Foreign rights catalogue De Fontein by VBK de Uitgevers

Foreign Rights Catalogue De Fontein

Maartje Beukers Editor, newborn to age 8

Femke Geurts Editor, 8+ books

Joris van de Leur Publisher

mbeukers@uitgeverijdefontein.nl

fgeurts@uitgeverijdefontein.nl

jvandeleur@uitgeverijdefontein.nl

De Fontein Children’s and Juvenile Books We are very pleased to present our Foreign Rights Catalogue 2012. De Fontein is one of the most prestigious publishing houses in the Netherlands, with a reputation for high quality. A deep-rooted commitment to the best of publishing is reflected in the quality of our releases. With an affinity for innovation and a touch of the rebellious, we publish books for young people ranging in age from newborn to teenager: picture books, novelty and gift books, fiction and non-fiction, graphic novels, adventurous and humorous titles – both popular and literary works. In short, the entire gamut of children’s and young adult books. Quentin Blake, Ann Brashares, Roald Dahl, Mark Haddon, Jeff Kinney, Darren Shan and Jacqueline Wilson are just some of the noteworthy authors we publish in translation. In this catalogue you will find outstanding new titles by leading Dutch writers. Our most acclaimed authors are Marion van de Coolwijk, Marcel van Driel, Louise Flint, Peter van Gestel, Loes Riphagen, Marie-Louise & Mark Sekrève, Niki Smit, Bette Westera and last but not least Floortje Zwigtman. As you may already know, the Dutch Foundation for Literature exists to promote interest in Dutch-language books abroad. Foreign publishers wishing to publish translations of Dutch children’s and juvenile literature are encouraged to apply for a subsidy towards the translation costs (www.letterenfonds.nl). For more up-to-date information and additional titles, please visit our website: www.defonteinkinderboeken.nl We hope you will be as enthusiastic about our publications as we are and that you will discover interesting new titles for your list. Editor: Editor: Publisher:

Maartje Beukers Femke Geurts Joris van de Leur

Loes Riphagen Bedroom Bea sties A humorous debut with 26 new animal species: one for each letter of the alphabet Do you sometimes wake up with knots in your hair? Then there’s a Kissemmee hiding somewhere in your bedroom. Oh, you’ve never heard of this animal?! Then you’d better read this book to find out what other crazy critters might call your house home.

Fidgetmince (Dutch: Pielschaaf)

Picture Books

Age: 5+ • 40 pages Sold to: Germany, Denmark, Slovenia

The Fidgetmince is always chilly. So in order to warm up, it has to keep moving all the time. It lives in bedrooms behind the heating. The Fidgetmince uses inline skates, roller skates or a scooter to stay on the move. It can also fly, but only short distances, because its legs are very heavy. The Fidgetmince glides, skates, and scoots all over you when you’re asleep. This causes wrinkles on your body. When you wake up in the morning you can sometimes still see these wrinkles. The Fidgetmince is famous for making a soft groaning sound:

oof

ooh

oom

You can also occasionally hear the gentle scraping of its skates, or the soft squeaking sound of its scooter wheels.

kgggggg

reviews of Bedroom Beasties: • ‘Delightful debut’ Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant • ‘Gorgeous’ Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad • ‘Fantastic fantasy book’ NBD|Biblion, services for libraries, schools, bookstores • ‘Deserves a broad public’ Lezen, magazine for literature education • ‘The tremendous appeal of this book: it makes you see your own bedroom in a whole different light.’ Flemish YA-book magazine Leeswelp

eep, eep, eep

Unique Selling Points Bedroom Beasties: • Nominated for the Children’s Bookstore Prize • Prize-winning illustrator: Flag & Pennant for Animals Home Alone • Contains 26 new animal species: one for each letter of the alphabet • A humorous, original debut that will excite everyone’s imagination… • Full of funny, grimy, clever and outlandish animals • Includes an identification index: how you yourself can tell which animals might be living in your bedroom

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. Financial assistance to cover a proportion of the production costs is also possible. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Loes Riphagen Animals Home Alone An amusing and original ‘look & find’ book about pets

What do your pets do when you’re away from home? In this house they grab their chance: right away the cat starts phoning and for once the fish wants to leave his bowl. The bear climbs out of his painting and falls deeply asleep on the sofa. The dog tries on all the shoes he can find and the yellow elephant gathers up – need you ask – yellow things. And what are the pig and the bird up to? Where are the moths and the rabbit? The room is turned upside down. Can you find all the differences? A book for looking at again and again: you’ll discover something new each time!

Sold to: United States, Germany, Denmark

Picture Books

Age: 4+ • 32 pages

Reviews of Animals Home Alone: • ‘Success guaranteed’ Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant • ‘Fresh and unique’ NBD|Biblion, services for libraries, schools, bookstores • ‘A wordless romp offering many laughs for observant eyes on repeated readings’ Kirkus Reviews • ‘This book will be a hit with children who enjoy Where’s Waldo and the I Spy books.’ wakingbraincells.com • ‘Really awesome. I love this book. It’s just so funny.’ Bookie Woogie cultural education centre

Unique Selling Points Animals Home Alone: • Prize Winner: Flag & Pennant 2010 • Selected for the White Ravens 2010 • Featured title of Children’s Book Week 2010 • Humorous and original • Lively and catchy illustrations • No text, therefore also suitable for looking at without parents! • With questions at the end to check if you’ve found everything

Loes Riphagen Superheroes Extremely original picture book filled with surprises! Superheroes are here and there and everywhere. And they’re always trying to help people. To do this, superheroes make things go wrong… which can be very annoying: you step in dog-doo, get stung by a wasp, or you’re late for school. Yet if superheroes hadn’t caused these small mishaps, things might have gone totally wrong!

Picture Books

Loes Riphagen gives us a glimpse of superheroes in action (they need lots of different T-shirts to get the job done!) as well as what’s in their backpacks. She reveals how they keep the Leaning Tower of Pisa from falling over, how to recognize a superhero in a crowd and what you can do to help them. Age: 4+ • 40 pages Sold to: Germany

Hoe Superheldjes je helpen

reviews of Superheroes: • ‘Glorious picture book fun’ 5 stars, Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant • ‘A joyful celebration to read and look at.’ Dutch newspaper Trouw • ‘Humorous and highly imaginative’ NBD|Biblion, services for libraries, schools, bookstores

Unique Selling Points Superheroes: • Over 9,500 copies sold in the Netherlands within six months! • Prize-winning illustrator: Flag & Pennant for Animals Home Alone • Superheroes was a featured title of Children’s Book Week 2011

Loes Riphagen & Bette Westera | Mini Witches Unique picture book from two award-winning talents!

E MINIHEKSEN toveren elke dag en toch

pakken kunnen krijgen…’

LOES RIPHAGEN werd met haar debuut Slaapkamernachtdieren

genomineerd voor de Kinderboekwinkel Prijs. Haar tweede boek, Huisbeestenboel, werd bekroond met een Vlag & Wimpel.

BETTE WESTERA heeft veel gedichten en verhalen voor kinderen

geschreven. Haar werk is meerdere malen bekroond en boek noemde haar ‘Een onnadrukkelijke echo van Annie M.G. Schmidt.’

DE FONTEIN

LOES RIPHAGEN & BETTE WESTERA

Age: 4+ • 40 pages Rights available: worldwide

Miniheksen zijn klein, snel en erg zeldzaam. Ze houden van vliegen, van lezen, van koken en van verandering. Elke dag veranderen ze iets in het bos.

reviews of Mini Witches: • ‘One of the few truly notable Dutch illustrators at this moment. [...] Anyone who has laughed uncontrollably while reading Superheroes will not be disappointed by Mini Witches.’ 5 stars, de Volkskrant • ‘Bette Westera’s wordplays go well with Loes Riphagen’s somewhat unruly sense of humour.’ degelukkigelezer. blogspot.com, happy reader online reviews • ‘The text is easy-to-read and the illustrations are very funny... Children will fall for the story and the comicallydepicted characters.’ 4 stars, Goodreads.com

Picture Books

DE FONTEIN

MINIHEKSEN

‘We’re savers,’ the thumb-dwarfs tell them. ‘And when you save something, you never get bored.’ ‘Something? What sort of things then?’ ‘Small things. Rare things. Things that are hard to catch ...’

M i ni h e ks e n LOES RIPHAGEN & BETTE WESTERA

verandert er niets in het bos. Teleurgesteld The mini witches work their magical spells every day and yet hangen ze hun bezems aan de wilgen. Ze vervelen zich. nothing changes in the forest. Disillusioned and bored they Verderop in het bos wonen duimdwergen. Die vervelen zich nooit. Hoe krijgen ze dat voor elkaar? hang their brooms in the willow trees. But how can there be vragen de miniheksen zich af. Ze gaan het vragen. ‘Wij sparen iets,’ zeggen de duimdwergen thumb-dwarfs living nearby geheimzinnig. in the ‘Enforest who als je iets spaart, verveelnever je je nooit.’ seem to be ‘Iets? Wat dan?’ bored? The mini witches decide toIetsfind out... ‘Iets kleins. zeldzaams. Iets wat we moeilijk te

Unique Selling Points Mini Witches: • Unique collaboration between an award-winning author and prize-winning illustrator • Incredibly original text and images • Funny and surprising for children and their parents • Also see bettewestera.nl and loesriphagen.nl

Loes Riphagen The Yellow Elephant ‘One of the few truly notable Dutch illustrators at this moment’ de Volkskrant about Loes Riphagen LOES RI P H AG E N

De gele olifant

The yellow elephant is busy travelling the world collecting yellow stuff. He’s not even interested in his best friend mouse anymore, who desperately tries to get his attention. When elephant’s obsession for collecting gets completely out of control and he tries to grab the sun, he finally realises how important mouse is to him. According to the author, the best advice she ever received is: ‘Anything is possible; the crazier the better.’ And you clearly see this in her work!

Picture Books

Publication: June 2012

DE FONTEIN

Age: 4+ • 40 pages Rights available: worldwide

Reviews of Loes Riphagen’s work: • ‘The text is easy-to-read and the illustrations are very funny... Children will fall for the story and the comicallydepicted characters.’ 4 stars, Goodreads.com • ‘The colourful and cheerful illustrations are striking because of their liveliness and humour.’ De Recensent, art and culture reviews • ‘It’s hard not to like her infectious, slightly unruly sense of humour.’ Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant • ‘Her colourful illustrations are full of funny details.’ Kinderboekenpraatjes.nl, talking about kid’s books

Unique Selling Points The Yellow Elephant: • Imaginative new book by an award-winning illustrator • Humorous story about friendship • No text, therefore also suitable for looking at without parents! • For more illustrations see loesriphagen.nl

Bette Westera & Harmen van Straaten An Unforgettable Granddad Internationally awarded picture book Joe’s granddad has died and Joe is very sad. His mum gives him granddad’s red handkerchief and together they recall the fun times Joe always had with his beloved grandfather. An Unforgettable Granddad helps young children cope with the loss of a loved one. The wonderful illustrations help in dealing with the taboo surrounding death.

Sold to: Germany, France, Belgium, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Taiwan,

Picture Books

Age: 4+ • 32 pages

Japan and Korea Een andere keer maakte opa in de kamer een piratenschip met echte zeilen en een grote, rode vlag. Er kwam een ander schip voorbij en opa riep: ‘Enteren!’

En toen namen ze papa gevangen en roofden vijf euro uit zijn broekzak om friet van te kopen...

Reviews of An Unforgettable Granddad: • ‘The illustrations express what words could never tell.’ Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant • ‘As strange as it may sound in relation to the subject matter: this book makes you happy.’ Pluim van de Maand, monthly Dutch book prize • ‘Sad, but hopeful and cheerful at the same time... It helps.’ De vrijzinnige lezer, Belgian humanist magazine • ‘Westera and Van Straaten are perfect interpreters of both story and illustrations.’ Leesgoed, news about youth literature

Unique Selling Points An Unforgettable Granddad: • Winner of the Sankei Children’s Book Award Grand Prix in Japan • Winner of the Golden Apple in Bratislava • Winner of a Flag & Pennant in the Netherlands • Beautiful picture book by two award-winning talents!

Marie-Louise & Mark Sekrève Lovely, funny books about the adventures of Giraffe and his friends Giraffe Goes to Bed Giraffe can’t sleep because he’s afraid of the dark. His friends try to help him. One night Giraffe hears noises. Scary noises. And he can’t sleep the whole night because of them… Could it be a monster? What should he do?

Picture Books

‘Just stay awake!’ Croc says. ‘And sing very loudly,’ Zebra says, ‘because monsters don’t like that.’ Luckily Elephant has a better plan… A book that small children who are scared of the dark can identify with. Giraffe Celebrates Giraffe bakes a cake, because Zebra is throwing a party. Croc helps him. He tastes and tastes… Giraffe has his doubts: will Zebra be happy with the cake?

Ages: 3 to 6 • 32 pages per title Rights available: worldwide

‘This is the first cake I have ever baked,’ Giraffe says. ‘Elephant gave me the recipe.’ He scratches his ear. ‘But I’m not sure I can…’ ‘I know everything about baking cakes,’ Croc says. ‘Really? Do you bake a lot?’ Giraffe asks. ‘No, never,’ Croc says, rubbing his hands together eager to get started. ‘But I’m sure I’m really good at it. So tell me, Giraffe, what will we need?’

Giraffe series Giraffe Learns to Ride a Bicycle Zebra can ride a bicycle. She just learned how to. So now Giraffe has to learn too. Giraffe sits down on the bike seat. He tightly clasps the handlebars and puts one foot on the pedal. ‘And now?’ he asks. ‘Nose up, look straight ahead. And pedal. There’s nothing to it,’ Zebra says. She gives the bike a big push. ‘Not so hard!’ Giraffe shouts. The handlebars are between his legs. He tries keeping his nose up, but the next thing he sees is the ground. Giraffe is cross. He stamps away with giant steps. ‘Biking is stupid!’ But then Croc gives him a very special gift...

Croc clears his throat. ‘I’ll make a big pot of herbal tea for you, that will help,’ Giraffe says. ‘And how about a biscuit?’ Croc nods. Giraffe puts a dish of delicious cookies on Croc’s lap. ‘What a treat!’ Croc says stuffing his mouth. ‘Being sick is such fun.’

Picture Books

Giraffe and the Crocoditis Croc is ill. Giraffe tries nursing him back to health, but Croc still can’t shake the Crocoditis.

11 Luckily Elephant knows exactly what Croc needs: a bitter drink with a splash of sour. In no time at all, without even taking a sip, Croc feels better. Giraffe wants to be pampered for a change too. Then suddenly he isn’t feeling well either...

Reviews of the Giraffe series: • ‘The familiar characters make this book a treat to read.’ Groter Groeien, Dutch parenting magazine • ‘Wonderful book!’ Lifestyle magazine Flair • ‘The funny details absolutely complete this book.’ Leestafel.info, ‘reading table’ about books, writers, language • ‘Each and every page is a joy to look at.’ nellyhofman. wordpress.com, book crazy bookseller’s blog

Unique Selling Points Giraffe series: • Humorous and sweet children’s books • Full of vibrant illustrations • Giraffe and his three friends all have a clear role that fits their personality • Themes that children can identify with

Bette Westera All Hands on Deck ‘So wonderfully written that it feels like you’re aboard.’ Leesfeest.nl When Peter-Paul becomes an apprentice on the pirate ship Draculus Three, he calls himself PéPé: a name befitting a pirate. His fellow seamen Hands 1, Hands 2 and Hands 4 teach him everything there is to know about life on board: pirateering, striking the mast and bailing water. But where is Hands 3?

fiction

Age: 5+ • 96 pages Rights available: worldwide

PéPé’s first letter is sent off in a rum bottle: Dear Dad, How are you? I’m doing well. I’m at sea. I’ve already learned how to pee over the railing with the wind at my back. I’m sitting around with all the deck Hands. We’re drinking hot chocolate and eating sea biscuits. I haven’t met the helmsman yet, but the captain is a parrot. When the next bottle is empty, I’ll send you another letter. Kisses, PéPé Bette Westera has been writing her entire life. Her (picture) books have been awarded numerous prizes. Her stories are witty, poignant and recognizable to both

12 © heinz toussaint

children and adults.

Reviews of Westera’s books: • ‘A subtle echo of the extremely popular Dutch writer Annie M.G. Schmidt’ BOEK Magazine • ‘What an imaginative story! Now and then I caught myself chuckling at Bette Westera’s original discoveries.’ Leestafel.info, ‘reading table’ about books, writers, language • ‘A must for boys and girls who dream of being pirates. It’s a smooth read and the writing is funny.’ Pluizer.be, tips from avid readers

• ‘Again Westera has succeeded in writing a splendid novel for young and old alike.’ Dutch newspaper Leeuwarder Courant • ‘Westera writes sincerely and with highly original observations and humour.’ Leesgoed, news about youth literature

Unique Selling Points All Hands on Deck: • Awarded a Flag & Pennant • Lively book for reading aloud to boys and girls • More than 12,500 copies sold in the Netherlands

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Bette Westera

C url s and Blubb er S h a m p o o & N o Kissing on th e Tra m p o l in e ‘Bette Westera is such a good storyteller that before you know it you’ve polished off the whole book!’ Oudersonline.nl Curls and Blubber Shampoo Cal doesn’t have a father, which is actually impossible. ‘How come I don’t have a dad?’ Cal asks his mother. ‘Everyone has a dad, except for me.’ ‘You’ve got me,’ his mother replies. ‘Some children only have a mom.’ During a camping holiday, Cal meets Kimberly. They spend time together swimming and eating ice cream. Kimberly asks him about his father and Cal tells her he’s a famous football player. At first she doesn’t believe him, but then something happens that completely convinces her.

Age: 6+ • 96 pages per title Rights available: worldwide

Publication: April 2013

Reviews of Westera’s books: • ‘Extremely suitable for reading aloud. That is, if you can refrain from laughing loudly yourself. Again Westera has succeeded in writing a splendid novel for young and old alike.’ Dutch newspaper Leeuwarder Courant • ‘Westera writes sincerely and with highly original observations and humour.’ Leesgoed, news about youth literature • ‘Beautifully written, often funny, at times touching’ Leestafel.info, ‘reading table’ about books, writers, language

fiction

No Kissing on the Trampoline Cal and Kimberley get to spend another summer holiday together. This time they’re in Switzerland where Kimberly’s dad has a temporary job as a hotel cook. Their days are filled with exciting and fun adventures with the other kids. The family situation of the other kids they meet gives Cal and Kimberly the idea to hook up their parents. Then they’ll be stepbrother and sister. Though when it looks like it might actually happen, they wonder if it wouldn’t be better to remain holiday friends. But can they stop what they’ve already put in motion?

Unique Selling Points Curls and Blubber Shampoo & No Kissing on the Trampoline • Humorous and touching (read-aloud) book by a prizewinning author • Recognizable for everyone six and older • Realistic series about different types of families • Perfect for reading aloud: funny and adventurous

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Bette Westera

Just Tell My Teacher I’ll Be Late

A humorous book that will appeal to the imagination of both young and old

fiction

Sander always does what his father and mother tell him. He doesn’t know why, that’s just how it is... automatically, without thinking. But then one day all that changes. Sander is playing on a giant inflatable bounce in a parking lot alongside a motorway in France. His mum calls him but he doesn’t respond immediately. Sander jumps to the other side of the bounce and back again one more time. Then he heads back to the car, but it is no longer there. His mum and dad have left… without him! So Sander seizes his chance. Finally he can do whatever he wants, without parents! He hitchhikes and gets a ride from Bert, in an enormous lorry. This is the beginning of a huge adventure. An adventure filled with sheep, cliffs and campfires on the beach.

Age: 6+ • 144 pages

Bette Westera has been writing her entire

Rights available: worldwide

life. Her (picture) books have been awarded numerous prizes. Her stories are witty, poig-

nant and recognizable to both children and

Reviews of Westera’s books: • ‘Bette Westera is a great writer. Her work is extremely genuine, humorous as well as moving.’ Pluizer.be, tips from avid readers • ‘A subtle echo of the extremely popular Dutch writer Annie M.G. Schmidt’ BOEK Magazine • ‘Again Westera has succeeded in writing a splendid novel for young and old alike.’ Dutch newspaper Leeuwarder Courant • ‘Westera writes sincerely and with highly original observations and humour.’ Leesgoed, news about youth literature

adults.

• ‘Beautifully written, often funny, at times touching’ Leestafel.info, ‘reading table’ about books, writers, language

Unique Selling Points Just Tell My Teacher I’ll Be Late: • Extremely humorous children’s novel by a prize-winning author. What would happen if you decided to do exactly what you wanted? • Recognizable for everyone six years of age and older! • Perfect for reading aloud: funny and adventurous, but not too scary

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Bette Westera

wait er ! T her e ’s a J e llyf i sh Swim min g in My S o u p A humorous book about eating customs all over the world Tastes differ and eating habits do as well. This book looks at eating habits worldwide. Do people in Spain really eat bull’s balls? Where can you taste jellyfish salad? What is sea-spaghetti? Why do some cheeses stink? How do you prepare cockroaches? And why is the durian – an Indonesian fruit – not allowed on airplanes?

Age: 9+ • 96 pages Rights available: worldwide

non-fiction

You’ve never eaten an insect? Well, that’s what you think! In factories where vegetables are processed, countless numbers of insects end up in jars, cans, or deep-freeze packages. Sometimes there are as many as sixty frozen plant lice in a package of deep-freeze broccoli. But there are also insects in other vegetable and fruit products. An ounce of raisins contains an average of thirty-four dried fruit flies, a can of mushrooms seventy-four mites and a half-bottle of tomato ketchup three fruit fly larvae. So sometimes vegetarians also end up eating meat. Because no matter how small, lice, larvae and flies qualify as meat... Even vegans – vegetarians who don’t eat any kind of animal products such as eggs, milk or honey – unconsciously and involuntarily eat meat too!

Reviews of Westera’s books: • ‘If you think it’s fun to read about all kinds of unusual things you can eat, then this book’s for you!’ Leestafel.info, ‘reading table’ about books, writers, language • ‘A subtle echo of the extremely popular Dutch writer Annie M.G. Schmidt’ BOEK Magazine • ‘Funny, wonderful, easygoing writing’ Dutch Kidsweek Junior • ‘Westera has once again succeeded in writing a book for young and old alike.’ Dutch newspaper Leeuwarder Courant

Unique Selling Points Waiter! There’s a Jellyfish Swimming in My Soup: • Featured title of Children’s Book Week • Award-winning author • Funny and educational • With a handy index and fun-to-do quiz

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Marion van de Coolwijk & Juliette de Wit Nerd Alert! Extremely funny graphic novel: witty, hilarious, familiar I’m a genius, but nobody knows it (yet)... Bas is eleven and a nerd. He’s rather naive and completely overestimates his abilities. His best friend is Gita, his bass guitar. Bas is convinced he’s going to make it as a bassist. Bas has two older sisters, Liv & Liz, who are twins. His mother is a workaholic; his father a househusband. Then there’s his posh friend Martin, a ‘super-awesome guy.’ Bas thinks of himself as a genius, but his life is a series of blunders. Does it sound familiar? Graphic Novels

Age: 12+ • 112 pages Rights available: worldwide

Marion van de Coolwijk has written dozens of children’s books. Juliette de Wit has illustraNerd Alert! is the perfect co-production of two top talents!

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

ted at least as many.

Marion van de Coolwijk & Juliette de Wit Nerd Alert! H.E.R .O.

Age: 12+ • 112 pages Rights available: worldwide

Graphic Novels

On their sixteenth birthday, Bas’ sisters Liv & Liz get two small dogs: Candy & Randy. Bas immediately sees that these dogs are gifted and will be extremely useful for his new research project: H.E.R.O. Strange things are happening at school. Clothing is intentionally being damaged: let your guard down for a moment and your brand label is gone. What’s left are holes in your jacket, pants and sweater. Even Candy & Randy can’t escape it. Their expensive Chienal dog jackets are stripped of their fancy labels. Everybody is angry. Who is responsible for this? The local newspaper offers a reward to catch the culprit. At the very moment Bas, Candy & Randy are downtown raising money for charity, two shady characters race by them: one has a pair of scissors in his hand. When the ‘super awesome’ Martin and his dog Colossus set off in pursuit, Bas decides to put his secret weapons, Candy & Randy, into action.

Reviews of the Nerd Alert! series: • ‘Delightful humorous story... easy-to-read... splendid black & white lustrations.’ NBD|Biblion, services for libraries, schools, bookstores

Unique Selling Points Nerd Alert! series: • Two talents join forces! • Witty and recognizable, hilarious and accessible • Graphic novels fulfil the great need young people have for accessible, funny books

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Mirjam Elia s Deserted Hotel A universal, utterly moving and impressive story about friendship, growing up and surviving during wartime

Age: 10+ • 288 pages

Mirjam Elias is a freelance journalist. Her story is

Sold to: Germany

based on her husband Ronald Sweering’s experiences during the Second World War.

H i s to r i c a l n ov e l s

This is the true story of Ronny, who lives in Amsterdam with his parents when the Second World War breaks out. He is not Jewish but many of his school friends are and once the war begins his classmates start disappearing one after another. In the hotel owned by his parents, strange things also happen: many artistic and Jewish people (including the father of Anne Frank, Otto Frank) used to drop by, but now his dad is having secretive conversations with two German officers. Ronny doesn’t understand. When he discovers a boy hiding in a basement across the street, Ronny decides he’s old enough to have his own secret. From that moment on he visits Willy every day, but everything goes terribly wrong when Ronny falls seriously ill.

Reviews of Deserted Hotel: • ‘A unique drama that hits you like a blow to the head. You can only put down Deserted Hotel once you’re done reading it.’ Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad • ‘An outstanding book, full of stories that had to be told’ Dutch regional newspaper Tubantia • ‘A book that everyone should read. Besides being humorous and moving, Deserted Hotel raises fundamental questions about life and death, war and peace, but also about courage and cowardness.’ Boekanouk.nl, children’s bookstore

Unique Selling Points Deserted Hotel: • Mirjam Elias personally relates her husband’s wartime story • A unique and universal story about people in wartime and the choices they make – both good and bad • Includes eight pages of historical photographs and an afterword by Ronny Sweering and the author • Mirjam and Ronny Elias have also developed an educational programme for schools

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Marcel van Driel Superheroes.nl A gripping thriller and game you can also play online!

Age: 11+ • 256 pages

Superheroes.nl – Part 2:

Rights available: worldwide

Mr Oz has almost completed his team of Superheroes and launches the second phase of his megalomaniacal plan to take over the world. ‘Copy Cat’ Iris, speed demon Alex, math genius Yun Yun and the Polish hacker Fiber are sent on a crucial mission to Cape Canaveral: they have to steal the codes that provide access to key communications satellites. Meanwhile, Iris – with the help of her brother – tries to thwart Mr Oz’s evil plan. But is Justin totally trustworthy? Publication: September 2012 Reviews of Superheroes.nl: • ‘The story is written at breakneck speed and makes one think of the exciting trilogy The Hunger Games.’ J/M, parenting magazine • ‘Want to bet you won’t be able to put down this spy thriller?’ GaafvoorKinderen.nl, ‘cool for kids’ activities site • ‘Already waiting for part 2!’ Kinderboekenpraatjes.nl, talking about kid’s books

Unique Selling Points Superheroes.nl: • A very exciting thriller in the style of Young Bond, Alex Rider and the CHERUB series • The online world in the book is actually accessible via www.superhelden.nl: readers can play the story’s game in 3D as well • Trailer available • See www.superhelden.nl

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Thrillers

Children all over the world are playing the game Superhelden.nl. Only the best players are allowed to advance to the secret levels on the virtual island of Pala. But nobody knows that this island actually exists. Nobody knows that the best players are abducted against their will and trained on Pala to be master spies. Those who complete their training are given the official title Superhero and sent on international missions. And only the mysterious leader Mr Oz knows what the end goal is. Since her father’s suicide, thirteen-year-old Iris Goldhorn spends all her time gaming. Her favourite game is Superhelden.nl and she quickly advances from one level to the next. Superheroes Alex and Fiber are sent to the Netherlands to kidnap Iris. But even they don’t know what Mr Oz has planned for her. Because Iris is exceptionally talented, even for a Superhero...

Marion van de Coolwijk

T o p Job! series – Ta ble 7 : 3 C o l a !

A spectacular series by bestselling author Marion van de Coolwijk about that first part-time job

Fiction

Rick is fifteen and is looking for a weekend job so he can earn some money. He applies for a dishwasher’s position in a restaurant and to his surprise can immediately start as a waiter. Rick is a quick learner and gets along well with his colleagues. He has the most fun with Ice and because of her he finds the work more and more enjoyable. Is he falling in love? When money is missing from the cash register, everyone is stunned. The atmosphere in the team changes: the staff begins to suspect each other. Whenever Rick works, the evening’s turnover doesn’t add up. Could it be a coincidence? When his colleagues start to suspect him, Rick doesn’t know what to do. All the goodwill he has built up over time doesn’t seem to count for anything. Who could have stolen the money? And why? Age: 12+ • 176 pages Rights available: worldwide

Marion van de Coolwijk has written more than two hundred children’s books. She also has an educational consulting firm focused on children. She

teaches and advises teachers, parents and children about reading & writing.

Reviews of Table 7: 3 Cola!: • ‘From the moment Rick walks into that restaurant, a string of exciting and romantic events rapidly follows. Author Marion van de Coolwijk has an unforgettable way of telling a story.’ Chicklit.nl • ‘Young people are quickly caught up in the familiarity of the events and can easily identify with the story’s characters.’ Levende Talen Magazine for teaching languages • ‘The writer is truly at home in the world of teenagers. Our compliments!’ BOEK Magazine about GLMR Girls

Unique Selling Points Table 7: 3 Cola!: • Nominated for the Young Jury Prize • Recognizable themes: your first part-time job (in a restaurant), stealing, friendship and falling in love • Already 200,000 copies from the ‘GLMR Girls’ series have been sold • Marion van de Coolwijk: Winner of the Tina-Bruna Award • For girls and boys twelve and older • See www.marionvandecoolwijk.nl

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Marion van de Coolwijk Top Job! series – Ac tion! Top job! Who doesn’t want to work in the world of film? Iris wants to be an actress. For years she’s been taking acting lessons at a theatre school with her friends Anya and Des. Her auditions haven’t been a huge success. The competition is killing! When she sees a casting call for film extras, Iris decides to respond. She can earn some money this way, even if she thinks being an extra is utterly boring. On the set, Iris hears about a role in an upcoming teen film. The audition is very hard but she gets the part. Iris enjoys the crazy world of film and becomes much more popular at school. She slowly loses touch with her friends from the theatre school. Is the film world actually worth it? And Des... what does he mean to her?

Rights available: worldwide

Fiction

Age: 12+ • 176 pages

Reviews of Action!: • ‘Brilliant girls book’ Meidenmagazine, glossy for girls 10 to 15 • ‘Highly recommended! I read this book in a few days. Once you’re reading, you simply can’t stop! What a great story!’ Xamira (13) on Chicklit.nl

Unique Selling Points Action!: • Wonderful, recognizable story about that first part-time job, working in the film world, friendships and falling in love • From the author of the bestselling GLMR Girls series

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Niki Sm it 100% series Lively, hip girls’ series to spark the imagination!

100% Bo Bo is going to live in New York City with her mother for a year. Her mother works as a photographer for different American fashion magazines. Bo is extremely nervous about her first day of Middle School. But thanks to reading a book called How To Be Popular, Bo quickly befriends the head cheerleaders, Abby and Chloe. Then, before she knows it, she has kissed Justin, the most popular boy at school. Bo is impressed by all the attention she receives because of her new boyfriend, but why does she always get such a tingly feeling when she sees Luca, the baker’s son? And what is that famous Calvin Klein model doing in the shower at her house? Chick Lit

Age: 10+ • 128 pages per title

Niki Smit is author of the terribly popular 100%

Rights available: worldwide

series. Niki previously worked as the editor of a youth website and a fashion blog. She won the Hotze de Roos Prize for her debut book 100% Nina. Her books

22 © ineke oostveen

have been nominated several times for the Dutch

reviews of the 100% series: • ‘The popular 100% series is eaten-up by girls eleven and older’ NBD|Biblion, services for libraries, schools, bookstores • ‘Highly-recommended!’ Meidenmagazine, glossy for girls 10 to 15 • ‘100% Bo is first-rate chick lit!’ Dutch Kidsweek Junior

Children’s Jury Prize. Niki lives in Amsterdam and likes: All Stars, rabbits, Paris, fashion, Fifi Lapin, hats and rosy cheeks.

Unique Selling Points 100% series: • More than 180,000 copies of Niki Smit’s books have been sold in the Netherlands • 100% Nina was awarded the Hotze de Roos Prize for best debut • 100% Lola, 100% Anna, 100% Bo and 100% Mila were listed by the Dutch Children’s Jury • The 100% series is extremely popular among girls ten and older • Also see: www.nikismit.nl

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

100% Nina Nina is in her first year of Middle School

and 100% in love with Tim. When she discovers he’s into glamorous girls, Nina has only one thing in mind: to be one of those girls! But this is a lot harder than she thinks... 100% Lola Lola is 100% in love with Job. But Job is a

vegetarian who wears Greenpeace T-shirts, while Lola loves hamburgers and wearing trendy designer clothes. When her plan to win him over is threatened with disaster, Lola doesn’t know what to do next… 100% Anna Anna doesn’t want to have anything to do with the glamorous life her family leads. Although her parents think she’s joined the team of a chic hockey club, she’s secretly playing soccer. But her heartthrob Jamie and her soccer friends don’t know that Anna is super wealthy... until they see her on the cover of Rich Girl magazine. 100% Love – Summer Butterflies Lot and Tara have been

best friends forever, but Tara has just moved to Paris. Tara loves flirting and Lot is always super-shy around boys, so they advise each other about love via e-mail. But whether their views on love are sound, remains to be seen... Chick Lit

100% Fay Fay is a photo model and 100% in love with Tim,

except she’s afraid to tell him. When she gets an assignment and has to wear a fur coat during her first fashion show, she doesn’t know what to do: she’s totally anti-fur! 100% Mila Mila decides to live with her father in Paris

for a year so she can fulfil her dream: becoming a fashion designer! But life in Paris isn’t so easy. Then she meets Nino: he wants to become a famous musician. They make a pact to pursue their ambitions. Except they lose each other in the process... 100% Beverly Beverly-Anne is 100% in love. Not with one

Niki Smit

100% Beverly

boy, but with every boy she meets. When someone accuses her of never having been in love for real, Beverly is very upset. Love is a must in her life. But it’s hard to choose from so many gorgeous guys! NEW 100% Julia Julia moves with her family to trendy

Notting Hill in London. During a casting session, Julia is selected from thousands of girls for a lead part in the BBC series The Hills. On the set, Julia falls 100% in love with the cutest boy from the series, Johnny Bloom. Except how can she make an impression on Johnny when she’s playing the nerdiest role in the show?

De Fontein

Marion van de Coolwijk A hugely successful YA-series about the dynamic lives of three different teenagers who turn out to be triplets Just before they turn sixteen, Joan, Hannah, and Tanya each receive a registered letter from a solicitor asking them to appear in his office on their birthdays. These three very different girls meet there for the first time. The solicitor tells them they are sisters, triplets actually, who were orphaned at the age of two when their mother died. The girls immediately dislike each other, but their shared curiosity takes them on a search to find their mysterious father. Who is he? Is he still travelling around Europe singing and playing his guitar, like he used to with their mother seventeen years earlier? And more importantly: is he interested in getting to know his three daughters?

Chick Lit

Age: 12 + • 192 pages per title Rights available: worldwide

Marion van de Coolwijk has written more than two hundred children’s books. She received the Tina-Bruna Award for GLMR Girls and was nominated for the Prijs van de Jonge

Jury (Young Jury Prize). In the meantime, there are serious plans to make a film of the series. Marion van de Coolwijk lives with her husband and two sons in the north of Holland.

reviews of the GLMR Girls series: • ‘Curling up with GLMR Girls is such a delight… The teenage girls in Marion van de Coolwijk’s books are truly authentic.’ Regional newspaper Noordhollands Dagblad • ‘A refreshing and exciting book... The writer is truly at home in the world of teenagers. Our compliments!’ BOEK Magazine • ‘A delicious treat for girls’ NBD|Biblion, services for libraries, schools, bookstores

Unique Selling Points GLMR Girls series: • GLMR Girls (volume 1): Winner of the Tina-Bruna Award • Nominated for the Young Jury Prize • More than 200,000 copies of the GLMR Girls series sold in the Netherlands • Also see: www.mzzlmeiden.nl

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

GLMR Girls series

GLMR Girls and the Paparazzi The GLMR girls meet their father for the first time: an emotional moment for all of them. However, the paparazzi are getting curious. Are the girls more than just groupies of the famous rock star Parrot? The lives of these three sisters will never be the same! GLMR Girls on Tour Joan, Hannah and Tanya travel to Rome

with their famous father to see his band in concert. And that’s when the trouble really begins! GLMR Girls in Love Joan’s uncle invites the GLMR girls to

GLMR Girls Throw a Party! The three sisters organize

a surprise party for their father’s birthday in London! And that’s not all: love is in the air for all three of them, but so is trouble...

Chick Lit

Monaco where they will be staying in a lavish hotel near the beach. However, this paradise has several surprises in store for them… and boys are only one of them!

25 GLMR Girls Go Wild Hannah and Joan have decided to share

an apartment in Amsterdam. Tanya’s living in London, but when she hears there’s an extra room for her in their new house, she decides to surprise them and come for an extended visit. But when she arrives she finds Joan and Hannah in the midst of a huge quarrel… GLMR Girls in Hollywood The three sisters go to Los

Angeles! Parrot is also with them to make a music video with Tanya. But when their father starts spending a lot of time with his assistant, the girls get suspicious. GLMR Girls Winter Love Joan, Hannah and Tanya go skiing,

and this time it’s a sisters’ holiday: no boyfriends allowed! But it seems like Tanya hasn’t kept to the deal. She’s brought Danny along! Joan is furious. When Tanya doesn’t show up for dinner, the sisters are initially angry but then they get worried…

Renske Derkx

C onfessions of a Bl a bb er m o u t h

Recognizable, romantic adventures of a sixteen-year-old schoolgirl w

Chick Lit

Noa’s life isn’t always easy. She’s had a crush on Roger for a long time, but does he have any feelings for her? Her school grades aren’t very good either and she constantly gets into trouble because she doesn’t think before she speaks. This happens especially when Roger is around. Also their first date is disastrous. Then she meets Camille. He’s handsome, charming and clearly interested in her, even if she blurts out nutty things. When she gets Camille’s mobile number from one of her best friends, she decides to take a chance. But to her surprise, Roger picks up instead of Camille. In fact they’re brothers! Now what? Should she still go on a date with Camille? Will she ever get over Roger? Luckily Noa can discuss everything with her best friends, Maud and Lola. But lately she has the feeling they’re hiding something from her. What could it be? Age:12+ • 144 pages Rights available: worldwide

Renske Derkx is eighteen and started studying journalism at university last year. She has been crazy about

26 © martijn schruijer

books and writing her whole life. When Renske is with

Reviews of Confessions of a Blabbermouth: • ‘Girls Noa’s age will think this book is delightful, because they will easily recognise themselves in her!’ Leestafel.info, ‘reading table’ about books and writers • ‘Wonderful and cheerful book, not just for girls, but surely also for boys. It will make lots of matters clear – that’s for certain!’ coolesuggesties.nl, ‘cool suggestions for kids’ • ‘Wow! This book is a great chick lit, – it’s a real page turner. I couldn’t stop laughing, because it’s sooo

friends, she regularly blurts out the weirdest things.

familiar... an incredible debut.’ GaafvoorKinderen.nl, ‘cool for kids’ activities site

Unique Selling Points Confessions of a Blabbermouth: • Amazing debut from an eighteen-year-old • This young writer intrinsically understands her audience • Recognizable, romantic adventures of a blabbermouth • Also see: www.renskederkx.nl

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Wendy, Eefje and Joany Buenen Three Versions of Me A seamlessly-written debut by triplets about being triplets The identical triplet sisters Alice, Marieke and Esther are always together. They understand each other implicitly and often instinctively start singing the same song. Of course there are also moments when it is less fun being triplets – for instance when even after six years classmates are still overtly discussing who is who – but none of the sisters really lets this get to her. Then something terrible happens. Marieke watches her boyfriend Robin giving Alice a box. He gives her a ring. And not just any ring: one that Marieke has been wanting forever… It appears that even Marieke’s boyfriend doesn’t recognize her. Marieke is devastated. This leads to a drastic decision: she and her sisters are going to try getting through the year without each other. But this is easier said then done…

Age: 13+ • 208 pages Rights available: worldwide

Chick Lit

Also in this series: Triplets in Love

Joany, Eefje and Wendy Buenen are triplet sisters. They have been writing for as

have a related career.

Reviews of Three Versions of Me: • ‘A wonderful book’ Leestafel.info, ‘reading table’ about books, writers, language • ‘An enjoyable “Teen Chick” which can be read in no time at all!’ ChickLit.nl • ‘A perfect book for dreaming away the hours!’ Leesfeest.nl, reading is a celebration

long as they can remember and all three now

Unique Selling Points Three Versions of Me: • First book by triplets about triplets • Funny, surprising and touching • Fast, easy read YA book • The success of this book inspired the triplets to write a sequel

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Mel Wallis de Vries False A two-time award winner: Best Dutch Women’s Thriller & Best Dutch YA Thriller Four friends are staying in a secluded cottage; one by one they disappear…

Thrillers

Abby, Kim, Pippa and Fay know each other from school and have been friends for years. During the Christmas holidays they go to a cottage in the Ardennes, where they get snowed in. There is no electricity, the mobile network is down and the nearest house is a few kilometres away. The girls have a good laugh about their situation. That is until Kim unexpectedly disappears after an argument. The remaining three are worried, but convince themselves that Kim has gone off to the village. Though when Fay disappears too, and they find a trail of blood in the snow, concern turns to fear. Pippa and Abby can’t really go anywhere because of the bad weather. Their reality becomes more forbidding and frightening by the minute. Who has it in for them? And does this group of friends really know each other as well as they think?! Age: 12+ • 224 pages Rights available: worldwide

Mel Wallis de Vries is the most successful Dutch author of young adult thrillers at this moment: her books are enormously popular. The stories are realistic and easy-to-read: gripping until the very last page. Her work has been published in quite a few countries.

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Mel Wallis de Vries Trapped Grisly new thriller from ‘the Nicci French of Dutch youth literature’

thrillers

Two friends, a tragic accident, everything is different than it seems... Who can you still trust? When Lara opens her eyes she can’t see anything. She can’t move. First Lara thinks she is dreaming. But as hard as she tries, she doesn’t wake up. And then she starts hearing voices in the darkness: angry voices, sad voices. What do they want from her? And why can’t she escape this darkness? Lara’s memory slowly returns and she realizes she’s been in a terrible accident. Is she dead? Will she be trapped in the dark forever? In her despair, she knows one thing for sure: her best friend Maud’s life is also in danger. But how can she reach Maud from the darkness to warn her? Lara does everything she possibly can, but time is running out…

Age: 12+ • 272 pages Rights available: worldwide

Reviews of Mel Wallis de Vries’ books: • ‘Frighteningly exciting until the very last page’ Dutch teen magazine Fancy • ‘The Nicci French of Dutch youth literature’ NBD|Biblion, services for libraries, schools, bookstores • ‘Gruesome’ CJP.nl, Cultural Youth Pass & activities • ‘Wallis de Vries sends shivers up your spine!’ Dutch teen magazine Hitkrant

Unique Selling Points Mel Wallis de Vries’ books: • False: Best Dutch Women‘s Thriller 2010, vrouwenthriller.nl for books by female thriller writers • False: Best Dutch Thriller 2011, Crimezone.nl YA Thriller Awards • Over 15,000 copies of False sold • Most successful Dutch writer of thrillers for young adults

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Louise Flint Trea son Exciting youth novel based on historical events

H i s to r i c a l N ov e l s

Southern France, 1241. Fourteen-year-old Philippe and his close circle of friends are fighting against the Inquisition. But these friends are Cathars and for years the king of France has been trying to wipe out this religious sect. Philippe risks his life to save his Cathari girlfriend Esperte. He joins the Order of Bread and Wine, a secret organization. Philippe helps Cathars escape to Spain and – disguised as a leper – frees his girlfriend when she is imprisoned by the Inquisition. But then Philippe is recognized and together with Esperte is forced to flee this religious witch hunt as well. A thrilling pursuit follows. When Philippe is ultimately put on trial by the Inquisition, everything seems lost. Treason is an exciting historical novel for youngsters twelve and up. Based on facts and authentic texts, this book provides a vivid picture of medieval Europe’s history and culture.

Age: 12+ • 304 pages

Louise Flint won a writing contest at the age

Rights available: worldwide

of eleven. Because the books she wanted to read

first youth novel.

Reviews of Treason: • ‘Louise Flint gracefully follows in the footsteps of the popular Dutch authors Tonke Dragt and Thea Beckman.’ Dutch youth literature platform Jaapleest.nl • ‘With knowledge and momentum, Flint describes a dark chapter in church history.’ Kerknet.be, Churches in Flanders, Belgium • ‘An exciting book’ Dutch regional newspaper De Limburger • ‘Flint immerses readers in a fascinating, moving piece of history.’ Kerknet.be

Unique Selling Points Treason: • Based on facts and authentic texts, this book provides a vivid picture of medieval Europe’s history and culture • Dazzling, promising debut • The writing is reminiscent of the bestselling Dutch authors Tonke Dragt and Thea Beckman.

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Peter van Gestel Winter Ice Multiple prize-winning literary young adult novel

H i s to r i c a l N ov e l s

1947: Post-war Amsterdam. During a long hot summer tenyear-old Thomas wanders through the city all alone. He looks back at the coldest and longest winter ever. His mother has died; his father is an artist who can barely make a living. Then Thomas befriends a Jewish boy called Zwaan and his cousin. Thomas gradually discovers the scars the war has left on their lives and this considerably changes his own life. The expressive detail and the constant changes in time and place create a three-dimensional map of post-war Amsterdam, which includes the smells and colours of a crowded classroom, the solid cold snow on the canals, the slippery ice of the River Amstel and the double bed in which Thomas and Zwaan sleep. The underlying emotions are timeless: children such as Thomas are still bullied because they are different. Children and adults alike still suffer in silence, unable to share their emotions. This tale of a child who is physically and emotionally neglected deserves a place amongst the great classic stories. Peter van Gestel (Amsterdam, 1937) is one of the Netherlands’ most award-winning chil

Age: 12+ • 256 pages

dren’s authors. After drama school he worked

Sold to: Germany, France, Italy

as an actor and playwright for Dutch radio and television. He debuted in 1961 with a short story and then wrote numerous children’s books. Winter Ice is his most acclaimed book.

reviews of Winter Ice: • ‘A masterpiece’ Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad • ‘A beautiful story about two friends growing up’ Dutch newspaper De Limburger

Unique Selling Points Winter Ice: • Over 50,000 copies of Winter Ice sold • Winter Ice is a three-time award winner: – Golden Pencil 2002: most prestigious children’s book prize in the Netherlands – Woutertje Pieterse Prize 2002: Dutch literary critics award – Nienke van Hichtum Award 2003: for literature 13+

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Flo ortje Zwigtman An unequalled magnum opus by a female Charles Dickens

Book 1, Tricks of the Trade Two painters – Augustus Trops and Vincent Farley – introduce Adrian to the art world: the famous, the glitter and glamour, the fascinating individuals in Oscar Wilde’s circle. Yet, there is an enormous gap between this world and that of impoverished East London where Adrian was born. A gap it seems that can only be bridged by money, talent… or sex. Confronted with the reality of the harsh class society, Adrian must make a decision: will he choose the profitable life of a rent-boy or the safety and friendship that Vincent offers him in his studio? Understandably a disturbing but simple choice due to hunger and lack of funds…

Sold to: Germany, Denmark, Korea

Adrian Mayfield finally finds what he has been looking for: Mr Right! Vincent Farley – a painter, kind, shy and fabulously wealthy – is head over heels in love with him. It seems too good to be true. However, once the secrets of Oscar Wilde’s inner circle become public in a scandalous trial, friendships are put to the test. The love between Adrian and Vincent also comes under scrutiny. Is it acceptable for Vincent to love someone with a past as shady as Adrian’s?

Floortje Zwigtm an (1974) lives in

the Dutch city of Middelburg. She has had a passion for nineteenth-century London since her childhood. She did three years of research in London and Paris for her trilogy A Green Flower. Age 14+ • 496 pages Sold to: Germany

yo u n g a d u lt

Book 2, Opponents London, November 1894. After much searching, Age 14+ • 512 pages

A Green Flower

Book 3, Mirror Boy London, May 1895. After a romance that seemed

Prelude, Cherry Blood England, 1880 (14 years before Tricks of the

Floortje Zwigtman

Kersenbloed

Age 14+ • 112 pages Rights available: worldwide

reviews of the trilogy A Green Flower: • ‘A female Charles Dickens’ Weekly Belgian book reviews magazine De Standaard der Letteren about Floortje Zwigtman • ‘A masterpiece with international appeal’ Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant • ‘A great Dutch youth novel that will also appeal to older readers.’ Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad • ‘Oh… hell, what a magnificent novel!’ Lemniscaatkrant, newspaper about books for and by young people • ‘An unforgettable literary figure!’ Dutch magazine De Groene Amsterdammer about Adrian Mayfield

Unique Selling Points A Green Flower: • Triple award winner: – Golden Owl 2006, best youth novel in Belgium – Golden Kiss 2006, best youth novel in the Netherlands – Juvenile Book of the Year Award 2005 from the Dutch BGN bookstore chain, one of the major book retailers in the Netherlands • Published in both Young Adult and Adult editions • Over 50,000 copies sold

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

yo u n g a d u lt

Trade). Vincent’s parents send him off to boarding school. He has to get used to his teachers’ strict rules, but also to all the unwritten and unspoken rules. Soon he discovers that the older boys intimidate the freshman students and that mysterious things are going on between them. When a boy turns up dead, a string of strange events is set in motion. A shady figure is lurking about in the neighbouring woods: the terrifying nature god, Pan. Those who encounter him, do not survive... Vincent and his friends fall under the spell of this god, with fatal consequences.

Age 14+ • 624 pages Sold to: Germany

de fontein

too good to be true, Adrian is back where it all began… in the gutter. He wanders the streets obsessed by a single thought: taking revenge on the man who once loved him. The sinister Lady Kinderly and Paul McBride, an American journalist with a fondness for ‘bitter endings,’ seem more than willing to help him with this. But apparently McBride and Lady Kinderly also have their own plans. Plans that not only put Vincent’s reputation at risk, but Adrian’s life as well...

Flo ortje Zwigtman Rules of the G ame ‘A promising debut – language as soft as satin’ Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant Allard and Marjorie are suddenly stuck with each other: forced into an arranged marriage by their parents. Besides this they have no interest in each other. After a rocky start, things go from bad to worse. Marjorie must conform to the medieval image of women and Allard is saddled with responsibilities he actually doesn’t want. Not (yet) ready to fulfil the roles of Lord and Lady of Gold Hill, they flee each other and life in general. But when the Plague threatens, running no longer makes sense and someone needs to act... Then they discover that the male/ female game can also be played by entirely different rules! Yo u n g A d u lt

Floortje Zwigtman (1974) lives in the Dutch city of Middelburg. Rules of the Age: 13+ • 160 pages

Game is her debut work.

Sold to: Germany

reviews of Rules of the Game: • ‘Rules is a refreshing historical youth novel. Zwigtman successfully brings her characters to life. Historical details are seamlessly woven into the story.’ Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad • ‘Beautiful. Extremely enjoyable.’ De vrijzinnige lezer, Belgian humanist magazine

• ‘Floortje Zwigtman has gotten off to an impressive start with this book… She obviously enjoys telling the story, knows how to pace herself and proves she has a good command of the subject. All in all, very promising.’ Dutch newspaper Trouw

Unique Selling Points Rules of the Game: • Multiple prize-winning author with international appeal

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Floortje Zwigtman Wolf Pack An unforgettable masterpiece for young adults

Yo u n g A d u lt

Three boys, Vulpe, Alexandru and Ion, flee their small boring village in search of adventure. They decide to join Lupu’s gang, which is hiding in the monastery at Snagov. In search of trea sure, they plunder the grave of Vlad Tepes, alias Count Dracula. The fascination the boys have for the past has fatal consequen ces. Far away from their civilized village, they are transformed into ‘wolves’ that are not troubled by excessive violence. Wolf Pack is an impressive and innovative historical young adult novel about power and war, about good and evil: a masterpiece for both youngsters and adults. It is extremely solid both stylistically and compositionally. The historical and fictional stories are seamlessly woven into a beautiful epic that will grab the reader. Those who choose to examine the work more closely will certainly see that this story does not propagate violence, but causes one to think about the dark side of every person, ‘the beast’ that lurks in the shadows. Floortje Zwigtman (1974) lives in the Dutch city of Middelburg. Wolf Pack, one of the most inventive youth novels, caused quite a stir among the Dutch critics. Nevertheless, it was critically acclaimed

Age: 12+ • 512 pages

overall.

Sold to: Germany, Korea

Reviews of Wolf Pack: • ‘The fascinating thing about Wolf Pack is the intensity with which it is written, from the first to the final character.’ Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad • ‘Wolf Pack is so extensive and multi-dimensional that the book will stick in my memory forever.’ Belgian newspaper De Standaard • ‘Zwigtman does not tell fairy tales.’ Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad

Unique Selling Points Wolf Pack: • Golden Owl 2003, best youth novel in Belgium • Silver Kiss 2003 • Acclaimed by the jury of the Woutertje Pieterse Prize • Over 10,000 copies sold

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. For information contact The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl).

Gif t books Successful gift book series, beautiful & insightful!

Minke Mulder | The Curious Mouse What’s life all about? Mouse wonders about the meaning of life. Hedgehog has the answer.

Gift books

Minke Mulder | A Wonderful Day Seize the day! Pig wonders if he is actually happy. Elephant ponders this with him.

36 Marie-Louise & Mark Sekrève I Belong with You What is the most beautiful gift you can give someone you love? What is true love? Polar Bear explains it to us…

56 pages • All ages Sold to: China

Translation Grant: A translation subsidy (40-70%) is available. Financial assistance to cover a proportion of the production costs is also possible. For information contact: The Dutch Foundation for Literature (www.letterenfonds.nl)

Marie-Louise & Mark Sekrève You Are Wonderful! The perfect gift for someone you really care about. How can you feel wonderful? Max shows us!

Marie-Louise & Mark Sekrève | Time for You A timeless gift for anyone with a hectic life. How can you ensure that you do things with attention? Max has the answer!

Gift books

Bette Westera & Sylvia Weve | On Love When are you ready for the love of your life? Mole thinks he is happy. Or is there still something missing?

Reviews of: The Curious Mouse • ‘Lovely and precious as a gift’ Leestafel.info, ‘reading table’ about books, writers, language A Wonderful Day! • ‘A truly beautiful book’ Lifestyle magazine Flair On Love • ‘Refreshing story… enchanting with refined and intimate illustrations’ Leesgoed, news about youth literature

Unique Selling Points • Funny, recognizable and somewhat philosophical • Appropriate for all ages • The perfect gift

Glossary Children’s Book Week (Kinderboekenweek) is an annual ten-day event held every October in the Netherlands to promote children’s books. It is organized by the Foundation Collective Promotion of the Dutch Book (CPNB). A reading list with featured titles is compiled based on a changing yearly theme. Children’s Bookstore Prize (Kinder boekwinkelprijs) is awarded annually by children’s bookshops in the Netherlands to the best children’s book that has not already received other prizes. Dutch Children’s Jury Prize (Prijs van de Nederlandse Kinderjury) is awarded annually. Dutch children between the ages of six and twelve may vote for their favourite book of the year. glossary

Flag & Pennant (Vlag & Wimpel) is an honourable mention for children’s and juvenile literature given by the Golden Brush (Gouden Penseel) jury for illustrating and the Golden Pencil (Gouden Griffel) jury for writing. Books translated into Dutch and foreign illustrators are eligible. Golden Brush (Gouden Penseel) is awarded annually by the CPNB to the best illustrated Dutch children’s book of the year. Two Silver Brushes (Zilveren Penselen) are also awarded to the best illustrated children’s books published in the Netherlands. Golden Kiss (Gouden Zoen) was awarded annually by the CPNB until 2008 for the best book for young people ages twelve to sixteen. Only books originally written in the Dutch language were eligible. Two Silver Kisses (Zilveren Zoenen) were awarded annually to translated works.

Golden Owl (Gouden Uil) is a Belgian literary prize awarded annually to a book originally written in the Dutch language. Golden Pencil (Gouden Griffel) is a major prize awarded annually during Children’s Book Week (Kinderboekenweek) by the CPNB for the best book of the year. Only books originally written in the Dutch language are eligible. Translated works are eligible for the Silver Pencil (Zilveren Griffel) which is awarded annually. Hotze de Roos Prize is awarded annually to a first-time children’s author for his or her debut work. Nienke van Hichtum Award is a biannual literary prize for books written for young people thirteen and older. Tina-Bruna Award was an annual prize, given until 2007, for the most popular girls’ book. Readers of the Dutch girls’ magazine Tina could vote via the website for the book they liked best of all. Woutertje Pieterse Prize is awarded annually, by the Dutch Foundation of the same name, to the best Dutch-language children’s book released in the previous year. The jury is comprised of literary critics. Young Jury Prize (Prijs van de Jonge Jury) is awarded annually. Dutch young people between the ages of twelve and sixteen may vote for their favourite book of the year.

Index Chick Lit

Buenen; Wendy, Eefje and Joan Buenen; Wendy, Eefje and Joan Coolwijk, Marion van de Derkx, Renske Smit, Niki

Three Versions of Me Triplets in Love GLMR Girls series Confessions of a Blabbermouth 100% series

Fiction

Coolwijk, Marion van de Westera, Bette Westera, Bette Westera, Bette Westera, Bette

Top Job! series All Hands on Deck Curls and Blubber Shampoo Just Tell My Teacher I’ll Be Late No Kissing on the Trampoline

Gift Books

Mulder, Minke Mulder, Minke Sekrève, Marie-Louise & Mark Sekrève, Marie-Louise & Mark Sekrève, Marie-Louise & Mark Westera, Bette & Weve, Sylvia

A Wonderful Day The Curious Mouse I Belong with You Time for You You Are Wonderful! On Love

Non Fiction

Westera, Bette

Waiter! There’s a Jellyfish Swimming in My Soup

Graphic Novels

Coolwijk, Marion van de & Wit, Juliette de Nerd Alert! series

Index

Historical Novels

Elias, Mirjam Flint, Louise Gestel, Peter van

Deserted Hotel Treason Winter Ice

Picture Books

Riphagen, Loes Riphagen, Loes Riphagen, Loes Riphagen, Loes Riphagen, Loes Sekrève, Marie-Louise & Mark Westera, Bette & Straaten, Harmen van

Animals Home Alone Bedroom Beasties Mini Witches Superheroes The Yellow Elephant Giraffe series An Unforgettable Granddad

Thrillers

Driel, Marcel van Wallis de Vries, Mel Wallis de Vries, Mel

Superheroes.nl trilogy False Trapped

Young Adult

Zwigtman, Floortje Zwigtman, Floortje Zwigtman, Floortje

A Green Flower trilogy Rules of the Game Wolf Pack

Foreign rights: Maartje Beukers (Editor, newborn to age 8) mbeukers@uitgeverijdefontein.nl Femke Geurts (Editor, 8+ books) fgeurts@uitgeverijdefontein.nl Joris van de Leur (Publisher) jvandeleur@uitgeverijdefontein.nl

De Fontein Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Books P.O. Box 13288 3507 LG UTRECHT The Netherlands www.defonteinkinderboeken.nl