RIGHTS CATALOGUE SPRING 2019 | CHILDREN'S BOOKS AND YOUNG FICTION
Moominvalley Animation Publishing Moominvalley, the new animated Moomin tv-series will be backed by a worldwide publishing and merchandising program. The world publishing rights are with Macmillan Children’s Books. Four titles kick off the animation tie-in book publishing. Adventures in Moominvalley 1 October 2019 Welcome to Moominvalley Handbook March 2020 Moominvalley Sticker Activity Book 1 March 2020 Adventures in Moominvalley 2. September 2020
© Moomin Characters™
About Moominvalley Starring Moomintroll and his family and friends, the series made by Gutsy Animations will be centred around the Moominhouse in Moominvalley, an idyllic place untouched by the modern world. The episodes are new stories based on Tove Jansson’s well-known novels and comic strips. Directed to a family primetime audience, the series is full of life, laughter and adventure with visual humour, witty dialogue and plenty of energy and drama. The production team includes top quality UK talent, among them Oscar®-winning director Steve Box (Wallace & Gromit) and Emmy® award-winning writing duo Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler. The British celebrity voice cast includes Taron Egerton as Moomintroll, Rosamund Pike as Moominmamma, Jennifer Saunders as Mymble, Kate Winslet as Mrs Fillyjonk, and many others. The first series of 13 × 22-minute-long episodes are scheduled to air in 2019 in Finland, Japan, Korea and the UK. More territories will be announced shortly. For more information, contact Rights & Brands.
Picture Books | Moomin This new 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 are retold and illustrated by established Swedish authors and illustrators. The series returns to Tove Jansson’s original storylines and art style using watercolour and ink. Publishing programme: Picture book 1: Christmas Comes to Moominvalley, 2018 Picture book 2: Moomintroll and the Invisible Guest, 2019 Picture book 3: Moomintroll and the Last Dragon on Earth, 2019 Story collection 1: Stories from Moominvalley, 2018 Story collection 2: More stories from Moominvalley, 2020
Moomintroll and the Invisible Guest Stories from Moomin valley
Christmas comes to Moominvalley
(Sagor från Mumindalen) Age 3+ | 96 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2018
(Julen kommer till Mumindalen) Age 3+ | 40 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2018
A collection of three stories, based on The Moomins and the Great Flood and the episodes The Magicians Hat and Hattifat teners Island from Finn Family Moomintroll.
Based on the short story The Fir Tree from Tove Jansson’s novel Tales from Moominvalley, this lovely picture book tells the story of how the Moomins wake up from their winter sleep to find themselves fascinated, but also a little bit scared, by everyone’s hysterical preparations for the arrival of Christmas, whoever or whatever that might be!
(Mumintrollen och den osynliga gästen) Age 3+ | 40 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2019 This is a new, fully illustrated adaptation of The Invisible Child, one of Tove Jansson’s most beloved stories. In a cold autumn evening, Too-ticki stops by the Moominhouse together with an invisible girl called Ninny. She has become invisible because someone has been very mean to her. The Moomin family invites Ninny to stay with them to help her, and that autumn both she and the family learn about respect, kindness, equality and the importance of sometimes getting really angry.
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Board books | Moomin
Moomin and Little My: Colours (Muumi ja pikkumyy Värit)
0+ | 16 pages | Tammi |2019 New Moomin board books introduce concepts of colours and emotions with Moomintroll and Little My. Sturdy pages and colourful illustrations will keep young readers safe and entertained.
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Moomin and Little My: Feelings (Muumi ja pikkumyy Tunteet)
Moomin | Non-fiction
TOVE JANSSON (1914-2001), Finnish-Swedish writer and artist, achieved worldwide fame as the creator of the Moomins, written and illustrated between 1945 and 1970. The books about the brave, adventurous, yet family-focused and home-loving 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 Great Moomin Picture Dictionary (Muumien iso kuvasanakirja) Age 2+ | 64 pages | WSOY | June 2019
A big picture dictionary for the smallest! Helps children learn colours, opposites, body parts and letters as well as different feelings, beautiful words and thoughtful manners. The dictionary is completed by Tove Jansson’s wonderful original Moomin illustrations
Hemulen’s Herbarium (Hemulin kasvio) 7+ | 128 pages | WSOY | 2019
Explore plants and learn about the Nordic nature together with Hemulen. The precisely drawn plants and interesting anecdotes inspire people of all ages. You can even collect and dry your own flowers and leaves to add into the book.
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Non-fiction | Linda Liukas
Hello Ruby 1: Adventures in Coding
Hello Ruby 2: Journey Inside the Computer
Hello Ruby 3: Expedition to the Internet
Hello Ruby 4: Robot’s First Day at School
Age 5+ | 112 pages | Feivel & Friends | 2015
Age 5+ | 96 pages | Feivel & Friends | 2016
Age 5+ | 96 pages | Otava | 2017
Age 5+ | 96 pages | Otava | 2018
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. With activities embedded in every chapter, future coders will be thrilled to put their own imagination to work.
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.
Join Ruby and her friends in their quest to build the most amazing Snow Internet ever, while learning real life facts along the way. Future kid coders can put their knowledge and imagination to the test with the fun and creative exercises included in the activity book section.
Are people and computers the same or different from each other? Do robots have feelings? Emotion-filled narrative and mind-bending activities explain the difference between how humans and machines act and learn. Dive into the world of artificial intelligence with Ruby!
LINDA LIUKAS is a children’s book author and illustrator who likes software and sparkles. Linda 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. Linda is creator of Hello Ruby, a children’s picture book series about the whimsical world of computers, as well as the founder of Rails Girls, a global movement to teach young women programming in over 260 cities. The Hello Ruby series has been translated into 27 languages.
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Jenni Pääskysaari | Matti Pikkujämsä | Non-fiction
Moments Before the World Changed (Hetki ennen kuin maailma muuttui) Age 5+ | 80 pages | Otava | 2019 What happened when a boy with stage fright received a guitar and overcame his fears? How did a disobedient girl on a bus start a battle for human rights? Who were the first creatures on the dark side of the Moon? It turns out we didn’t know all about Elvis. Rosa Parks’ story is familiar to us, but who has heard about Claudette Colvin? Laika the Dog has gone down in history but not the turtles who paved the way for the Moon landing. Moments Before the World Changed makes us see how everyone can have an effect on the course of this world. It is a book about crucial, important acts, realisations and stand-points, that have preceded historic turns of events and pushed change into motion, thanks to individual braveness or a joint effort. The familiar format of Rebel stories introduces us carefully researched, less-known moments in history that changed the course of events, in bedtime size bites for everyone.
JENNI PÄÄSKYSAARI (b. 1975) is a TV and radio journalist, a producer and an author of five inspirational books. MATTI PIKKUJÄMSÄ (b. 1976) is an artist and illustrator living and working in Helsinki, Finland. photo: numi nummelin
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Non-fiction | Reetta Niemelä | Salla Savolainen | SkillTwins
photo: Piia Arnould
+ 8 million followers on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat
Hobby Horses of Star Hill Stables (Tikkumäen kepparikirja) 4+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2018 New non-fiction book on homemade hobby horses, a hugely popular hobby among Nordic girls. The familiar characters of Star Hill Stables introduce the fun of hobby-horsing, but newcomers will enjoy this book as much as old friends of the series. The book gives detailed instructions of how to make these pet ponies out of recycled materials available at home, not forgetting rosettes, blankets and other essentials. Building a stable or a riding court is easy peasy with this guide. The collage style of photographs and drawings is creative and encouraging. This is the sixth book in the Star Hill Stables series, which has been translated into eight languages.
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+ 10 million SkillTwins football game apps downloaded REETTA NIEMELÄ is an award-winning author of children’s books and poetry and active in the cultural field of many genres. In 2017 she won Tietopöllö award for her contribution to Finnish non-fiction children’s literature. SALLA SAVOLAINEN is a celebrated and productive illustrator, who excels in children’s books and is known for her varied styles and successful collaboration with many authors. She won the Kukko award in 2013 for non-fiction and early learning illustrations and she has been nominated for the Finlandia Junior Prize three times.
SkillTwins the Story Our Big Fotball Adventure (SkillTwins the Story, vårt stora fotbollsäventyr) 9+ | 112 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2018 SkillTwins are Jakob and Josef El-Zein, the Swedish twins who entertain millions of followers and fans worldwide with their incredible football tricks and skills. Check out their easy to follow, step-by-step instructions and learn their coolest skills. An inspirational book for all football fans and wannabe skillers! Published in Sweden and Norway.
JOSEF AND JAKOB EL-ZEIN are the Swedish twins and worldwide fotball star skillers, known as SkillTwins on YouTube and in social media, with over 8 million followers.
Mauri Kunnas | Non fiction
Fun Book of Animals
Bonkers Book of Speed
Mad Book of Sports
(Hauska eläinkirja) Age 3+ | 24 pages | 2014
(Hupsu vauhtikirja) Age 3+ | 32 pages | 2016
(Pieni urheilukirja) Age 3+ | 32 pages | 2017
Charming Book of Nature
Amazing Book of Space
(Pieni luontokirja) Age 3+ | 24 pages | 2018
(Pieni avaruuskirja) Age 3+ | 24 pages | 2019
MAURI KUNNAS is one of Finland’s most successful children’s book authors today. He has published over 50 books, which have been translated into 34 languages and sold almost 10 million copies in 36 countries. His books are published by Otava in Finland. Rights for this new and growing non-fiction series have been sold in Russia.
Photo: Katja Lösönen
Fun Facts picture book by Mauri Kunnas introduce various topics in a fun, concise and informative way.
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Activity Books Fun activity books based on well-known characters of the Moomins, Gigglebug and Mr Clutterbuck. An eye-catching range created by Tactic Publishing.
Gigglebug Sticker Activity Book (Kikattava Kakkiainen tarrapuuhakirja) 3+ | 32 pages | 2018
Gigglebug Activity Book (Kikattava Kakkiainen puuhakirja) 3+ | 32 pages | 2018
Mr. Clutterbuck Activity Book (Herra Hakkaraisen touhukas puuhakirja), 3+ | 32 pages | 2018
Gigglebug Colouring Book (Kikattava Kakkiainen värityskirja) 3+ | 32 pages | 2018
All Year Round in Moominvalley (Muumilaakson vauhdikas vuosi) 3+ | 48 pages | 2019 Sticker activity book 10
Expedition to Moominvalley (Tutkimusretkillä muumilaaksossa) 3+ | 96 pages | 2019 Bumper sticker activity book
Mr. Clutterbuck Sticker Activity Book (Herra Hakkaraisen mainio tarrapuuhakirja) 3+ | 32 pages | 2018
Aino Havukainen and Sami Toivonen | Picture Books Tatu and Patu: Monster-Monster and Other Strange Stories
PHOTO: KATJA TÄHJÄ
(Tatu ja Patu, kauhea Hirviö-hirviö ja muita outoja juttuja) Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2019
AINO HAVUKAINEN & SAMI TOIVONEN work together as children’s authors, illustrators, and graphic designers. For young Finnish readers they are best known as the creators of the hilarious Oddville boys, Tatu and Patu. 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 21 languages.
It was a dark and stormy night... Tatu and Patu and their friend Veera gather to tell strange and scary stories about odd characters and unusual events, such as The Unbelievable Tale of Drandruff and The Frozen Lightning. Even a few monsters will make an appearance. A collection of exciting comical fables will keep five-year olds and older readers hooked. Book number 21 in the popular Tatu and Patu -series. Most recently the rights have been sold in Denmark, Hungary, Russia and Turkey. Tatu & Patu series has been published in 27 languages in 23 different countries.
Tatu and Patu: The Story of Our Life (Tatun ja Patun elämä ja teot) Age 5+ | 48 pages | Otava | 2018 This magnificent book is the 20th book in the series. It tells you almost everything you ever wanted to know about the oddball heroes. This is a pastiche of fan fiction told in the most hilarious way.
Tatu and Patu’s Mad Machines (Tatun ja Patun oudot kojeet) Age 4+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2005 Tatu and Patu build fourteen bizarre but undeniably useful devices. Could someone manage without a wash-and-brush automat in the mornings, or a yucky-food detector at lunch? 11
PhOTO: Dorit Salutskij
PhOTO: numi nummelinj
Picture Books | Veera Salmi and Matti Pikkujämsä
The Duck Who Was Afraid to Fly (Sorsa Aaltonen ja lentämisen oireet) Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2019 The Duck lives in a city where everyone else’s lives are so interesting and important, they seem to have a purpose even in their everyday life. The Duck, however, is having strange symptoms and anxiety, and it is only when the doctor diagnoses the condition as fear of flying. The Duck should try it but its muscles ache. It admires the swan’s dancing and graceful flying. It puts on a tulle skirt and imitates the swan’s elegant movements, in secret behind a tree. But the Duck cannot fly – it only falls on its beak! The Ducks journey of gaining confidence and forgetting about what others think, is told with a fresh voice and illustrated in bold colours by a genious pairing of established talents. Veera Salmi’s wise, urban tale is brought to life in the magnificent paintings of Matti Pikkujämsä
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VEERA SALMI (b. 1976) writes urban stories with a deep understanding of children’s world and imagination. She won the Kaarina Helakisa Prize in 2014 and was nominated for Finlandia Junior in 2015. Her books have been adapted for film, television, theatre and radio, and translated into Danish, Estonian, Korean, Swedish.
MATTI PIKKUJÄMSÄ (b. 1976) is an artist and illustrator living and working in Helsinki, Finland. He is known for his portrait project, as well as making numerous children’s book illustrations for various publishers in Finland and Japan. He also works on pattern design for several fashion brands. He was awarded Rudolf Koivu prize in 2013 and Finnish State Prize for Illustration in 2015.
‘’It was so difficult to know, what one was really able to do’’
PhOTO: Nina Pirhonen
Nina Pirhonen | Picture Books
NINA PIRHONEN 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, animal characters or patterns.
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!
Delightful picture books with a subtle ecological message for the very young.
Vroom Vroom!
Zoom Zoom!
(Brum brum) Age 1+ | 24 pages | Otava | 2016
(Viuh, viuh) Age 1+ | 24 pages | Otava | 2017 13
Picture Books | Ninka Reittu and Hannele Lampela “Princess Pintsize’s fresh take on classic fairy tales trans form them into her desires. The fairytales are sudden, funny and absurd as the dynamics of the stories and the roles of the characters change with this remake.” Arvid Lydecken Prize jury
Princess Pintsize – It’s Not Fair! (Prinsessa Pikkiriikki ja huutava vääryys) Age 5+ | 60 pages | Otava | 2019 Why can’t you wear a ruffle skirt instead of rustling winter pants? The fourth book about the super charming Princess Pintsize. Because nobody has time to explain all the obvious things to adults, they are all gathered in this book. This way, all the children in the world can teach all the adults in the world how the rules SHOULD go.
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Princess Pintsize
Princess Pintsize’s Winter
(Prinsessa Pikkiriikki) Age 5+ | 80 pages | Otava | 2016
(Prinsessa Pikkiriikkin Talvi) Age 5+ | 80 pages | Otava | 2017
Three delightful stories for reading aloud in one book. In the first story, the Princess, fed up with being told what to do, sends all adults to Hecktown with the help of her magical dog Sausage. In the second, she thumbs her nose at Snot-Edward and makes friends with Princess Thimble. The third story sees the annoying Doofus set up home in mum’s tummy, and Pintsize and Thimble decide to build their own house.
The Princess has had enough of her annoying little brother Doofus. She decides to sell him at the flea market. Princesses Pintsize and Thimble decide to build the finest snow car of all time and take it down the steepest hill. Princess Pintsize begins to wonder whether Santa won’t leave her a single present. Together with Princess Thimble, Pintsize becomes an elf and hands out Christmas presents to everyone, naughty and nice alike. These three wintery stories of the fantastic everyday life of Princess Pintsize are great bedtime story material!
Princess Pintsize – Better Than Best Bedtime Stories (Prinsessa Pikkiriikin astetta paremmat iltasadut) Age 5+ | 56 pages | Otava | 2018 Princess Pintsize is a princess like no other, outspoken and unstoppable and every naughty child’s hero. This third book in the lovable and enchantingly illustrated series gives Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, as well as Hansel and Gretel amusing yet thought-provoking interpretations. Why does the prince get to kiss Sleeping Beauty without her permission? And what is the prince even needed for when the alarm clock has been invented?
PhOTO: Vesa Tyni
Ninka Reittu | Picture Books
NINKA REITTU (b. 1982) (b. 1982) is an illustrator, art teacher and artisan. Reittu imbues both images and text with a uniquely heart-warming air. Ninka illustrates Princess Pintsize series but also writes her on stories, including the charming Super-series. Her works have been already translated into 9 languages. HANNELE LAMPELA (b. 1982) is a journalist and author of children’s books and non-fction, whose Princess Pintsize character is a modernday Pippi Longstocking. Princess Pintsize books have been translated into Danish and Norwegian to date, it has been adapted into a play and Finnish film right are optioned.
You Are Super-Loved (Sinä olet superrakas) Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2017
My Super Bellybutton (Oma rakas supernapa) Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2018 This humorous yet tender tale about body awareness is as uplifting and recognisable as Ninka Reittu’s previous superhero title, the Finlandia nominated You Are Super-Loved. ‘I have nice feet I can run with. Hands, to do many things with. Ears, eyes, nose and mouth, all my very own. In the middle of my tummy sits a tiny button, my super cool belly button! Every part of me is just the perfect size.’
A whimsical story about love and superheroes by an internationally acknowledged picture book maker. 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? And even if you travel to the end of the world, will it stretch all the way? Illustrated in a humorous comic book style, this tender story about the superpowers of love is for fathers and sons and the superheroes of life everywhere. Nominated for the Finlandia Prize in 2017. Translated into Danish, German, Norwegian, Russian, Swedish.
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photo: Niklas Sandström
Picture Books | Tove Appelgren and Salla Savolainen
Vesta-Linnéa and Friends (Vesta-Linnéa och vännerna) Age 4+ | 32 pages | Förlaget M | 2019
Tove Appelgren and Salla Savolainen are back! In Ves ta-Linnéa and Friends popularity and friendship stands in the centre. Vesta-Linnéa wonders why she doesn’t seem to be as exciting for throughout cool Mindy as Mindy is to her. Why is it always neighbour Selim who wants to play and not Mindy?
Vesta-Linnéa and the Monster Mum (Vesta-Linnéa och monstermamman) 34 pages
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Go to Sleep, Vesta-Linnéa (Sov nu, Vesta-Linnéa) 36 pages
Vesta-Linnéa’s Dog (Vesta-Linnéa och gosnosen) 34 pages
Vesta-Linnéa’s Darkest Thought (Vesta-Linnéa svartaste tanke) 38 pages
Vesta-Linnea in the Moonlight (Vesta-Linnéa i månskenet) 38 pages
TOVE APPELGREN is an author, a director and a playwright. Her first book, Vesta-Linnéa and the Monster Mum, was published in 2001. The story about the headstrong young girl with a stressed-out mum gained international interest and since then the books about Vesta-Linnéa have been translated into 13 different languages and nominated for several prizes, including the Finlandia prize.
photo: salla savolainen
Everything gets better with Mindy. Every time Mindy calls and wants to play Vesta-Linnéa transforms, she becomes more energetic and inventive. That is why Vesta-Linnéa has to wait by the telephone. Why can’t mum understand this? What if Mindy calls when Vesta-Linnéa is out playing with Selim?
SALLA SAVOLAINEN is a multifaceted illustrator with a Master’s degree in art and design. Savolainen’s drawings have been shortlisted and awarded several prices.
Sanna Sofia Vuori | Linda Bondestam | Picture Books
photo: Niklas Sandström
“Good Night, World shows that Bondestam has the ability to create her own literary universe in both words and imag-es, where the image is really allowed to speak." Swedish Yle broadcasting company
The Egg (Ägget) 4+ | 40 pages | Förlaget M | 2018 The Egg is a charming picture book about three friends trying to track the origins of the mysterious egg and facing the questions: What is a family? Where do we come from? The story peppered with dry humour by Sanna Sofia Vuori is a refreshing take on the popular urban stories of diversity and people living in flats close to their neighbours. Linda Bondestam’s illustrations depict unexpected animals in her recognisable detailed style.
LINDA BONDESTAM is one of the most celebrated illustrators of her generation and she has collaborated with numerous authors in Finland and abroad. She has been nominated for a number of prizes for her colourful, vivid and playful illustrations, including the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and Finlandia Junior. She won the Nordic Council Prize in 2017 with Animals No One Has Seen Except Us written by Ulf Stark. The Egg received nominations for Finlandia Junior and Runeberg Prize. Linda is the author and illustrator for her latest book, Good Night, World. Most recently, her works have been published in English, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Latvian and Finnish.
Good Night, World (God natt på jorden) 2+ | 40 pages | Förlaget M | 2018 Every night children go to sleep, or do they? “Good night!” is heard all around the globe. Under the water, in the jungle, in burrows, in Antarctica, in the cities, and on other planets. For the special bedtime moments, this is Linda Bondestam’s first book written and illustrated by the artist. It is a simple and beautiful bedtime story that stands out with its visual storytelling, in Linda’s distinctive choice of colour, varied landscape and surprising species.
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Picture Books | Katri Kirkkopelto
Piki - Why Can't I Join In? (Piki - Minäkin haluan mukaan) 4+ | 32 pages | Lasten keskus | 2016 Piki is a story about bullying, recurring in a group, building confidence, emotions and friendship. It was nominated for the Finlandia Junior Prize in 2016 and it has been translated into three languages so far. “ P y j a m ac l owns a re not allowed inside!” Piki stands baffled outside the club-house with a superhero cape around his shoulders. His new-found nursery friends are not allowing him to join after all, but instead slam the door in front of his nose. At home the tears fall!
KATRI KIRKKOPELTO is an artist, illustrator and art teacher who has a special talent for tailoring serious content to appeal to young children. Her own works include the socio-emotional series about Blue, a fluffy creature struggling with her emotions, and the Finlandia Junior Prize nominee Piki - Why Can`t I Join? about pre-school bullying. The books support the child’s emotional and self-regulating development.
Blue (Molli) 4+ | 34 pages | Lasten keskus | 2016 Blue is a warm-hearted story about friendship and loneliness, longing and determination, told with compassion and humour. It is a tale for all of us who get joy from having a friend. Blue is a small moody creature who lives alone in the middle of a big garden, but she has a dream. Molli odotti ystävää joka päivä. She would like a friend with Ehkä tänään on ystävän päivä, se toivoi. whom she could secrets, Muttawhisper Pikku Sisu ei tullut. harmittaa. sit with side byVähitellen sideMollia in alkoi silence or – Aika epäkohteliasta! Toinen näkee kamalasti ja sitten ei suvaita saapua! put everything onvaivaa a spin. And above all - be moody together!
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 story introduces themes of friendship and jealousy, as well as prejudice, courage and finding beauty in the unknown.
– Ala jo tulla! Kuuletkos! Minä käsken! Molli pomppi kiukusta tasajalkaa. – Nyt heti. Heti! HETI! Mutta vaikka Molli kuinka komensi ja Molli odotti ystävää joka päivä.
kiukkusi, ystävää ei kuulunut.
Ehkä tänään on ystävän päivä, se toivoi. Mutta Pikku Sisu ei tullut.
Molli oli odottanut ja toivonut,
Vähitellen Mollia alkoi harmittaa.
kiukutellut ja polkenut jalkaa.
– Aika epäkohteliasta! Toinen näkee
Se oli aivan väsynyt. Se tunsi
kamalasti vaivaa ja sitten ei suvaita saapua!
itsensä nuppineulan kokoiseksi. Mitättömäksi ja harmaaksi. Ja hyvin murheelliseksi. – Molli parka, se surkutteli itseään. – Yksinäinen Molli. Kukaan ei tule. Silloin kuului ovelta pienen pieni KOP KOP.
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– Ala jo tulla! Kuuletkos! Minä käsken! Molli pomppi kiukusta tasajalkaa. – Nyt heti. Heti! HETI! Mutta vaikka Molli kuinka komensi ja
Raija Siekkinen | Hannu Taina | Oili Tanninen | Classic Picture Books RAIJA SIEKKINEN (1954-2004) published several collections of short stories, novels and children’s books during her career and won Finland’s State Prize for Literature, Runeberg Prize and Eino Leino Prize and was nominated for Finlandia Prize.
Mister King (Herra Kuninas) Age 4+ | 32 pages | Otava | 1986 Timeless fairy tale classic about a lonely king and a cat who changes the king’s life. Far away from here, on the shore of a distant sea, there was a wonderful house. And in the house lived a little white-bearded king. So begins the story of Mister King, a king with one big problem – he
HANNU TAINA (b. 1941) has illustrated many books for both adults for children and is known for both his black-and-white and full-color illustrations. He won the BIB (The Biennale of Illustrations Bratislava) Grand Prix in 1986.
has no subjects. His beautiful castle and many fine possessions fail to delight him, for he feels lonely and useless. When one day an unusual cat comes to the castle for shelter, Mister King suddenly finds his life taking a new direction.
Finnish award-winning author and illustrator OILI TANNINEN (b. 1933) 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 sixties.
Bean and Ball (Papu ja Polla) Age 1+ | 28 pages | Otava | 1970
Hippu (Hippu) Age 1+ | 28 pages | Otava | 1967 Beautifully crafted in collage technique, this graphic picture book tells the story of Hippu the mouse and his friend Heppu the dog. They eat, they play, they go for a walk and then they fall asleep. This simple, stylish picture book is a classic.
Bean and Ball play in the snow. They ski, they build castles and throw snowballs. But when the rain starts… 19
Classic Picture Books | Mauri Kunnas | Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin A captivating chronicle in words and pictures of Finland’s bygone elfin past
(Suomen lasten Kalevala) Age 6+ | 184 pages | Otava | 2002
The Book of Elves (Suomalainen tonttukirja) Age 4+ | 48 pages | Otava | 1979 30 years ago this book established Mauri Kunnas’s long-lasting career as Finland’s most successful children’s author. The fun and fascinating tales recall not only the most common types of Finnish elves, but also rare varieties such as the fiddler elf. The engagingly homespun and fairytale-like illustrations are certain to spark the imagination. A new 30th anniversary edition will be published in 2019 with additional artwork, which has not seen before. The most recent translations include Russian and Bulgarian.
In this book, based on the Finnish epic of Kalevala, folklores are modified into thrilling and eventful stories retold for children with a clear and modern language. These stories have been told and sung for centuries in Finland. Children’s Kalevala contains all the same adventures as The Kalevala, but the stories are told with a more direct approach. The book is enriched by the wonderful artwork of artist Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin. The English rights have been sold.
Untu and the Secret of the Heart of Winter (Untu ja sydäntalven salaisuus) Age 6+ | 104 pages | Otava | 2012 Little elf Untu Willi embarks on a journey to discover the secret of the light of Christmas in this beautiful and beguiling story book for the whole family. Illustrated by Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin and written by her daughter Nora. The rights have been sold to China, Germany, Russia, Slovenia and the UK.
PIRKKO-LIISA SUROJEGIN (b. 1950) is renowned for her delicate and precise illustration style, which charms both children and adults alike.
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photo: Tommi Tuomi
Children’s Kalevala
Lena Frölander-Ulf | Middle-grade Fiction
photo: john grönvall
“They are still asleep, the residents of Berlurenstad. But as in all cities, there are those who are awake when others are sleeping. Who are not quiet, even when others are. In every city, there are those you greet, and those you do not. This is the story about those you do not greet.’’ Nelson Tigerpaw (Nelson Tigertass) Age 9+ | 282 pages | Förlaget M | 2019
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”Fruktansvärt! För skymmare är ingenting heligt.”
Nelson Mareng stands alone on 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 tidy facades in Frölander-Ulf’s tender and humoristic book about friendship and daring to stand up for what feels right. Inspired by The Murderer’s Ape by Jakob Wegelius and with a nod to Mio min Mio by Astrid Lindgren, this mysterious adventure will thrill readers of 9 years and up.
LENA FRÖLANDER-ULF is a Helsinki-based picture book author and illustrator. Her works have been presented in multiple exhibitions in Finland and internationally.
"Frölander-Ulf creates intensely suggestive environments by highlighting the important, and then leaving the rest in the dark. The result is fascinating!" Swedish Yle broadcasting company on Me, Dad and the Sea
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Middle-grade Fiction | Hanna Blixt Äventyren i Sagofallen 3
On the run away from Styx soldiers, siblings Sofia and Leo seek shelter in a hollow oak tree. The tree closes around them and when it opens again, they find themselves in another world. There are no dark streets, just sunlight and green grass. They have come to Saga Falls. Led by the unicorn Moonlight, the children embark on a breathtaking adventure, while a gruesome struggle begins between the black and white pieces on the chessboard. The Battle of Queens (Svarta damen) Age 9-12 | 119 pages | Bubo Förlag | 2017 The Black Queen is back and now she wants to read the Book of Time. If she succeeds, the Black King and his darkness will absorb Saga Falls and the vicious Styx 22
“The reader dives straight into an exciting fantasy adven ture. Hanna Blixt’s creative and imaginative stories are accessible and easy to read. Good, understandable and worthwhile fantasy for any young book worm.” BTJ , Sweden will take over Sofia and Leo’s own world. Sofia and Leo must destroy the book to save Saga Falls. But who can they trust and will they succeed with their mission? The Bishop’s Gambit (Vita löparen) Age 9-12 | 116 pages | Bubo Förlag | 2018 Sofia and Leo are back in Saga Falls, where the Black Runner has just released the forces of darkness. At the same time, the Sea People threaten to invade the country and Sofia and Leo are commissioned to look for Saga Falls’ lost Princess. Will they find the Princess and stop the Black Runner in time?
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The Armor of Light (Den magiska rustningen) Age 9-12 | 133 pages | Bubo Förlag | 2018 The weather in Saga Falls is completely off balance. The Black Horse causes floods, followed by storms and volcanic eruptions. To stop the darkness spreading, Sofia and Leo are tasked with finding a magic armor of light. Will Sofia and Leo be able to stop the evil or will the worlds go under?
HANNA BLIXT (b. 1979) works full-time as a writer. The Saga Falls series has taken the Swedish readers by storm with its high paced stories, beautiful settings and accessible language. The series comes with a teacher’s manual and has been very popular in schools.
Escape from the Black Castle (Flykten från tornet) Age 9-12 | 128 pages | Bubo Förlag | 2019 Once again the evil is spreading in Saga Falls and children disappear without a trace. Sofia and Leo are yet again thrown into a dangerous adventure. The Escape from the Black Castle is a fastpaced adventure among dragons, bats and hunting soldiers in a struggle against the clock, where the battle stands between the black and white towers.
Photo: Maria Hjort
The Mark of Styx (Styx märke) Age 9-12 | 121 pages | Bubo Förlag | 2016
Milena Bergquist | Middle-grade Fiction Millan series books 1-4 Millan’s Adventures, Much More Millan, Millan the Brave (Millans äventyr, Mycket mera Millan, Modiga Millan) Age 6-9 | 125-156 pages | Rabén & Sjögren | 2005-2007 Millan and the Secrets of the Castle (Millan och slottets hemlighet) Age 6-9 | 172 pages | Berghs Förlag | 2012
photo: Stefan Tell
Millan is a lively six-year old, full of fun and strong will. Millan speaks her mind, follows her instincts and get into all sorts of trouble – biting the princess in the ballet class, cutting off one of her braids. She would settle down a lot if only she got a cat, but no one seems to take this seriously! The books about Millan are full of humour, harsh reality and the appealing naivety of a child. Told at a fast pace with accessible language, the series is perfect for reading aloud or as a first read.
MILENA BERGQUIST (b. 1958) is a freelance journalist, editor, columnist and author. She lives in Stockholm and writes books for both adults and children. The series about the wayward Millan are lovely everyday stories filled with adventures and humour. Millan is brave, imaginative and follows her beliefs, often against all norms. Milena Bergquist has been compared to both Barbro Lindgren and Astrid Lindgren.
Millan, Horses, Hounds and Hairy Armpits (Millan, hästar, hundar och hår under armarna) Age 9-12 | 160 pages | Berghs Förlag | 2013 Millan is 12 years old and all she wants is to have her own dog and ride the horse Zita. She is also thinking about her annoying freckles and whether a redhead can become the popular girl. Maybe she can dye her red hair a more suitable colour? Full of urbanity and naïvety, Millan is the perfect spokesperson for pre-teen thoughts and issues. Millan and that Kissing Thing (Millan och det där med kyssar) Age 9-12 | 150 pages | Berghs Förlag | 2014 Millan has turned 13. She has four pets and spends almost all her spare time in the stables with her favorite horse. But she has also started thinking about that thing called love… And how about kissing – how does it work and when will it happen? Teenage angst and joy, all in one perfectly humorous book.
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photo: Niklas Sandström
Middle-grade Fiction | Annika Sandelin
ANNIKA SANDELIN (b. 1972) is an established author and a poet, who also works as a librarian. In 2014 she was nominated for the Nordic Council Prize. In Yoko’s Diary series she perfectly captures the anxieties, joys and dreams of a pre-teen girl.
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Yoko’s Diary: The Night Book (Yokos nattbok) 9+ | 160 pages | Schildts & Söderströms | 2014 Yoko is 10 years old, she’s got an embarrassing name, a clumsy dad and a mortifying mum. Luckily she’s got her best friend Anna, who lives just below. And of course there is cute Daniel whom she would love to kiss. The Night Book is the first book of a series of stand alone middle-grade novels, illustrated in black and white.
Yoko’s Diary 2: Cringe and Catastrophe (Pinsamt och livsviktigt) 9+ | 160 pages | Förlaget M | 2016 In book 2, Cringe and Catastrophe, Yoko's adopted friend Anna is so angry with her parents, that she wants to move back to China. The other girls in the class start using make-up which makes them look much older and of course besides the embarrassment of her father who cannot even manage to boil sausages without exploding them, there is still Daniel... Cringe and Catastrophe has been selected for 2018 IBBY Honour list.
Yoko’s Diary 3: Pitchblack and Perfect (Yokos nattbok: Nattsvart och underbart) 9+ | 160 pages | Förlaget M | 2018 In Pitchblack and Perfect, book three in the series, Yoko worries if Anna, who hangs out much more with Belle now, is still her best friend. She also questions her feelings for Daniel. The family has got a new member, a sausage dog, and Grandpa loses his memory - will he even remember who Yoko is? Joy, the new girl in the class is so cute that all the boys love her, but when she throws a party she doesn’t invite Yoko. And now Yoko's embarrassing mother really goes too far - how do you survive that your mother teaches sexual education to your classmates? L u c k i l y Yo k o c a n t e l l everything to her night book!
photo: Niklas Sandström
Kai Erik and Ted Forsström | Fiction 12+
KAI ERIK (real name Kaj Korkea-aho) is one of the most distinguished authors of his generation writing in Swedish in Finland. He is also a comedian and regularly performs on radio, TV and stage, as well as a popular columnist and playwright. His adult novel Onda boken has been translated into six languages. TED FORSSTRÖM is an author, comedian, and radio personality who co-hosts popular podcast Kaj & Ted. He writes for radio, TV and theatre. Together the authors have envisioned the hilarious high school comedy inspired by their own school boy days. Zoo #1, illustrated by Pentti Otsamo, was nominated for Finlandia Junior Prize in 2018 and won the Torchbearer award for best foreign potential. Author Kaj Korkea-aho also received Finlandspris in 2018.
ts TV righ sold!
“A hormone-fueled and positively quirky depiction of the teenage world. Guaranteed to make readers of all ages laugh.” Finlandia Prize jury 2017.
The Zoo #1: Viral Geniouses (Zoo! #1: Virala Genier) Age 12+| 160 pages | Förlaget M | 2017 Atlas, 14, starts a new school year just as his best friend Elliot moves abroad and the boys continue their friendship via email. The emails are also an outlet for Atlas’s creativity, peppered with sketches, top 3 lists and memes. The boys continue producing their own web comic “The Zoo”, a humorous reaction on school life, where everyone is depicted as animals. Meanwhile Justin has achieved internet stardom thanks to the viral phenomenon ‘waffling’ he has created. Justin becomes a controversial celebrity – until Atlas decides to challenge him.
“The authors do a great job in softening rigid gender stereotypes and celebrating diversity … ” Hufvudstadsbladet
The Zoo #2: Heart-attack (Zoo! #2: Hjärt-attack) Age 12+| 224 pages | Förlaget M | 2018 Atlas takes his first steps as class president and to please his peers, he manages to start a war against the scary Kitchen Chief. The representatives’ VIP-cellar – a 16 square-meter oasis with a fridge, dirty couch and computer – gets to witness emotions running high. There is shy Felicia from Year 9, voluptuous Tessie and cool and smart Sarah-Li, who all seem to want to hang out with Atlas. How is he to know which girl to choose? In his e-mails, Atlas tells his best-friend Elliot what it feels like to be showered with expectations – and sometimes to be so happy no emoji can describe.
Zoo #3 out in September 2019
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Fiction 12+ | Veera Salmi “Her writing is lively and her voice original.”
Turun Sanomat for All the Signs of Spring
The Island PhOTO: Dorit Salutskij
(Saari) Age 12+ | 200 pages | Otava | 2018
VEERA SALMI writes contemporary children’s fiction and she is best known for her middle grade fiction and picture books. She has also published adult fiction. Veera Salmi won the Kaarina Helakisa Prize in 2014 and was nominated for the Finlandia Junior Prize in 2015. Her books have been adapted for TV and the stage. A film based on her successful Puluboi and Pony series is released in 2018. This is her first standalone novel for older children. Veera’s books have been translated into Danish, Estonian, Korean and Swedish.
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“What you are about to read is heavy stuff; might want to stop, take a break, find a place to rest. That is why I tell you first about The Island. The Island is a place to recover. Without the Island I might not exist, and The Island might well rescue you, too – one never knows. Note: even if you never make it to The Island for real, you can always find it in your imagination, that’s what I used to do.” A group of children who have been let down by adults find a way to recover on a tropical island. You don’t even have to tell your real name, you can choose a new one. The power of stories rebuilds their faith in people. Reassuring but not shying away from difficult topics, The Island tells the story of five preteens building their own utopia to fix each other after disappointments and mistreatment, taking the side of the children and believing in them. This unique book is a manifesto of children’s rights in the form of an adventure novel.
PHoto: dorit salutskij
Nonna Wasiljeff | Young Adult Fiction
A debut novelist's creative mix of timely totalitarian world of horror, classic fantasy adventure and gripping suspense with elements of cautionary tales and coming of age story.
Grim Boy
Dust Boy
(Loukkupoika) Age 13+ | 336 pages | Otava | 2018
(Tomupoika) Age 13+ | 300 pages | Otava | 2019
15-year-old Aaron has always lived in the imprisonment camp – Grim, as they call it. It is dominated by the ruthless, mysterious Dusts. To survive, the best strategy is to keep your head down and obey the rules. Otherwise, the Dusts will drag you to the Second Level – where unimaginable horrors take place and from where a few return. But the Second Level is also the only way out. With the help of a message hidden in a fairy tale book left to him by his mother, Aaron and his friends manage to escape, but the outside world offers traps and horrors of its own. Courage and innocence are Aaron’s only weapons until he discovers his dormant powers.
In the second book, the imprisonment camp Grim does not let Aaron out of its grip. Aaron has fled from the Grim, only to end up living among the fearsome Dusts, as one of them. His newly discovered powers rave fear and attract strange characters to him. He is relentlessly followed by a shadowy nocturna Lazar, who is watching Aaron’s every move. Aaron struggles to get through the novice Dust training but when a new friend of his is captured by the Dusts, he forced to face once again the terrors of Grim.
NONNA WASILJEFF is a debut author with a mature voice. Her writing is inspired by computer games and classic adventure stories with a hint of fantasy and horror. Grim Boy is the addictive opening of a two-part series, followed by Dust Boy in 2019 to conclude Aaron’s story. Russian rights have been sold.
“A chillingly brilliant read.” Blogger Kirsin kirjanurkka
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