide is brought to life by awarded illustrator Linda Bondestam’s expressive artwork that captures the contrast between the dangers of the dark forest and exuberant storytelling.

Published simultaneously in Swedish by Förlaget M, in Danish by Jensen & Dalgaard and in Finnish by Teos.

If You Met a Bear was nominated for two of the most pretigious Nordic literary prizes 2021: The August Prize and the Finlandia Junior Prize. It was also nominated for Runeberg Junior in Finland and for Nordic Council Prize in 2022!

Det samma gäller om du har en honungsburk eller något annat ätbart med dig

Malin Kivelä, Martin Glaz Serup and Linda Bondestam / Picture Books

© Niklas Sandström and Mathias Olander

"If you meet a bear takes hold off the full potential of the picture

Skrik aldrig.

Jani Toivola (b. 1977)

is a Finnish actor, director and author who has worked in the media industry since the early 2000s. He was the first elected black MP in Finland.

Previously, Toivola has written two books about personal identity and parenting. Boy in the Red Skirt is his first children’s book, which he hopes would speak to everyone and remind them that there are no rules, and your own story can change the world.

Saara Obele (b. 1984)

is an illustrator and a graphic designer living in Espoo, Finland. She studies Visual Communication Design at Aalto University. She loves bright colours, patterns, flowers, yoga, swimming and reading illustrated stories with her kids.

Boy in the Red Skirt is her debut picture book. In Jani Toivola’s story, she was drawn to its ability to raise different emotions as well as its diverse characters.

Boy in the Red Skirt (Poika ja hame)

Age 5+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2021

Boy in the Red Skirt is a brave story about the importance of being true to yourself and celebrating individuality. Told from a child’s perspective with an autobiographical voice, the book tells a story about Ronnie who can’t resist the red skirt that glimmers in his mother’s cupboard. He is aware that the world is divided between girls’ and boys’ things but who is to say that it should be?

Boy in the Red Skirt is author Jani Toivola’s first children’s book. The uplifting story is brought to life by rising Nordic talent, debut illustrator Saara Obele’s lively and beautiful artwork.

Boy and Butterflies in his Tummy (Poika ja perhostunne)

Age 5+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2022

In the sequel to the well-received Boy in the Red Skirt, Ronnie's summer plans change when grandma takes him for a holiday in the countryside. Ronnie meets Timo, who makes Ronnie feel as if he has butterflies in his tummy.

An honest picture book about first crush.

Jani Toivola and Saara Obele / Picture Books

©

Samuli

Karala

Johanna Lumme (b.1990) is an artist and illustrator, who is recognised for her illustrations in Finnish primary school books in collaboration with Siri Kolu. The Jungle Crew is her debut picture book. Johanna is also the illustrator of the middle-grade series Wild House and The Woken Ones (see p. 40-41).

Pressing themes of climate change and migration are depicted gently in this picture book series that follows three friends who escapes from their home in the jungle to the big city. Each page is if filled with stunning illustrations, that bring to life all the wonders and quirkiness of the jungle citizens as they make their way in a new neighborhood. The Madagascar style adventures leads into discussion about adapting into new surroundings and new beginnings.

The Jungle Crew – Into the Deep Blue (Viidakon väki ja ihmeellinen sininen)

Age 5+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2021

Stripe the Zebra feels out of place in school and escapes to the beach where he encounters a troubled turtle stuck in plastic waste. Realising his new friend needs help, he launches a clean-up operation together with his class and the rest of the Jungle Crew.

The Jungle Crew – The Secret of the Garden (Viidakon väki ja puutarhan salaisuus) Age 5+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2020

The Jungle Crew’s adventures in the big city continue in this captivatingly colourful sequel as the animal refugees adapt to a new life and encounter new acquaintances in the busy city streets.

The Jungle Crew – The Sprouting Rebellion (Viidakon väki ja versova kapina) Age 5+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2022

The Jungle Crew – into the City! (Viidakon väki ja suuri muutto)

Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2019

Stripe the Zebra, Giraffe and Mama Hen live a good life in the jungle until natural disasters force them to leave. They end up in a big city with high buildings instead of tall trees. Together they start building a new house that will feel like home.

The children of the Jungle Crew are worried: the city has so little greenery that the insects have nowhere to live. They decide to face the problem head on by planting seed-bombs all over, and soon the whole city sprouts into an impenetrable jungle! However, it's not until the children start working together with the adults that the city becomes comfortable for everyone to live in.

Johanna Lumme / Picture Books

© Jonne Räsänen

Aleksi Korpela (b. 1986) and Meri Korpela (b. 1990) shares a background in art and design: they are artists, sculptors and graphic designers. Meri writes the stories and Aleksi illustrates but they share the creative process and work on the details together.

(Peloton peltohiiri)

Age 5+ | 48 pages | Otava | 2019

A charming story about a fieldmouse who reads stories about great adventures and fearless knights but who in reality is a bit scared of everything. Universal themes of courage and self-belief with an unexpected but relatable main character are brought to life in the seemingly classic but quirky illustrations.

This is the first of the stories about the fearless field-mouse.

Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2020

The adventures of the charming and well-intentioned field-mouse continue in this sequel.

He ventures along forest paths with a friend and they end up on the doorstep of the terrifying beetle who has terrorized the family of grasshoppers for centuries. But the question is who is the bravest hero of all: The one who is fearless or the one who overcomes his fears?

This storybook offers gentle encouragement to young readers with themes of courage, selfknowledge, overcoming fears and standing up for others.

Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2021

Fearless Field-mouse continues to adventure in the third book of the enchanting picture book series. This time the furry little hero faces the most difficult challenge of his life: how to stop the lizards fighting? Will our red-caped hero find the courage to complete a brave act?

Universal themes of courage and self-belief with an unexpected but relatable main character are brought to life in the seemingly classic but quirky illustrations. The detailed artwork is a beautiful visual invite to the world of Van Gogh and Wes Andersen films, both inspirations reflected in the illustrations.

Fearless Field-mouse

Fearless Field-mouse Raises to the Challenge (Peloton peltohiiri - Kaksintaistelu)

Fearless Field-mouse and the Nut Whack (Peloton Peltohiiri ja pähkinätäräys)

Martin Widmark (b. 1961) is a Swedish writer and teacher. He is considered one of the most prominent writers of children’s fiction today. LasseMajas Detek tivbyrå, (The Whodunit Detective Agency) has been translated into more than 35 languages. Widmark's books are constantly on the best-seller lists, on the libraries’ most popular lists and together with Helena Willis, he has been awarded the children’s own book award 11 times for the LasseMaja titles.

Helena Willis (b. 1964) is a Swedish illustrator and author. Helena claims to have the best job in the world – “I play all day and every day”. Together with Martin Widmark, she has been creating the book series of LasseMajas Detektivbyrå, since 2002.

The comic magazine was launched by Egmont in Sweden in 2020, with six issues planned yearly. Rights & Brands sells all material for the artwork used in the magazine, activity book albums and omnibus releases. Each magazine contains two new stories.

Book rights sold to Poland, Norway, Finland Germany and Denmark to date.

© Thron Ullberg

Patric Nyström (b. 1968) has written comic scripts for many years, for example for comic magazines like Moomin and Bamse. In his own books he combines his interests for inventions, history and adventure and telling exciting stories.

Per Demervall (b. 1955)

is one of Sweden’s most experienced comic and picture book creators and illustrators. He has also created illustrated versions and easy read versions of classic authors, such August Strinberg and H. G. Wells.

The Adventures of Siri is a comic series aimed at middle-grade readers. The series mixes imaginative adventure with historical settings and facts about "the age of Vikings". The main character, a Viking girl named Siri, has to make use of courage and cleverness to prevent the Viking villains Ivar and Grym from stealing treasures or plundering cities.

The comic format encourages reluctant readers, and fans of Asterix will get to experience the Viking stories through the eyes of a young girl. Many aspects of Viking life are portrayed in a historically accurate way, and the layout supports the non-fiction aspect including special fact boxes.

The Emperor’s Treasure

(Kejsarens skatt)

Age 9+ | 88 pages

Stevali Förlag | 2020 (2016)

Siri hides on a Viking ship ship sailing to Miklagård. There she has to protect the treasure of the emperor from the villains Ivar and Grym.

Mimir’s Well

(Mimers gåta)

Age 9+ | 88 pages

Stevali Förlag | 2020 (2017)

Siri, Zack and monk Ansgar are searching for a treasure and for stolen books, but Ivar and Grym are chasing them to get the treasure for themselves.

Prisoners in Paris

(Hövdingens fångar)

Age 9+ | 88 pages

Stevali Förlag | 2021

Ivar and Grym have kidnapped Siri and Zack to help them getting into Paris. Siri has to protect the inhabitants from the plunderers.

Annika Sandelin (b. 1972)

is an author and poet, who also works as a librarian. In 2018, she was awarded the Vanessa Prize for her versatile and passionate contributions to Finnish-Swedish children's literature. Sandelin received the Anni Swan Medal, Finland's oldest children's and youth literature prize, in 2021. Her latest books include The Silk Monkey's Laughter, Yoko’s Diary series and Moominvalley Alphabet (2021), the latter was nominated for the prestigious Runeberg Junior Prize.

Jenny Lucander (b. 1975) is a graphic artist and children’s book creator whose acclaimed works are frequently used in magazines and advertising. Lucander have been nominated for several prestigious awards such as Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA), Runeberg Junior Prize and The Elsa Beskow plaque. In 2020, she won the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize.

My Flying Grandma (När Farmor flög) Age 6+ | 80 pages | Förlaget M | 2022

A new and unique take on the classic superhero tale!

Nine-year-old Joel is not happy when his parents drop him off at his grandma while they leave for a business trip to Kuwait. Joel hardly knows his grandma, but she seems awfully boring: she only eats ready-made soups and spends all her time playing solitaire on her computer. It is almost as if she has forgotten that Joel is even there.

Until one morning, when Joel notices that his grandma has grown wings on her back. Suddenly, she begins to fly all over the town, and even saves a couple of odd characters. Has Joel’s grandma turned into a superhero?

The warm and moving story is highlighted by Jenny Lucander’s atmospheric illustrations.

©Niklas Sandström

© John Grönvall

Lena Frölander-Ulf (b. 1976)

is a Helsinki-based author and illustrator who writes in Swedish. Her works have been presented in multiple exhibitions in Finland and internationally, and she has been nominated for numerous awards, including Finlandia Junior twice. Nelson Tigertass is her first novel.

Nelson Tigerpaw (Nelson Tigertass)

7+ | 282 pages | Förlaget M | 2019

Nelson Mareng stands alone at the train station in Berlurenstad, a city where most are in too much of a hurry to help a stranger. But not everyone. Suddenly, Nelson is involved in a world full of dangerous secrets, fake news and grand adventures. Embark on a trip beyond Berlurenstad's tidy façades in Frölander-Ulf’s tender and humoristic book about friendship and daring to stand up for what feels right.

The novel was nominated for the Finlandia Junior Prize and the Runeberg Prize in 2019, and it won the Arvid Lydecken Prize in 2020.

Lena Frölander-Ulf

"A wide and impressive children's book with echoes of a classic adventure novel and traditional fairytales. The undertones of modern society are presented in a moving yet hopeful way: the rootlessness and wrong-doing are won by friendship and bravery, when life is not restricted by prejudice.”

Finlandia Jury

Pete Leppänen (b. 1975)

is a Helsinki-based author. With his 30 years of experience from the underground world of rock’n’roll and a touch of imagination, Pete came upon the story about Rock the Rabbit, an underdog and daydreamer and Rolla the Owl, his howling companion, the budding rock stars of the village of Trickythicket.

Leppänen works in book publishing. After business hours, he continues to create new rock tunes with his guitar to inspire the adventures of Rock and Rolla.

© Uzi Varon

Rock the Rabbit and Rolla the Owl: The Ghastly Gulls (Rokki-Pupu & Rolli-Pöllö – Kirotut lokit)

Age 7+ |appx 160 pages | Lasten Keskus | 2022

Rock the Rabbit and Rolla the Owl’s dreams seem to come true when they go on tour as the warm-up act for the Ghastly Gulls –the world famous rock band that was introduced in Rock the Rabbit and Rolla the Owl. The friends have numerous of gigs, hundreds of miles in the cool tour bus, and excited audiences ahead of them.

But somebody is trying to sabotage Ghastly Gulls part of the shows. Or are the band simply cursed? As the tour goes on Rock & Rolla and their roadie Feisty the Guinea pig do their own investigations to find out who is behind all the nuisances. But how will they catch the culprit in action?

Rock the Rabbit & Rolla the Owl: The Ghastly Gulls is a rock mystery adventure, filled with delicious twists and exhilarating rock references.

Rock the Rabbit and Rolla the Owl

(Rokki-pupu ja Rolli-pöllö - Keikkakuumetta)

Age 7+ | 140 pages | Lasten keskus | 2021

A story for little rock fans and parents who want to tune up storytime.

When word goes out that the local world-famous rock band the Ghastly Gulls will be performing at their school disco, Rolla the Owl sparks an idea: her and Rock the Rabbit’s band would be the perfect opening act.

As the idea takes flight, the duo finds themselves in front of a chance of a lifetime as they prepare for the upcoming performance. Not all are excited about the duo’s upcoming show. Luckily Doc the Owl and Magic Mitts the Mole can guide them towards their dreams.

The book includes a rock-themed vocabulary at the end, allowing readers to familiarise themselves with the world of rock.

Sofie Sarenbrant (b.1978) is one of the most successful crime authors in the Nordics, best known for her award-winning Emma Sköld series, which has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Her crime novels have been translated into over 15 languages. Mira and Moon is her debut middle-grade series, introducing Sofie to new young readers in Sweden and internationally. The translation rights for A Friend for Life were sold in Finland pre-publication.

Mira and Moon: A Friend for Life (Mira och Månen: En vän for livet) Age 9+ | 192 pages | Bookmark Förlag | 2022

This smashing new series for middle-grade readers introduces 13-year-old Mira, who struggles with social anxiety. As she befriends Moon, the most beautiful pony at the stables, she starts to find courage and confidence.

The only place Mira feels at home is in the horse stable. In school, she is treated as if she wasn’t even there, and her social inabilities excludes her from her classmates. Although the riding classes are challenging, it is among the horses that Mira finds refuge.

Moon is the most popular pony at the riding school, but after being injured, he is left abandoned. That is until Mira steps in. She secretly starts to take care of Moon, and soon they grow a strong bond and Mira starts to dream about competing with Moon. But Mira is afraid that Annie, the best rider who always competes with Moon, will find out about their secret and put a stop to it, separating Mira and Moon.

A Friend for Life is the first book in the new series about Mira and Moon. As in her successful adult crime wrinting, Sofie Sarenbrant again brings forth important issues in an entertaining format. The heartfelt book is inspired by classic horse books and is set apart by its pacy storytelling and contemporary topics of mental issues, loneliness and social awkwardness. It is a story about not fitting the mold, finding strength from unexpected sources and bravery within.

©

Eva-Stina

Kjellman

"Sofie Sarenbrant has found the balance and conveys a nuanced portrayal.”

Bibliotekstjänst (Swedish library journal)

Siri Kolu (b. 1972) is a writer, dramatist, director and theatre instructor among many other duties in the Finnish cultural field. She is a Finlandia Junior Prize winner and her works have been translated into 22 languages. She has been awarded the Laivakello Prize by the Finnish Institute for Children's Literature and in the Netherlands, Siri Kolu won the Silver Slate Pencil. Me and the Robbersons received an honour mention in British Book Trust's In Other Words competition in 2018. Siri Kolu is a front-line author with a strong voice and a broad range from humourous middle grade to edgy YA, cross-over.

© Mirva Kakko

The Woken Ones: The Secret of the Night (Hereiset: Yön salaisuus)

Age 9+ | 160 pages | Otava | 2022

One night, 11-year-old Leo wakes up to discover that his seemingly normal parents have been keeping a secret from him. Every night, his mom and dad turn into fighters who battle terrifying creatures of the night – right in their back yard. Now that the truth has become clear to Leo, he too must join the fight and protect his little sister Lumia from the night world of horror. For this, he will need endless wit and courage.

But if you struggle with ferocious monsters all night, you will inevitably get tired during the day. How could Leo possibly lie to his best friends, and tell them that all is well? He knows that he has no choice, for the secret must not be revealed.

The Woken Ones: The Secret of the Night is the first book in a new addictive series by celebrated author Siri Kolu, illustrated by Johanna Lumme. Drawing inspirations from ancient myths and gaming, Kolu has created an action-packed horror story that also touches on subjects such as grief and friendship.

"Siri Kolu has evolved into a modern day Astrid Lindgren.” Hämeen Sanomat

Wild House trilogy

An action-packed contemporary adventure trilogy with speedy chasing scenes, secretive characters, Cluedo-like problem solving – and a house that grows legs!

The main character TomTom and his friends experience an adventure of a lifetime as they set on a quest to solve the mystery of the Wild House, discover the existence of Roof Riders and eventually encounter the Wild House of nightmares in the finale.

Wild House Book 1: The Amazing Villa Van Böök  Age 8+ | 224 pages Otava | 2019

Wild House book 2: Roof Riders Age 8+ | 254 pages Otava | 2020

Wild House Book 3: The Battle of The Black House Age 8+ | 294 pages Otava | 2021

The Robbersons series, nine titles Me and the Robbersons (Me Rosvolat)

"With a deliciously anarchic Dahl-ish energy to it and a lovely message to end, The Robbersons is already a hit all over the world –it’s about time we got a chance to read it here”

Daniel Hahn, author and translator, praise for the UK edition.

Age 8+ | 24 pages | Otava | 2010

The award-winning and "entertainingly different" Me and Robbersons of worldwide fame is now available in English for the first time, after being translated into over 20 languages since it was first published in 2010.

Terror trilogy

An impactful YA series about the power of stories, family and love, hope and war. How stories we tell shape our history and our destiny. An exclamation mark of human rights and life after a pandemic.

Stories from the Edge of The World (Iltasatuja maailmanpalosta)

Age 14+ | 334 pages | Otava | 2021

Strangers Outside (IP Ihmisen puolella)

Age 14+ | 318 pages | Otava | 2014

Terror Inside (PI Pelko ihmisessä)

Age 14+ | 286 pages | Otava | 2013

Matilda Gyllenberg (b. 1980) is a journalist and author. She has worked as a news anchor, has been a presenter and editor for various television programs and she has also written columns. She made her literary debut with the novel Breathless Home in 2019. One Hundred Days at Home is her first novel for children.

One Hundred Days at Home (Hundra Dagar Hemma) Age 11+ | 150 pages | Förlaget M | 2022

As the Christmas holidays comes to an end, 11-year-old Nike realises she can’t go back to school. The staring gazes and loud noises of her classmates are simply too much for her to handle, not to mention the strong, overwhelming smell in the school cafeteria that almost makes her want to vomit. A darkness comes rolling in, preventing Nike from doing what she wants most – to be at school just like everyone else.

The town’s indoor swimming pool burns down, and Nike suddenly has a lot on her plate. With her best friend Mia they are drawn into an exciting and rather scary mystery that they must solve all by themselves. Fortunately, Mia is the bravest person Nike knows, she dares to face both the police and the unpleasant school janitor. As the two friends come closer to finding the culprit, Nike must step in, and overcome her greatest fears.

One Hundred Days Home is a fast-paced detective mystery that touches on important subjects such as mental illness and focuses on the main circles of a pre-teen: the close surroundings, school and friends. The books is illustrated in black and white by Maria Sann.

ANiklas Sandström

Arto Wiikari

Nadja Sumanen (b. 1975) is an occupational therapist and mother of two children. She loves spending time with her family at their cabin. She values sincerity, food prepared with love and cycling on forest roads. Her first novel Rambo was awarded the Finlandia Junior Prize in 2015. She has since written other YA fiction. Her titles have been translated into Brazilian Portuguese, Bulgarian, Lithuanian and Russian.

Rambo gives a platform to the youth who rarely get their voice heard.

Rambo has been raised by his mother and is used to coping on his own when mum is depressed. He has a short fuse but a vivid imagination, and at school he avoids the company of those who are better off.

Getting to go to mum’s boyfriend’s parents’ cabin brightens up the summer holidays. What a paradise, there is structure to the day, mealtimes and the most warm-hearted hosts you could imagine. The peace is broken by cocky Liina’s arrival. On the surface it would appear she is doing just fine, but is she really any happier than Rambo?

"Nadja Sumanen’s depiction of her characters spans three generations and is so warm and moving it’s a shame to part with the characters at the end of the novel! Rambo wants to be an ordinary 14-year-old boy, but he isn’t. The story’s theme is the social marginalisation and family problems that are so relevant in today’s society, but the book is nevertheless bright and hope-filled. You miss Rambo as soon as the book ends."

Jury 2015

Rambo

Dess Terentjeva  (b. 1992) is an author of Russian origin who lives in the vibrant city of Tampere in Finland. As a migrant author, both Russian and Finnish cultural aspects reflect in her works. Her writing also carries strong LGBTQ themes. Terentyeva has a Master of Arts from the University of Jyväskylä.

With her manuscript for Lovely (Ihana) Terentyeva won WSOY's new voices YA writing competition leading to the publication of her debut solo novel in 2021.

Lovely (Ihana) Age 14+ | 128 pages | WSOY | 2021

A fresh and cohesive verse novel with a narrative that resembles the spoken word.

Lilja is a pansexual in 9th grade who constantly has a crush. Lilja has nicknamed her latest social media crush as Lovely. It turns out that Lovely is the child of Lilja’s single dad’s latest girlfriend, quite the game-changer. Lovely appears to be a confident and conscious nonbinary on social media, but Lovely’s conservative mother has no clue about her child’s true identity. Can Lilja come to terms with the fact that dad is dating a woman who seems to be transphobic? And can one force another to show their true colours?

In 2021 Lovely won Finnish publishing house WSOY’s writing contest that discovers new voices. After publication the same year it was also nominated for Finlandia Junior, Topelius and Torchbearer (Tulenkantaja) awards. Film rights were optioned in 2022.

"The captivating and touching 'Lovely' (Ihana) is a whole and beautiful reading experience. The passionate rhythm of the language in the work manages to reach the experiences and the feelings of young people accurately and credibly. Becoming accepted as one’s true self, being seen and feeling loved is a vast theme that is handled sensitively and skillfully through the verse novel.”

Finlandia Junior Prize jury 2021

© Sonja Siikanen

© Jesse Haaja

Helena Waris (b. 1970) writes atmospheric fantasy novels for young adults, where the stories are based in a world that draws inspiration from nature and Finnish folklore. She has won the Ku vastaja prize, awarded by the Finnish Tolkien Society, for an unrivalled four times.

Netherholme trilogy

Stout-hearted thundermen, fearless maidens, romance and dashing wordplay – the landscapes of primeval Finland are ruled by ancient powers and eternal love. The world is sliding inevitably towards long winter. Only one family, that of Ailegais, Arni, and Troi with their spouses and children, are protected by the ancient powers to survive it.

This acclaimed three-part fantasy is a beautiful tale of humanity's shrouded origins, from the era of retreating ice and cave paintings. The world of old, with its legends and beliefs, wilderness and lakes, fells and villages, will enchant readers of all ages.

Netherholme Book 1 A Path Drawn to a Dream (Uniin piirretty polku) Age 13+ | 463 pages Otava | 2009

Netherholme Book 2 The Wolf Children (Sudenlapset)

Age 13+ | 437 pages Otava | 2011

Netherholme Book 3 Winterblooded (Talviverinen)

Age 13+ | 333 pages Otava | 2013

“The skilful use of Finnish landscapes and mythology in the series creates something new and unique.”

"The myths and beliefs Waris embeds in histories make the world vibrant and authentic.”

Kuvastaja Jury

Salla Savolainen (b. 1962) is a celebrated and productive illustrator, who excels in children’s book and is known for her varied styles and successful collaboration with many authors, including Star Hill Stables (Tikkumäki) series with Reetta Niemelä and VestaLinnéa -series with Tove Appelgren. She has also written four picture books herself.

Savolainen’s drawings have been shortlisted and awarded several prizes including the Kukko award in 2013 for non-fiction. She has also been nominated for the Finlandia Junior Prize three times. Her works have been translated in more than ten languages to date.

The next books in the series introduce readers to the busy and noisy daily life at a cement plant and a wrecking yard. The series is to be published in Estonian, Czech, Russian, Swedish and Thai to date.

Mastermind illustrator Salla Savolainen rolls out with Asphalt!, the first part of the new Construction trilogy. Welcome to the world of cement mixers, diggers, bulldozers, dump trucks, rumbling rollers, graders and pavers, fascination gizmos, loads of know-how and action. The noise, sights, and constant activity of the construction site make each day interesting. Learning about building roads and how they are constructed has never been so much fun.

© Kyösti Kontio

© Klaus Welpi

Otus Opus –Zoology Poetry (Otus Opus, Zoologipoesi) Age 5+ | 64 pages | Otava & Förlaget M | 2020

Laura Ruohonen (b. 1960) is one of the most prominent Finnish playwrights, a poet and director whose works have been translated into 27 different languages. She has been granted several awards, including Kordelin’s literary award and Pro Finlandia 2010.

Erika Kallasmaa (b. 1969)

Erika Kallasmaa is an award-winning artist, illustrator and graphic designer. She is a master of visual story-telling and her medium expands beyond the means of books and printed matters to theatre, television, architecture, performance arts and installations. Kallasmaa was awarded the Finnish state prize of visual arts in 2013.

The illustrated poetry books Allakka Pullakka, Yökyöpelit and Tippukivitapaus have become moder classics and they have been adapted into an award-winning television series, successful theatre plays and songs. The latest book Kummalla kammella is published in 2022 by Otava. The poems have been published in Swedish and sample translations exist in English and German.

An enclyclopedia in verse about strange and wonderful insects and small animals.

A thrilling collection of factbased animal poems featuring over 30 cat-sized creatures and smaller: meercats, flying squirrels, sea snake, hedgehogs and bumblebees. The factual texts are accompanied by exhilarating animal art. This stunningly different fact book has notions of Eric Carle’s illustration style and delicious madcap poems. The book has been published simultaneously in Finnish and in Swedish.

Laura Ruohonen and Erika Kallasmaa / Non-fiction and Poetry

The Wall Street Journal

Linda Liukas (b. 1986)

is a children’s book author and illustrator who travels the world as a keynote speaker and shares the message of embracing coding and computing at technology conferences, teacher training sessions and even at United Nations. In 2018 she was selected on the Forbes list of top 50 women in tech. In 2019 she launched Love Letters to a Computer teacher training programme on YouTube. Hello Ruby books have been translated into 33 languages.

Hello Ruby: Very Big Computing Adventure

(Hello Ruby. Mahtava tietokoneseikkailu) Age 5+ | 256 pages | Otava | 2021

The world-famous Hello Ruby series is now available in one volume! A collection of the four original books, seasoned with new exercises on each topic.

Welcome to the whimsical world of computing and learn about computers, programming and technology together with Ruby.

This bind-up comprises four different stories from the world of computers that teach how the Internet works and how machines act and learn. Combined with up to 100 updated exercises and a new teacher's guide at the end of the book.

Hello Ruby books have been translated in 33 languages and they have taken the author and coding ambassador Linda Liukas, loved by teachers and tech world, all around the world.

Linda

"Linda Liukas wants kids to understand and embrace basic computer logic, so that they later formulate code in the same effortless and creative way they build structures with LEGO."

© Maija Tammi

Hello Ruby 1: Adventures in Coding Age 5+ | 112 pages |

Feiwel & Friends | 2015

In Ruby’s world, anything is possible if you set your mind to it. As Ruby embarks on her adventure, children will be introduced through storytelling to the basic concepts of coding and programming.

Hello Ruby 2: Journey Inside the Computer Age 5+ | 96 pages |

Feiwel & Friends | 2016

A journey inside the machine that powers our world. The computers around us work tirelessly, but what if there was a way to peek inside? Part storybook, part workbook, the book even includes a DIY paper computer.

Hello Ruby 3: Expedition to the Internet Age 5+ | 96 pages |

Otava | 2017

Join Ruby and her friends in their quest to build the most amazing Snow Internet ever. Future kid coders can put their knowledge and imagination to the test with the fun and creative exercises included in the activity book section.

Hello Ruby 4: Robot’s First Day at School Age 5+ | 96 pages | Otava | 2018

Are people and computers the same or different from each other? Do robots have feelings? Emotionfilled narrative and mind-bending activities explain the difference between how humans and machines act and learn. Dive into the world of artificial intelligence.

Roundies

In the fairytale world of Roundies, children learn to recognise and control emotions. Roundies is a study based concept for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in early childhood, developed by experts in psychology and pedagogy.

This Roundies picture book collection with its colourful world, inspiring characters and story-based approach is a key element of the emotional education model. The books are created by Roundies collective, in Finland the books are published by Kustannus-Mäkelä.

Crokosmile Acts Like a Bully (Heko Kroko kiusaa)

Theme: Practicing empathy | 2021

Three Cheers for Cheeraffe (Kiva Kirahvin kannustus)

Theme: Personal strength | 2020

Piggy Makes a Mess (Siro Saparon iso moka)

Theme: Problem solving | 2019

Penguin Faces the Challenge (Pelokas Pingviini ylittää itsensä)

Theme: Overcoming anxiety | 2019

Bouncy Banana Goes Bananas (Pomppu Bansku ylikierroksilla)

Theme: Calming down | 2018

Cranky Crabbie’s

Cocoala Wants to Be the Best (Koala Karhu haluaa olla paras)

Theme: Dealing with jealousy | 2018

Cranky Crabbie's Hissy Fit (Räyhä Ravun kiukkupuuska)

Theme: Feeling cross | 2017

Kisskiss Feels Left Out (Puspus Pusukala tahtoo leikkiin)

Theme: Being a good friend | 2018

Sisu Fox Doesn't Give Up (Sisu Kettu ei anna periksi)

Theme: Perseverence | 2017

KissKiss

Bouncy

Rights & Brands' Literary Sub-agents

Japan

Tuttle Mori Agency

Ken Mori: ken@tuttlemori.com

South Korea Shinwon Agency

Tae Eun Kim: tae2k@swla.co.kr

South Korea (Moomin)

SMC Seoul Merchandising Co.Ltd Rayoung Kim: rykim@smckorea.com

Hong Kong, China, Taiwan PPW Sports & Entertainment (China) Limited

Ivan Chan: ivanchan@ppgl.com

Spain, Portugal, South-America (excl. Brazil)

Casanovas & Lynch Literary Agency

Marina Penalva:  marina@casanovaslynch.com

Italy

Chiara Tognetti Rights Agency Chiara Tognetti: chiara.tognetti@ctrights.com

Brazil

Vikings of Brazil Pasi Loman: pasi.loman@vikingsbr.com.br

Poland Book/lab

Diana Hasooni-Abood: diana@literatura.com.pl

Albania, Bosnia-Hertzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Slovakia

Corto Literary Agency

Simona Kaleva: simona@cortoliterary.com

Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines (Moomin)

Medialink Animation International Ltd Noletta Chiu: nolettachiu@medialink.com.hk

Moomin Master Publishers Worldwide

Penguin Random House UK (Moomin)

Bethany Copeland: bcopeland@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk

Macmillan Children’s Books (Moomin) Line Dyvesveen: line.dyvesveen@macmillan.com

publishing@rightsandbrands.com www.rightsandbrands.com