Children's Books and Young Fiction Spring 2023 Catalogue

Page 41

Rights & Brands

SPRING 2023

Catalogue

Children's Books and Young Fiction

Rights & Brands is a 360° licensing and literary agency bringing Scandinavian 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.

Rights & Brands Stockholm Rosenlundsgatan 31 118 63 Stockholm Sweden Rights & Brands Helsinki Salmisaarenranta 7 L 00180 Helsinki Finland
publishing@rightsandbrands.com www.rightsandbrands.com

Bamse p. 19

Stories from Squirrelvalley: Ozzy and Chirp p. 34

Moomin p. 5

Moomin p. 4

Ilon Wikland p. 10

Mauri Kunnas p. 12

Picture Books p. 16

Comics p. 34

Fiction p. 37

Non-fiction p. 49

A Good Friend – The Superpowers of Friendship p. 49

Rafsa Wildfur p. 38

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 1980. 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 celebrated 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.

4 Tove Jansson / Moomin
© Per Olov Jansson
©
TM
All
Moomin images Moomin Characters

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 Sweden and Finland with bespoke Moomin ABC titles: Moominvalley's Alphabet and The Alphabet of Happiness. Danish, Norwegian, and Polish editions came out 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 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

Alphabet of Happiness – Activity Book

(Mumindalens alfabet –Pysselbok)

Age 5+ | 32 pages | 2021

Alphabet of Happiness – Sticker Activity Book

(Mumindalens alfabet – Pysselbok med klistermärken)

Age 5+ | 32 pages | 2021

Alphabet of Happiness – Coloring Book

(Mumindalens alfabetMålarbok)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | 2021

Alphabet of Happiness – Craft activity book

(Onnelliset aakkoset - askartelupuuhaa)

94 pages | 2021

Alphabet of Happiness – Activity Book of Emotions (Mumindalens alfabetPysselbok om känslor) 32 pages | 2021

5 Moomin / ABC

Happy Wool Socks - An Alphabetic Journey into Moominvalley (Onnelliset villasukat, Aakkosmatka Muumilaaksoon)

92 pages | Otava | 2022

Tiptoe into the wonderful world of the Moomins in cozy, knitted socks! This crafty sock book takes you on an alphabetical journey into Moominvalley, with familiar characters, places and letters to match.

The book includes 29 new Moomin-themed sock designs by Novita, using yarns from the Moomin x Novita collection. The socks are designed primarily for adult sizes, but with nifty tips, the socks can also be knitted for smaller feet. All models have clear instructions and photo illustrations.

The Alphabet of Happiness – Colouring Book for Adults

(Onnelliset aakkoset – Värityskirja)

Age 12+ | 96 pages | Otava | 2022

Colouring book based on Tove Jansson’s original Moomin illustrations. Its beautiful pages invite to unwind and dream in colour, with quotes placed along the pictures.

6 Moomin / Board Books

Little Moomin

A new board book series about the eclectic characters of the Moomin Valley and their different emotions. The books are based on Tove Jansson’s charming original pictures and two- to three-yearolds will love the funny verse form and the surprising twist of the story!

Moomintroll is Nice

(Muumipeikko on mukava)

Age: 3+ | 14 pages | WSOY | 2023

Moomintroll is very nice. He is always kind and everyone’s friend. But sometimes, even Moomin feels low and doesn’t have the strength to be nice anymore…

The Groke Is Scary

(Mörkö on pelottava)

Age: 3+ | 14 pages | WSOY | 2023

The Groke is horribly scary. She doesn’t speak a word and just stares at you. And the ground at her feet is all in ice! But what if the Groke is just lonely?

Little My is Funny

(Pikku Myy on hauska)

Age: 3+ | 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 My is also naughty and foolish…

Snorkmaiden is Wonderful

(Niiskuneiti on ihana)

Age: 3+ | 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.

7 Moomin / Board Books

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, Thingumy and Bob Come to Moominvalley, will 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

8
Moomin / Picture Books

The Way to Moominvalley (Vägen till Mumindalen)

Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Cecilia Heikkilä

Age 3+ | 32 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

9
Moomin / Picture Books

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.

10
“Light, air, warmth, feeling and colour. That’s when the image comes alive.”
Ilon Wikland
Ilon Wikland / Artwork
© Leif
The Brothers Lionheart
Hansen

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 | 2022

Children of Noisy Village Activity Book

24 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2022

Madicken Activity Book

24 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2022

Christmas Activity Book

24 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2021

11 Ilon Wikland / Artwork

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.

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 | 1999

Age 4+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2008

Age 4+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2008

Age 4+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2019

©
12 Mauri Kunnas / Picture Books
Katja Lösönen Mauri Kunnas (b. 1950) 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)

Going to the Doctor with Pawchester Pups

(Tassulan lasten lääkärikirja)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2023

Pawchester pups are very active with their daily endeavors and hobbies, therefore, they also experience minor accidents or fall ill. Not to worry, though, as the pups get the help they need. In the company of the Pawchester pups, going to the doctor’s and overall being under the weather is not a reason to worry as the reader gets to follow the characters taking care of their wellbeing.

This adorably illustrated new book addresses the fears of visits to the doctor and presents the most common illnesses experienced by children, as well as shares informative advice on being healthy. This new title is written together with pediatricians for an informative and reassuring read.

13 Mauri Kunnas / Picture Books

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.

14 Mauri Kunnas / Nordic Classics

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 on generational clash, online shopping and poor postal services.

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2022

15 Mauri Kunnas / Picture Books
The Colourful Ghosts of Pippendorf Manor (Pippendorfin kirjavat kummitukset)

Tatu

(Tatu ja Patu kesäleirillä)

Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2021

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.

Tatu and Patu’s Adventures in Outer Space

(Tatun ja Patun Avaruusseikkailu)

Age 4+ | 53 pages |

Otava | 2011

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 1.3 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.

Tatu and Patu: Superheroes!

(Tatu ja Patu supersankareina)

Age 3+ | 48 pages |

Otava | 2010

Tatu and Patu’s Fantasy Adventure

(Tatun ja Patun fantasiaseikkailu)

Age 5+ | 44 pages | Otava | 2023

Tatu and Patu return to embark upon a fantasy adventure! In the latest book, the duo’s love of fantasy opens the world of Avathor as they discover a passage through their bathroom mirror cabinet. They learn that Avathor is on the verge of chaos, therefore Tatu and Patu get the chance to use all their warrior and wizarding skills. This book is a brilliant pastiche of fantasy genre with Tatu and Patu’s genious humour.

16 Aino Havukainen and
Toivonen /
and Patu / Picture Books
Sami
Tatu
and Patu at Summer Camp © Katja Tähjä

Oili Tanninen (b. 1933)

Finnish award-winning author and illustrator 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.

(Pallo

Age 3+ | 26 pages | Otava | 1985

The boy kicks his ball alone all day long until he meets a ram and asks him to play. The ram kicks the ball with his horns very far into the woods. “Bah” says the ram. The punchy dialogue and carnevalistic humour mark this timeless classic.

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.

Age 1+ | 28 pages | Kodansha | 1976

Age 1+ | 28 pages | Kodansha| 1976

Age 1+ | 28 pages | Kodansha | 1976

Age 1+ | 28 pages | Kodanhsa | 1976

17 Oili Tanninen / Picture Books
Hippu and a Friend (Hippu) Lost Ball hukassa) Heppu and a House (Heppu) Misu and a Balloon (Misu) Pommo and a Ball (Pommo)
© Tommi Tuovi

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 has a good friend, the world’s Tallest Uncle. Tall Uncle is tall and thoughtful. Little Anna is small and brave. Together they form a great team.

Little Ghost Laban is a ghost who’s afraid of the dark. His 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 has a very strong voice that keeps them all awake at night.

Thumbkin (Tummen) is a classic Swedish character that explores the world through childlike interest and wonder. The character was created from the thumbprint of Lasse Sandberg. Thumbkin celebrates 45th anniversary in 2023 with a newly created logo.

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.

Age 3+ | 69 pages |

Rabén & Sjögren

| 2008

Three Stories about Little Ghost Laban

(Tre berättelser om lilla spöket Laban)

Age 3+ | 96 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2021

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

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

Special anthology of the bestloved stories with refreshed artwork, including Little Anna and Tall Uncle at Sea, Little Ghost Laban, Thumbkin'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.

18
Inger Sandberg and Lasse Sandberg / Picture Books
ISBN 978-91-29-66824-7 TUMMESAGORTRE
© Tre Sandberg AB Thumbkin (Tummen)

Rune

Bamse by Rune Andréasson

Bamse is the strongest bear in the world, but also the kindest, and the protector of the weak and those in need. He is here to amuse all children, but he is also a role model and a favourite among parents. Bamse was originally created by Rune Andréasson in the sixties, and the Bamse comic magazine was first published in 1973 and celebrates now its 50th anniversary.

A collection of Bamse picture books

Age 5-7 years | 42 pages | 170 x 215 mm | Egmont | 2008 – 2009

Rights and Brands represents the publishing rights for Bamse together with Storyhouse Egmont.

19
Bamse by
Andréasson / Picture Books

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.

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

(Leo Leijona tykkää kavereista)

Age 2+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2020

A sequel in the series on Leo the Lion navigating his way through growing pains and new experiences. Leo will learn to make friends and play with them. Real experiences shine through in this new series on emotional development.

(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. Leo, however, goes to face his fears.

the Lion Makes Friends Leo the Lion Faces his Fears
20 Nina Pirhonen / Picture Books
“The color scale of the illustration is as from a print by Marimekko”
Kuvittaja magazine
© Nina Pirhonen

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. The rights for Tully and Roly the Pony, a new series, have been sold in Danish, German, and Serbian to date.

Tully and Roly’s Night in the Treehouse

(Pulla Vehnänen ja yö puumajassa)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2023

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 as Tully herself. A charming story about newfound friendship between a pony and a little girl.

21 Ninka Reittu / Picture Books
© Vesa Tyni

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 brings to life the chase and thrill in Daddy Donut's texts. He is an illustrator and a librarian.

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

Age 3+ | 24 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2022

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 hot dog 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 hot dog!

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 Youtube channel has over 40 million views. Universal Music Group is planning to launch Daddy Donut in Germany as Papa Brezel.

Dinosaur ABC (Dinosauriernas ABC)

Age 5+ | 60 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2023

In the hilarious and quirky world of Dinosaur ABC, readers will not only learn the alphabet, they will also be invited to come along with Alice Allosaurus at the zoo, see the crazy hair styles of Carl Corythosaurus, find out how little raptors go about when they want to run away, and experience sibling rivalry between Wilmer and Wilma Wannaosaurus. Dinosaurs, learning and fun introduced by the popular children’s entertainer.

22
Carl-Otto Johansson and Ola Lindblom / 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.

Ekman has received numerous awards and prizes including the 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 nagging a bit, her big sister helps. When the magnificent fort is done, Stella and Agnes turn down the lights and collect all their stuffed animals inside. Then suddenly, Agnes wants to tell ghost stories, if Stella dares! Stella does dare, at least a little bit, but both sisters become spooked in the end.

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.

23 Susanne Trydal and Ellen Ekman / Picture Books
© Hugo Thambert and Kajsa Göransson

The Wood Mouse’s Dance (Metsähiiren tanssi)

25 pages | Otava |1990

Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin (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, Italian, 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

24 Pirkko-Liisa
and Nora Surojegin / Picture Books and Story Collections
©Tommi Tuomi

Sanna Sofia Vuori (b. 1981)

is an author and she has many active roles in the children’s cultural scene. Her first picture book The Egg illustrated by Linda Bondestam, (page 28-29) was nominated for the Finlandia Junior in 2018.

Cara Knuutinen (b. 1965)

is a teacher in art education and a beloved illustrator of various books. She was nominated for the Rudolf Koivu prize in 2009.

Badger Goes Missing

(Grävling borta)

Age 1+ | 24 pages | Förlaget M | 2020

In this warm story with very mild peril, a child has a fluffy toy she calls Badger. One day she takes him to the kindergarten but along the way, Badger is forgotten in the hurry. Left behind in a park, Badger meets another stuffed animal, a ragged rabbit, who has been through the worst possible experience that a plush toy could imagine. Badger, however, does not give up, and becomes reunited with the child.

Lejon kommer

Badger Meets Lion

(Lejon kommer)

Age 1+ | 24 pages | Förlaget M | 2022

In this lovely wintery sequel, Badger and the child celebrate Christmas at her grandfather’s cabin. Under the Christmas tree, there is an exciting package that rustles, and in it they find a wild lion lurking, a new stuffed animal for the child. Badger’s whole world changes as he comes to feel what resembles sibling rivalry. Despite the feeling of jealousy, however, Badger also experiences the joy of having a new friend and sibling.

25 Sanna Sofia Vuori and Cara Knuutinen / Picture Books ©
Cata Portin
Förlaget sanna sofia vuori cara knuutinen Lejon kommer Illustration sanna sofia vuori cara knuutinen

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 about emotional growth. 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 a suspicious solitary creature into a loyal friend, who learns to smile along the way and braves out of her house into the garden and the forest beyond. She worries and frets about the unknown, but learns to overcome her fears and shyness while her self-awareness grows. Blue's philosophy is about acceptance, everyday bravery, 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 endlessly 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 occurring. Things are misplaced, objects are falling off the shelves, and messy little footprints appear everywhere. Together with her friend Little Pluck, Blue bravely attempts to solve these mysterious events and ends up on a little adventure.

26 Katri Kirkkopelto / Picture Books
© 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.

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 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.

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

27 Katri Kirkkopelto / Picture Books

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, Dutch, English, Finnish, German, Italian, Korean, Latvian and Norwegian.

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. An unexpected point of view, funny surprises, cut pages, and small tasks, like waking up a sleepyhead, makes this book 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 the little ones to discover how all kinds of creatures find peaceful and playful ways to end the day. English edition published in spring 2021.

28 Linda Bondestam / Picture Books
© Niklas Sandström

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

Malin

Kivelä (b. 1974)

has written novels, children’s books and plays, and her writing has been published in several languages, including italian for Vogue Italia.

Martin

Glaz Serup  (b. 1978)

is an awarded Danish author who has publsihed several children’s books, poetry collections, and prose work, and also works as a literary critic 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.

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

August prize jury 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, on how the environment is affected and changed. Beautifully detailed illustrations depict the wonders of the world under water. English edition was published in spring 2022.

"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

29
Skrik aldrig. Vifta inte med armarna. Spring inte. Rusa inte hit och dit. Det samma eller något Om du har med dig en korg med bär så är det nog smartast att du bara ger den till björnen så fort som möjligt. Du kan också sjunga för den eller berätta
©
Niklas Sandström and Mathias Olander
“If You Meet a Bear takes hold of the full potential of the picture book format.”

Heybuddy Nursery 1: Rebecca’s Moody Day (Päiväkoti Heippakamu: Rebekan rapupäivä)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava

2016

Rebecca is very grumpy and even her favourite toy Cloud struggles to cheer her up.

Veera Salmi (b. 1976)

writes contemporary urban stories with a deep understanding of children’s world and imagination. She won the Kaarina Helakisa Prize in 2014 and was nominated for the Finlandia Junior in 2015. Her books have been adapted for film, television, theatre and radio, and translated into Danish, Estonian, German, Korean and Swedish.

Elina Warsta (b. 1979)

is an illustrator of various acclaimed picture books with many different language editions. In 2016 she was granted the State Prize for Children’s Culture in Finland and selected for the IBBY Honour List.

Heybuddy Nursery 5: Naomi and the Terrible Tinkledress

(Päiväkoti Heippakamu: Naomi ja kamala kilinämekko)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2023

Naomi does not want to wear a dress in the nursery photo but her cowboyhat, showing the importance of being true to oneself.

Heybuddy Nursery is a picture book series that celebrates diversity and everyday nursery life with the mood swings, fears and dramas that children encounter every day, but with all the humour, friendship and care that makes them feel safe. Each title features a different protagonist, but all the children become familiar characters in this multicultural nursery. The insightful stories by Veera Salmi are illustrated with humour and great colourful details by Elina Warsta.

Heybuddy Nursery 2: Pablo and the Wobbly Tooth (Päiväkoti Heippakamu: Pablo ja heiluvat hampaat)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava

2017

Pablo is a timid boy, even if it is his birthday and he has a wobbly tooth, he doesn't want anyone to know about it.

Heybuddy Nursery 3: Isabella and the Glimmering Girl

(Päiväkoti Heippakamu: Isabella ja tuikkiva tyttö)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2018

Stella is new to the nursery, first Isabella is cautious but then wants to make friends with her – luckily both girls love sparkles.

Heybuddy Nursery 4: Hung and Runaway Panther (Päiväkoti Heippakamu: Hung ja pantteripako)

Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2020

When Hung grows restless, he turns into a ferocious panther Bam-Bam, who is even able to open the nursery gate.

30 Veera Salmi and Elina Warsta / Picture Books
© Doris Salutskij
|
|

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. Toivola has previously 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 the story of 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 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 the first crush.

Boy and a Leap of Courage

(Poika ja rohkeusloikka)

Age 6+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2023

Ronnie is enrolled in circus school! His new hobby raises doubts and fear, but everything changes when he meets a brave new friend who also looks more like him. Ronnie becomes more encouraged to try something new. An inspiring book about courage and friendship that shows you’re not alone.

31
Jani Toivola and Saara Obele / Picture Books
© Samuli Karala © Jonne Räsänen

Johanna Lumme (b.1990)

is an artist and illustrator, who is recognised for her illustrations in Finnish primary school books, written with author Siri Kolu, and other collaborations.. 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. 44-45).

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

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.

32
Lumme / Picture Books
Johanna
© Jonne Räsänen

Fearless

Aleksi Korpela (b. 1986) and Meri Korpela (b. 1990)

share a background in art and design: they are artists, sculptors and graphic designers. Meri writes their stories, and Aleksi illustrates them, but they share the creative process and work on the details together.

(Peloton Peltohiiri – Lumilabyrintti)

Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2023

The red-caped hero is faced with a chilling challenge: to rescue his friend who has disappeared in the snowcovered forest. Courage and selfconfidence are needed once again.

peltohiiri)

Age 5+ | 48 pages | Otava | 2019

Starting the series about a fieldmouse who reads stories about great adventures and fearless knights, but who in reality is a bit afraid of everything. Universal themes of courage and self-belief are introduced with an unexpected but relatable main character.

Fearless

(Peloton peltohiiri - Kaksintaistelu)

Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2020

Field-mouse and his friend end up on the doorsteps of the terrifying and terrorizing Beetle. Field-mouse returns with familiar themes of overcoming fears and standing up for others.

(Peloton Peltohiiri ja pähkinätäräys)

Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2021

The furry little hero faces the most difficult challenge of his life: being brave to stop the lizards from fighting, and standing up for what is right.

33 Meri and Aleksi Korpela / Picture Books
Field-mouse (Peloton © Sampo korhonen Field-mouse Raises to the Challenge Fearless Field-mouse and the Snow Labyrinth Fearless Field-mouse and the Nut Whack

Johanna Witick (b. 1982 )

is an artist, author and graphic designer from Helsinki. Witick has worked as a graphic designer since 2002 and become a prolific artist with her own unique style. Her love of art comes from her childhood when drawing became an important hobby, and this inspired her to create her own series of books with a quirky character, Ozzy the Squirrel. Witick’s inspiration for Ozzy comes from her childhood neighborhood with plenty of squirrels living and moving around nearby.

Stories from Squirrelvalley: Ozzy and Chirp (Oravalaakson tarinat: Ossi ja Titityy)

Age 6+ | 48 pages | Otava | 2023

A colourful and quirky graphic novel, Stories from Squirrelvalley introduces small readers to Ozzy, a curious squirrel, who is adopted by a cautious snail. After finding an abandoned egg, Ozzy makes his way through Squirrelvalley to find a home for the egg, while meeting peculiar animals on the way. What makes this series stand out is the sweet but not saccharine style and humour with little jokes reminiscent of The Simpsons for a suitably young age group, and the world which expands beyond Squirrelvalley in the future books. This is a delightful read with many meaningful questions of who you are and what you want to be, including ignoring all advice by carers and even a philosophical dilemma of whether a wolf should become a vegetarian.

34 Johanna Witick / Comics
© Niclas Mäkelä

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 Detektivbyrå, (The JerryMaya 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 JerryMaya 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 JerryMaya Detective Agency 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.

JerryMaya Detective Agency Comic 2023 Omnibus edition Age 6+ | 174 pages |

pages | 2021

Detective Agency Activity Book

Age 6+ | 24 pages | 2022

35 Martin Widmark and Helena Willis / Comics
© Thron Ullberg
SAMLADE SERIER LasseMajas detektivbyrå SAMLADE SERIER 3 LasseMajas detektivbyrå
SAMLADE SERIER 1 SAMLADE SERIER 3
Age 6+ | 170 pages | 2021
JerryMaya Detective Agency Comic 2021 Omnibus edition
Nr 1 2021 2nya mysterier
JerryMaya Detective Agency Comic Magazines
SAMLADE SERIER 2 LasseMajas detektivbyrå Mjöl Salt Ol P 224299 PYSSELBOK Här är äntligen LasseMajas pysselbok. Den är sprängfylld av klurigheter och pyssel, frågesporter, labyrinter, måla efter siffror, recept och mycket mer. Alla svar finns längst bak boken. Gnugga geniknölarna och sätt gång. Martin Widmark, Helena Willis, 2021 Agneta Wallgren Ninni Oljemark Producerad för Egmont Publishing AB, LasseMajas AKTIVITETSBOK FYLLD MED Klurigt och lurigt Färglägg Valleby Frågesport Många andra pyssel KLURA tillsammans MEDVALLEBYS vassaste DETEKTIVER! Batch: Art nr: XXXXXX VARNING. Ej lämplig för barn under år. Kvävningsrisk på grund av
JerryMaya Detective Agency Comic
Magazine 1–6 28
SAMLADE SERIER 2
JerryMaya Detective Agency Comic 2022 Omnibus edition Age 6+ | 174 pages | 2022
Nr 2 • 2021 4sidor VALLEBYBLADET 2nya mysterier Den stulna Den stulna Nr 3 2021 4 3nya serier Nr 4 2021 & Vallebybladet såklart! 3nya serier En lärares hemliga liv En lärares hemliga liv Valleby Alla i Valleby Samlarbilder 1 Nr 5 2021 Pyssel: Valdemars djurfläta! 3nya serier Vinna eller Vinnaförsvinna eller försvinna Valleby Alla vi Valleb Samlarbilder Nr 6 2021 & Valleby-Bladet såklart! 2nya mysterier Snöbollar och diamanter Snöbollar och diamanter Valleby Alla vi Valleby Samlarbilder 3
2023
JerryMaya

Patric Nyström (b. 1968)

has written comic scripts for many years. His work has appeared in comic magazines like Moomin and Bamse, for example. In his own books, he combines his interest 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 and illustrated easy read versions of classic stories by authors such as August Strinberg and H. G. Wells.

Siri the Viking 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

(Kejsarens skatt)

Treasure

Age 9+ | 88 pages

Stevali Förlag | 2020 (2016)

Siri hides on a Viking 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 get into Paris. Siri has to protect the inhabitants from the plunderers.

36 Patric Nyström and Per Demervall / Comics
© Daniel Ström © Tuss Bennergård-Rojas

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. The rights have been sold in Germany!

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

Age 7+ | 189 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 gigs, hundreds of miles in the cool tour bus, and excited audiences ahead of them.

But somebody is trying to sabotage the Ghastly Gulls. Or is the band simply cursed? As the tour goes on, Rock and Rolla, and their roadie Feisty the Guinea pig, do their own investigation to find out who is behind all the mysterious nuisances.

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 & 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 gets 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 the chance of a lifetime as they prepare for the upcoming performance. But 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.

37 Pete Leppänen / Young Fiction
© Uzi Varon

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 the Finlandia Junior twice. Nelson Tigertass is her first novel.

This trilogy introduces readers to Rafsa, a rebel marmot who doesn’t want to fit in and conform to roles and rules. She is courageous and thoughtless, selfish and loud, but also very loyal. Rafsa and her best friend, the thoughtful Kotten, live in Stonefield with her flock in a swarming and sloppy matriarchy. In the same field live the vipers, a hierarchical and violent group. When Rafsa and Kotten meet young viper Ziczac, both the differences between the two societies and the evil plan of the snakes are revealed. Their friendship grows, and the three friends realise that they are the only ones who can save the world as they know it.

The epic saga is inspired by The Earth Shall Weep and Watership Down, and in today’s tumultuous world it is frightfully topical. This dystopian story is also a big, bustling adventure full of suspense and humour – a story about friendship, solidarity and about how we can live at peace together and with nature.

Age 9+ | 195 pages | Förlaget M | 2023

Age 9+ | 200 pages | Förlaget M | 2023

Age 9+ | 200 pages | Förlaget M | 2024

BTJ (Swedish Library Service)

38 Lena Frölander-Ulf / Middle Grade Fiction
”This text, often driven by the dialogues, chisels little animal characters with strong personalities, and plays with the different species' understanding of language. … It can be scary at times, but it is also warm and captivating for young middle-grade children and older.”
© John Grönvall Rafsa - The Fight for Stonefield Trilogy (Kampen om Stenåkern) Rafsa Wildfur (Rafsa Vildpäls) Rafsa Rootless (Rafsa Rotlös) Rafsa Stonestep (Rafsa Stentramp)

Nelson Tigerpaw (Nelson Tigertass)

Age 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.

39
”Fruktansvärt! För skymmare är ingenting heligt.”
Lena Frölander-Ulf / Middle Grade Fiction
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 wrongdoing are won by friendship and bravery, when life is not restricted by prejudice.”
Finlandia Jury

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 has been nominated for several prestigious awards such as the 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.

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's 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.

40 Annika Sandelin and
Lucander / Young Fiction
Jenny
©Niklas Sandström My Flying Grandma (När Farmor flög)

YOKOS NATTBOK

Yoko's Diary 1: Yoko's Nightbook

(Yokos nattbok)

Age 9+ | 160 pages | Schildts & Söderströms | 2014

All About Yoko

(Att vara Yoko – Yokos nattbok 1-3)

Age 9+ | 350 pages | Förlaget M | 2023

In her diary, 10-year-old Yoko writes about everything. She writes about her clumsy dad and her mortifying mum, about her best friend Anna who is adopted and is so angry at her parents that she wants to move back to China. Yoko writes about the other girls in her class that have started using make-up, and she of course writes about Daniel, someone she would not mind kissing. She also writes about her grandfather who forgets everything (perhaps even her!), and about their asthmatic old dog who makes the world a little brighter.

This book, which is a bind-up of the first three books in the Yoko series, that follows the protagonist from when she is ten to turning twelve, has an authentic tone and humour. Yet it does not leave out the sadness and worries that young readers can relate to.

Yoko's Diary 2: Cringe and Catastrophe

(Yokos nattbok: Pinsamt och Livsviktigt)

Age 9+ | 160 pages | Förlaget M | 2016

Yoko's Diary 3: Pitch Black and Brilliant

(Yokos nattbok: Nattsvart och Underbart)

Age 9+ | 160 pages | Förlaget M | 2018

41 Annika Sandelin / Middle Grade Fiction
Schildts & Söderströms Annika Sandelin Annika Sandelin YOKOS NATTBOK

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 16 languages. Mira and Moon is her debut middle-grade series, introducing Sofie to new, younger 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 stables. 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 and Moon's challenging competitior, 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 writing, 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.

The next book in the Mira and Moon series out in August 2023.

Bibliotekstjänst (Swedish library journal)

42 Sofie Sarenbrant / Middle Grade Fiction
© Eva-Stina Kjellman
"Sofie Sarenbrant has found the balance and conveys a nuanced portrayal.”

Matilda Gyllenberg (b. 1980)

is a journalist and author. She has worked as a news anchor, 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, and it was reconized as outstanding work by the Swedish Literature Society in 2023.

One Hundred Days at Home

(Hundra Dagar Hemma)

Age 11+ | 150 pages | Förlaget M | 2022

As the Christmas holidays comes to an end, 11-yearold 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 at 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 book is illustrated in black and white by Maria Sann.

43 Matilda Gyllenberg / Middle Grade Fiction
© ANiklas Sandström
“It’s well done, a tour de force for children’s literature indeed."
Dagens Nyheter

Siri Kolu (b. 1972)

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

The Woken Ones trilogy

Leo and his family are tormented by monsters and have to fight against them every night to protect their house and Leo’s little sister Lumi. But the creatures of the night are not as terrible as they seem. Leo, his friend Kirill, and his sister Lumi will have to journey to the land of the Woken Ones to understand what the night creatures truly want.

The Woken Ones is a new thrilling series by celebrated author Siri Kolu and illustrated by Johanna Lumme. The series is inspired by ancient myths and videogames, and Kolu has created an action-packed series with fights and horrid monsters. Yet in true form to Kolu's writing, the books carry deeper meanings and introduce themes of bereavement, guilt and inequality.

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

Age 9+ | 174 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 mum 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 Lumi from the night world of horror. He will need endless wit and courage and has no choice but be determined and keep it all a secret, even from his best friend.

The Woken Ones: The Horrors of the Morning (Hereiset – Aamun kauhut)

Age 9+ | 185 pages | Otava | 2023

Leo and his parents have done all they can so that Lumi doesn’t know about the dangerous night world, and they can now sleep at peace. One night, however, Lumi wakes up in the middle of their worst battle. Contrary to the others, she doesn’t see the Woken Ones as enemies. Lumi can speak with them, and they bow before her. When Leo’s friend Kirill gets wounded by monsters, they understand the only way to heal him is to get help from the Woken Ones themselves, but for this, Lumi will have to sacrifice herself.

44 Siri Kolu / Middle Grade Fiction
© Niclas Mäkelä
"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

The Robbersons series, nine titles

Wild House Book 2: Roof Riders

Age 8+ | 254 pages

Otava | 2020

Me and the Robbersons (Me Rosvolat)

Age 8+ | 24 pages | Otava | 2010

The award-winning and "entertainingly different" Me and the 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

Wild House Book 3: The Battle of The Black House

Age 8+ | 294 pages

Otava | 2021

Stories from the Edge of the World (Iltasatuja maailmanpalosta)

Age 14+ | 334 pages | Otava | 2021

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.

Strangers Outside (IP Ihmisen puolella)

Age 14+ | 318 pages | Otava | 2014

Terror Inside (PI Pelko ihmisessä)

Age 14+ | 286 pages | Otava | 2013

45
Siri Kolu / Middle Grade Fiction / Young Adult Fiction
"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.

Arndís

Thórarinsdóttir  (b. 1982)

is an award-winning Icelandic writer and translator.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Arndís worked as a journalist and critic and was the head of department at the library in Kópavogur. She writes for children of all ages, but the most recent works are for middle grade and young adult readers. Whether her stories deal with emotional development and complexities of growing up or pacy adventures, they are always written with warmth and humour.

Arndís’ book The Island on the Edge of the Universe, co-written by Hulda Sigrún Bjarnadóttir, has been sold to Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands and Russia. The rights for her novel Somersault have already been sold in Hungary, and pre-empted in the Netherlands as of February 2023.

Somersault (Kollhnís)

Age 12+ | 259 pages | Mál og menning | 2022

Twelve-year-old Álfur is a gymnast from Kópavogur, Iceland. He’s a good friend, a lovely son, and the best big brother in the world. That is until one day his mum and dad tell Álfur that his little brother Eiki has been diagnosed with autism. Now they won’t stop worrying about how this affects their lives and how they will appear to others. They also do not consider that Eiki is still Eiki, their son and Álfur’s little brother.

Álfur’s gymnastics practice offers a place of solace away from the sudden change at home. Yet, Álfur wishes that his family could be normal – or what he thinks is normal. He decides to sneak off to visit his estranged aunt Harpa, the once famous gymnast who competed in the Olympics but ended up leaving in disgrace. No one in the family talks to her anymore, but Álfur wants to reconnect with his aunt.

Somersault is a compelling story about growing up, life’s complexities, and how nothing is black and white. It is also about volatile emotions and the strong bond between two brothers. The book was awarded the Icelandic Literature Prize in January 2023, and it has been endorsed by spokespeople in the neuropsychological field.

46 Arndís Thórarinsdóttir / Young Adult Fiction
“The story is written with great stylistic confidence and deals with difficult issues with appropriate playfulness.”
Icelandic Literature Prize Jury 2022
7/7/22 9:39 AM
© Cat Gundry-Beck

Dess Terentyeva  (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 are reflected in her works. Her writing also carries strong LGBTQ themes. Terentyeva has a Master of Arts degree 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. The novel’s film option was also sold in Finland.

Freestyle

Age 15+ | 168 pages | WSOY | 2023

This verse novel, written on the rhythms of street dance, deals with friendship and the search of one’s own sexuality.

Kai and Mandi don’t remember the time when they didn’t dance, nor when they didn’t know each other. They are inseparable, but their friendship starts unexpectedly to crack as Mandi has a crush on a girl from their dance school. Kai for his part doesn’t even know if he’s interested in romance or dating. He is tired of the assumptions people make about him and in which categories he doesn’t fit. But he starts to think that there may be a category for him to belong to as well.

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 the ninth 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 which changes everything. 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. Lilja is faced with the question of whether she can accept the fact that her dad is dating a woman who seems transphobic. While Lilja wants to defend another’s right to be their true self, the book also asks whether one can be forced to show their true colours.

"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

47 Dess Terentyeva / Young Adult Fiction
© Sonja Siikanen

Marko Leino (b. 1967)

is an award-winning author and scriptwriter. His novels have been translated to 16 languages. His novel Christmas Story, published in 2007, is still being published today into new editions. Marko Leino’s latest novel, Prisoners of the Dreamworld, is a gripping adventure story that the author dedicated to his daughter.

Prisoners of the Dreamworld (Unimaailman vangit)

Age 12+ | 270 pages | Otava | 2022

A wise novel for the whole family that throws the reader into the riddles of dream and real time in the footsteps of A Monster Calls

Ada’s mother lies in a coma after an accident at work. While snow covers the town, Ada and her father are overcome with grief, and Ada’s mother falls deeper and deeper into sleep. When Ada’s grandmother begins talking about Ada’s mother’s childhood, Ada starts to understand how she can save her mother. Past and future reflect each other, the frontier between sleep and consciousness is fading. Ada needs to find the way to the world of dreams and help her mother back to the awakened world.

This novel takes place at the border of dream and reality where the reader is thrown into a captivating adventure. It becomes a brilliant story about grief, courage, finding oneself, and about the power of love. As in his best-selling novel Christmas Story, author Marko Leino captures again the audiences of all ages.

48
Marko Leino / Cross-over Fiction
© Kalle Pernu

Merja Kalm (b. 1976)

is a teacher, an expert on pedagogy, and an author of textbooks and non-fiction. The Handbook of Superpowers for Cool Kids was her first non-fiction book for children.

Mira Mallius (b. 1981)

is an illustrator and a designer who has illustrated several children’s books. She is also known for her charming animal print stationary.

These guidebooks help readers navigate through everyday situations and how they can be practiced to make us more confident and supportive. Ten stories present cases of different ethical questions and inspire to put these skills into practice. These handbooks based on positivity and mindfulness help us to recognise these empathic skills to bring out the good person in in all of us.

A Good Friend – The Superpowers of Friendship

(Hyvä kaveri – Ystävyyden supervoimat)

Age 6+ | 87 pages | Lasten Keskus | 2021

This is a vibrant handbook of activities, dilemmas and stories, demonstrating that each of us has the superpower of being a good friend. It shows how to be trust-worthy, considerate, tolerant and kind, encouraging children to practice these qualities through character-strengths-based pedagogy.

The Handbook of Superpowers for Cool Kids

(Hyvä tyyppi - Supervoimien käsikirja)

Age 6+ | 79 pages | Lasten Keskus | 2020

This handbook is a compelling collection of stories that show what cool kids are made of: honesty, sincerity, generosity, and kindness as well as many other attributes that can be thought of as superpowers in everyday life. With delightful animal characters, these stories demonstrate how the reader can discover these good superpowers, and encourages children to practice them through character-strengths-based pedagogy.

49 Merja Kalm and Mira Mallius / Non-fiction

Salla Savolainen (b. 1962)

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

Savolainen’s drawings have been shortlisted for 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 into more than ten languages to date.

Construction trilogy

Salla Savolainen has created a successful series of narrative nonfiction, introducing readers to heavy machiery and the busy life at different construction sites.

The books welcome readers to fascinating gizmos, loads of knowhow and action, which is all accompanied by site manager Koistinen who shares informative facts along the way. His dog Piki is also lost on the pages of the book. The noise, sights, and constant activity make each day interesting. Learning about public construction has never been so detailed and fun.

Rights for the Construction trilogy have been sold in Czech, Estonian, German, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Swedish and Thai to date.

50 Salla Savolainen / Non-fiction
Concrete! (Betonia!) Age 5+ | 46 pages | WSOY | 2022 Junk! (Romua!) Age 5+ | 46 pages | WSOY | 2023 Asphalt! (Asfalttia!) Age 5+ | 46 pages | WSOY | 2021
© Kyösti Kontio

Laura Ruohonen (b. 1960)

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

Erika Kallasmaa (b. 1969)

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 modern classics, and they have been adapted into an award-winning television series, successful theatre plays and songs. The latest book Kummalla kammella was published in 2022 by Otava. The poems have been published in Swedish and sample translations exist in English and German.

Otus Opus –Zoology Poetry

(Otus Opus, Zoologipoesi)

Age 5+ | 64 pages | Otava & Förlaget M | 2020

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 snakes, 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.

51
Laura
/ Non-fiction
© Klaus Welpi
Ruohonen and Erika Kallasmaa
and Poetry

Linda Liukas (b. 1986)

is a children’s book author and illustrator who travels the world as a keynote speaker. She shares the message of embracing coding and computing at technology conferences, teacher training sessions, and even at the United Nations. In 2018, she was selected to 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 of 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 into 33 languages and they have taken the author and coding ambassador Linda Liukas, loved by teachers and the tech world, all around the world.

52
Linda Liukas / Non-fiction
"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."
The Wall Street Journal
© 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.

53 Linda Liukas / Non-fiction

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 the Roundies collective, in Finland the books are published by Kustannus-Mäkelä.

Crocosmile

Crokosmile Acts Like a Bully (Heko Kroko kiusaa)

Theme: Practicing empathy | 2021

THREE CHEERS for Cheeraffe

Three Cheers for Cheeraffe (Kiva Kirahvin kannustus)

Theme: Personal strength | 2020

Bouncy Banana

Piggy Makes a Mess (Siro Saparon iso moka)

Theme: Problem solving | 2019

KissKiss FEELS LEFT OUT

Penguin Faces the Challenge (Pelokas Pingviini ylittää itsensä)

Theme: Overcoming anxiety | 2019

Cocoala WANTS

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

Theme: Dealing with jealousy | 2018

Bouncy Banana Goes Bananas (Pomppu Bansku ylikierroksilla)

Theme: Calming down | 2018

Cranky Crabbie’s HISSY FIT

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

Theme: Perseverence | 2017

54
Roundies / Non-fiction
this story:FeelingCross
In
In this story: Whatgoodareyou at?
In this story: Perseverance
In
story: Being
this
a friendgood
In this story:Dealing with jealousy
TO BE THE BEST In this story:Time to calm down
GOES BANANAS In this story: Practising empathy
ACTS LIKE A BULLY

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