Rights and Brands Autumn 2020 Catalogue - Children's Books and Young Fiction by Rights & Brands

Rights & Brands AUTUMN 2020 catalogue Children's Books and Young Fiction

Rights & Brands is a 360° licensing and publishing agency bringing Nordic rights and brands to a global arena. Starting from a strategic base in literature, art and design, R&B’s platform is built on knowledge, passion and people. Using all aspects of character representation and branding, from publishing and PR to licensing, merchandising and digital development, with a worldwide network of sub-agents and over 800 clients, R&B’s international insight and business capacity is unique. Rights & Brands represents iconic Nordic brands, artists and authors and is the worldwide master agent on behalf of Moomin Characters. Other representation includes Tove Jansson, Stig Lindberg, Carl Larsson-gården Sundborn, Ilon Wikland, Hello Ruby, Mauri Kunnas and many more. With its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden and local branches in Helsinki, Oslo and Tokyo, R&B was founded in 2016 by Moomin Characters and Bulls, combining over 70 years of licensing experience.

Rights & Brands Stockholm Rosenlundsgatan 31 118 63 Stockholm Sweden

Rights & Brands Helsinki Uudenmaankatu 8 00120 Helsinki Finland

info@rightsandbrands.com www.rightsandbrands.com

Moominland Midwinter by Tove Jansson p. 5

Moomin p. 4

Ilon Wikland's art p. 8

Ilon Wikland p. 8 Mauri Kunnas p. 10 Tatu & Patu p. 12 Martin Widmark p. 13 Picture books p. 14 Fiction 5-8+ p. 25 Fiction 12+ p. 29 Non-fiction p. 32 Santa's Christmas Holiday by Mauri Kunnas p. 11

My Life at the Bottom by Linda Bondestam p. 21 Hello Ruby by Linda Liukas p. 31

Tove Jansson (1914-2001) Finnish-Swedish writer and artist, who achieved worldwide fame as the creator of the Moomins, written and illustrated between 1945 and 1977. The books about the brave, adventurous, yet family-focused and homeloving Moomins have been translated into more than 50 languages and are still in print all over the world today. The Moomins were only a part of Jansson’s prodigious output. Already admired in Nordic art circles as a painter, cartoonist and illustrator, she would go on to write a series of classic novels and short stories. She remains Scandinavia’s bestloved author.

“You can’t ever be really free if you admire somebody too much.”

Moomin

Moomin / Gift and Board books

Moominland Midwinter (Trollvinter) 1957, 1961 | 144 pages

Stunning colour illustrations bring out the magic in winterly Moominvalley in this classic story of Moomintroll waking up in winter time. Tove Jansson was commissioned to create six original pieces of art for an Italian edition of Magia d’inverno in 1961, and for the first time this colour art is available for other translations as well. The new Finnish edition is published in a slightly larger format with a cloth spine and with bigger font than the original Moominland Midwinter, to set this gift edition apart from the original black and white edition. This is the only original Moomin novel illustrated with colour art.

Special edition!

Moomin / Picture books

Fascinating guide books for fish enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages.

Moomin board books This new series of Moomin board books introduces concepts with Moomintroll and Little My. Sturdy pages and colourful illustrations will keep young readers safe and entertained.

Snufkin’s Fish Book

Hemulen’s Herbarium

Age 7+ | 128 pages | WSOY | Spring 2021

(Hemulin kasvio) Age 7+ | 128 pages | WSOY | 2019

Embark on a fishing trip in the footsteps of Snufkin and explore inhabitants of lakes, rivers and the Baltic Sea! The book contains useful facts and classical drawings of almost a hundred fish common in the Nordics. The book also includes information on water food chains, fish behavior and senses, and the annual cycle beneath the water surface.

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 flowers and leaves to add into the book. The format can be adapted for different markets.

Moomin and Little My: Feelings

Moomin and Little My: Colours

Moomin and Little My: Seasons

Moomin and Little My: Family and Friends

(Muumi ja Pikku Myy: Tunteet) 0+ | 16 pages | Tammi |2019

(Muumi ja Pikku Myy: Värit) 0+ | 16 pages | Tammi | 2019

(Muumi ja Pikku Myy: Vuodenajat) 0+ | 16 pages | Tammi | 2020

(Muumi ja Pikku Myy: Perhe ja ystävät) 0+ | 16 pages | Tammi | 2020

Moomin / Picture books

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

Stories from Moominvalley

Moomin on the Hattifatteners Island

Christmas comes to Moominvalley

(Mumintrollen på hattifnattarnas ö) Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Cecilia Heikkilä Age 3+ | 40 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2020

(Julen kommer till Mumindalen) Text by Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Filippa Wiklund Age 3+ | 40 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2018

The Invisible Guest in Moominvalley (Mumintrollen och den osynliga gästen) Text by Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Filippa Wiklund Age 3+ | 40 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2019

(Sagor från Mumindalen) Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Cecilia Heikkilä Age 3+ | 96 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2018

The Way to Moominvalley (Vägen till Mumindalen) Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Cecilia Heikkilä Age 3+ | 40 pages | Bonnier Carlsen |2020

Moomin and the Last Dragon

Moomin and the Ocean Orchestra

(Mumintrollen och draken) Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Cecilia Heikkilä Age 3+ | 40 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2019

(Mumintrollen och havsorkestern) Text by Alex Haridi, Cecilia Davidsson, illustrated by Filippa Wiklund Age 3+ | 40 pages | Bonnier Carlsen | 2020

Ilon Wikland / Artwork

Ilon Wikland (b. 1930) is an Estonian-born Swedish artist and illustrator. In 1944 she escaped the Soviet occupation of Estonia and arrived in Sweden as a 14-year-old refugee. She was later educated at Swedish art school Konstfack and in 1953 Wikland applied for a job as an illustrator at Stockholm-based publisher Rabén & Sjögren, where she started working with Astrid Lindgren. Wikland has said that Lindgren’s writing makes her see inner pictures. She also derives inspiration for her pictures from real life. Wikland illustrates in the the same way that Astrid Lindgren wrote - for “the child within her”. The pair worked together for many years and Wikland has illustrated some of the most appreciated works by Lindgren, including Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, Mardie, Karlsson on the Roof, The Children on Troublemaker Street, and many more. Ilon Wikland has donated over 600 of her original illustrations, now to be enjoyed at "Ilon's Wonderland", a gallery and theme centre for children and families in Haapsalu, Estonia.

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

The Children on Troublemaker Street

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

Madicken

Ilon Wikland / Artwork

Above: Lotta on Troublemaker Street Below: Madicken and Brothers Lionheart

Mauri Kunnas (b. 1950) is Finland’s most successful children’s book author today. He has published over 50 books, which have been translated into 36 languages and sold nearly 10 million copies. Kunnas is also widely appreciated by adults, particularly for his comics about the Beatles. Mauri Kunnas offers the reader an unparalleled joy of discovery: his brilliantly coloured illustrations are filled with rich and humorous detail. He has an unrivalled gift for taking history and casting it in a new and hilarious way, as well as for giving old stories and legends his own delightful twist.

"My most important hobby is my drawings and making up stories to go with them - and that is also my work. I must be a lucky dog to be able to mix the two." Mauri Kunnas

Mauri Kunnas / Picture Books

Santa’s Christmas Holiday (Joulupukin joululoma) Age 5+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2020

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

Santa Claus (Joulupukki) Age 5+ | 50 pages | Otava | 1981

In this Christmas classic we learn everything there is to know about Santa Claus, his elves and their magical home Mount Korvatunturi in Lapland. Santa Claus is the best-selling book of all times in Finland, and it has sold nearly 1,8 million copies worldwide. The book has been translated into 28 languages and over 2 million copies have been sold to date.

Twelve Gifts for Santa Claus

Santa Claus and the Magic Drum

(Kaksitoista lahjaa joulupukille) Age 5+ | 42 pages | Otava | 1987

(Joulupukki ja noitarumpu) Age 5+ | 48 pages | Otava | 1995

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

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

Mauri Kunnas / Picture Books

Aino Havukainen (b. 1968) and Sami Toivonen (b. 1971) are best known as the creators of the hilarious Oddville boys, Tatu and Patu. The series includes 22 titles to date, and the riotous humour of these hugely popular illustrated books appeals to children and adults alike. Among many other awards and nominations, Tatu and Patu: This is Finland won the Finlandia Junior prize in 2007 and in 2017 the authors were granted the Finland State Prize for Children’s Culture. In Finland Tatu and Patu books have sold over 1 million copies and the translation rights have been sold in 23 languages.

Tatu and Patu: Tremendous Train Trip (Tatu ja Patu, kovaa menoa kiskoilla) Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2020

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

Tatu and Patu: Monster-Monster and Other Strange Stories (Tatu ja Patu, kauhea Hirviö-hirviö ja muita outoja juttuja) Age 5+ | 32 pages | 2019

Tatu and Patu: The Story of Our Life (Tatu ja Patu, elämä ja teot) Age 5+ | 48 pages | 2018

Martin Widmark and Helena Willis / Comics

Martin Widmark (b. 1961) is a Swedish writer and teacher. He is considered one of the most prominent writers of children’s fiction today. LasseMajas Detektivbyrå, (The Whodunit Detective Agency) has been translated into more than 35 languages. Widmark's books are constantly on the best-seller lists, on the libraries’ most popular lists and together with Helena Willis, he has been awarded the children’s own book award 11 times for the LasseMaja titles. Helena Willis (b. 1964)

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

Whodunit Detective Agency Comic Magazines This brand-new comic magazine was launched by Egmont in Sweden in 2020, with six issues planned yearly. All material sold by Rights & Brands for magazine, album or omnibus releases. Each magazine contains two new stories and a total of 28 pages of comics.

Whodunit Detective Agency Comic Magazine #3

Whodunit Detective Agency Comic Magazine #4

(LasseMajas Detektivbyrå serietidning 3) 36 pages, 2020

(LasseMajas Detektivbyrå serietidning 4) 36 pages, 2020

Whodunit Detective Agency Comic Magazine #5 Whodunit Detective Agency Comic Magazine #1

Whodunit Detective Agency Comic Magazine #2

(LasseMajas Detektivbyrå serietidning 1) 36 pages, 2020

(LasseMajas Detektivbyrå serietidning 2) 36 pages, 2020

(LasseMajas Detektivbyrå serietidning 5) 36 pages, 2020

Coming soon! #6 + omnibus edition!

Oili Tanninen (b. 1933) Finnish award-winning author and illustrator, has created over 20 children’s books. Her works have been published in various languages. Her simple, yet bold illustrations in graphic colours make her artwork feel as fresh today as when the first books were published in the 1960’s. Tanninen’s books have been published in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Swedish.

Bean and Ball

Hippu

(Papu ja Polla) Age 1+ | 28 pages | Otava | 1970

(Hippu) Age 1+ / 28 pages / Otava / 1967

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

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

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

Hippu and a Friend

Heppu and a House

Misu and a Balloon

Pommo and a Ball

(Hippu) Age 1+ | 28 pages | Kodansha | 1976

(Heppu) Age 1+ | 28 pages | Kodansha| 1976

(Misu) Age 1+ | 28 pages | Kodansha | 1976

(Pommo) Age 1+ | 28 pages | Kodanhsa | 1976

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

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

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

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

Oili Tanninen / Picture books

Nina Pirhonen / Picture books

Nina Pirhonen (b. 1975) is a multi-talented picture book author and fashion and graphic designer. She knows her target audience: bold designs and bright colours, whether it is vehicles, animals or a tantrum-prone toddler. New character Leo the Lion has a very personal touch.

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

Leo the Lion Says No

Leo the Lion Makes Friends

(Leo Leijona sanoo ei) Age 2+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2019

(Leo Leijona tykkää kavereista) Age 2+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2020

Heartfelt and real picture book about little Leo coming to terms with new emotions, learning new skills and pushing his boundaries. Temper tantrums are not always the way to get what you want! The book was nominated for Rudolf Koivu picture book award in 2019.

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

Ninka Reittu (b. 1982) is an award-winning author-illustrator. Her heartfelt Super-series on a father and son relationship has been nominated for various awards. Reittu is also the illustrator of the popular series Princess Pintsize (see page 25). Her books have been published in ten languages around the world.

You Are Super Loved

My Super Bellybutton

I Feel Super!

(Sinä olet superrakas) Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2017

(Oma rakas supernapa) Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2018

(Silloin kun on superolo) Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2019

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 love stretch all the way? Illustrated in a whimsical 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 and Turkish.

This sequel is an uplifting and reassuring book about body awareness and appreciating yourself just the way you are. “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.”

In the third book of the Super-series, the father and son in superhero capes talk through emotions, what makes them happy and how to make others happy, too. We all wake up on a bad mood sometimes but little by little we can turn the mood around and think positive thoughts and do small good deeds. That is when you feel super! Happiness shines through as a smile, and just like yawns – smiles are infectious.

Ninka Reittu / Picture Books

Johanna Lestelä / Picture Books

Johanna Lestelä (b. 1984) is a debut author, who works as a teacher and understands her young audience. Fresh illustration style and funky colours make this new series stand out.

Stella and the Grumpy Day

Stella’s Bedtime

(Tuikun tärkeä tehtävä) Age 3+ | 28 pages | Otava | 2019

(Tuikku ja pimeän mörkö) Age 3+ | 24 pages | Otava | 2020

Stella is a three-year-old who is usually happy after her day at nursery, but today she has something heavy on her mind. The worry sits in her tummy and she cannot even enjoy her favourite supper: macaroni. The only one who can help is mummy. Stella tells her that she has been mean to her best friend at nursery, and mummy knows what to do: Stella must apologise to her friend.

Why doesn’t Stella want to go to bed? The charming Stella picture book series about first experiences continues as the second book addresses children’s fears. It’s time for bedtime but Stella’s toys all over the place and regular evening routines are a struggle, and nothing seems to go right. When it is finally time for her to close her eyes, she can’t sleep. What if a monster is hiding in the dark under her bed, Stella worries. Luckily, Mummy knows the tricks for overcoming the fear of the dark.

Matti Pikkujämsä (b. 1976) is a Finnish front-line artist and illustrator. 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. He won the first Illustrator of the Year award in 2019.

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’s journey of gaining confidence and forgetting about what others think. Veera Salmi’s wise, urban tale is brought to life in the magnificent paintings of Matti Pikkujämsä This book has been showered with award nominations, including the Rudolf Koivu Prize in 2019, Runeberg Junior and the Arvid Lydecken Prize in 2020, and most notably the Nordic Council Prize in 2020.

Veera Salmi and Matti Pikkujämsä / Picture Books

Veera Salmi and Elina Warsta / Picture Books

Veera Salmi (b. 1976) writes contemporary urban stories with a deep understanding of children’s world and imagination. She won the Kaarina Helakisa Prize in 2014 and was nominated for Finlandia Junior in 2015 for her children’s novel. Her books have been adapted for film, television, theatre and radio, and translated into Danish, Estonian, Korean and Swedish. Elina Warsta (b. 1979) is an illustrator of various acclaimed picture books. In 2016 she was granted with the State Prize for Children’s Culture in Finland and selected for the IBBY Honour List.

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

Heybuddy Nursery 1: Rebecca’s Moody Day (Päiväkoti Heippakamu: Rebekan rapupäivä) Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2016

Rebecca is very grumpy and even her favourite plush toy Cloud struggles to cheer her up, but everyday tasks and games eventually lift her mood.

Heybuddy Nursery 2: Pablo and the Wobbly Tooth

Heybuddy Nursery 3: Isabella and the Glimmering Girl

Heybuddy Nursery 4: Hung and Runaway Panther

(Päiväkoti Heippakamu: Pablo ja heiluvat hampaat) Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2017

(Päiväkoti Heippakamu: Isabella ja tuikkiva tyttö) Age 3+ | 40 pages | Otava | 2018

(Päiväkoti Heippakamu: Hung ja pantteripako) Age 3+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2020

Pablo does not want to make a show of himself, even if it is his birthday and he has a wobbly tooth. He prefers peace and quiet and playing with his skeleton, Lopez.

Stella is new to the nursery, she wears sparkly glasses and can count in two languages. Isabella is cautious but then wants to make friends with her – luckily both girls love sparkles.

Hung is the sunshine of the nursery but when he grows restless, his heart starts beating bam-bam and turns into a ferocious panther Bam-Bam, who is even able to open the nursery gate.

Johanna Lumme (b.1990) is an artist and illustrator, who is recognised for her illustrations in Finnish primary school books in collaboration with Siri Kolu. The Jungle Crew is her debut picture book. Johanna is also an illustrator of a new middle-grade series Wild House (see page 28).

The Jungle Crew – into the City! (Viidakon väki ja suuri muutto) Age 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2019

The pressing themes of climate change and migration are depicted gently in this debut picture book. The Madagascar style adventure leads into discussion about adapting into new surroundings and new beginnings. Zebra, Giraffe and Mama Hen have a good life in their home jungle until several natural disasters force them to leave their home and they end up in a big city with high buildings instead of tall trees. Working together they build a new house that will feel like home for all of them.

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

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

Johanna Lumme / Picture Books

Linda Bondestam / Picture Books

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

My Life at the Bottom

Good Night Earth

(Mitt Bottenliv) Age 4+ | 42 pages | Förlaget M | 2020

(God natt på jorden) Age 3+ | 40 pages | Förlaget M | 2018

An enchanting, surprising and touching story about climate change told by the voice of an astonishing and rare axolotl, how the environment is affected, and changed. Beautifully detailed illustrations depict the wonders of the underworld. An axolotl is a small smiling amphibian that lives its entire life at the larval stage, which means that it never really grows up. In this picture book we possibly meet the last of its kind as he thrives in his own pool enjoying his life beneath the waves. But as it gets hotter, the pool gets cloudy, and everyone moves on. Poor axolotl is left all alone. One day a giant wave sweeps away everything, and the axolotl embarks on a journey to the great unknown.

From the savanna to the city to outer space, this book offers a charming peek at the many ways we settle in for sleep, with gorgeous, dreamlike illustrations full of offbeat humor. Linda Bondestam’s debut as a picture book author is a beautiful bedtime story that stands out with its visual storytelling, illustrations full of wit and tenderness, distinctive choice of colour, a dash of humour, varied landscape, and surprising species. Die-cut pages invite little ones to discover how all kinds of creatures find peaceful and playful ways to end the day. English edition comes out at spring 2021.

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

Piki - Why can't I Join in?

Piki’s Stormy Day

(Piki - Minäkin haluan mukaan) Age 4+ | 32 pages | Lasten Keskus | 2016

(Piki ja pöljä päivä) Age 4+ | 32 pages | Lasten Keskus | 2020

“Pyjamaclowns are 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. 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.

Piki feels small and lonely at nursery, and to hide it he decides to be Storm – the wildest superhero who is not afraid of anything. But as Storm, you don’t play smoothly with others, you have to quarrel, and your anger just gets worse. With cuddles, kind words and saying sorry, Storm disappears. The second book in Piki series is a moving story about group challenges, feelings, self-esteem, and friendship.

Blue

Blue and the Strange One

(Molli) Age 4+ | 34 pages | Lasten keskus | 2016

(Molli ja Kumma) 4+ | 36 pages | Lasten Keskus | 2018

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

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

Blue and the Edge of the World (Molli ja maailman ääri) Age 4+ | 40 pages | Lasten Keskus | 2019

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

Katri Kirkkopelto / Picture Books

Meri and Aleksi Korpela / Picture Books

ÂŠ Sampo korhonen

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

Fearless Field-mouse

Fearless Field-mouse raises to the challenge

(Peloton peltohiiri)

(Peloton peltohiiri - Kaksintaistelu) 5+ | 32 pages | Otava | 2020

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

The adventures of the charming and wellintentioned field-mouse continue in this sequel. He ventures along forest paths with a friend and they end up on the doorstep of the terrifying beetle who has terrorized the family of grassÂ hoppers for centuries. But the question is who is the bravest hero of all: The one who is fearless or the one who overcomes his fears? This storybook offers gentle encouragement to young readers with themes of courage, self-knowledge, overcoming fears and standing up for others.

5+ | 48 pages | Otava | 2019

Tove Appelgren (b. 1969) is an author, a director and a playwright. The story about the headstrong young girl with a stressed-out mum gained international interest. Vesta-Linnéa books have been translated into 13 different languages and nominated for several prizes, including the Finlandia prize.

Salla Savolainen (b. 1962) is a celebrated and productive illustrator, who excels in children’s books and is known for her varied styles and successful collaboration with many authors. She won the Kukko award in 2013 for non-fiction.

Popular Vesta-Linnéa books centre around the headstrong, creative and curious VestaLinnéa, her ideas and issues with not wanting to sleep, the dream of her own dog, having dark thoughts and feeling lonely. These books address common emotions and issues, that many readers will recognise and connect with. The TV rights have been optioned for Swedish language live-action series set to go into production in 2021.

Vesta-Linnéa and Friends

Vesta-Linnéa in the Moonlight

(Vesta-Linnéa och vännerna) Age 4+ | 32 pages | Tammi & Förlaget M | 2019

(Vesta-Linnéa i månskenet) 38 pages | 2013

Vesta-Linnéa’s Dog

Vesta-Linnéa’s Darkest Thought

Go to Sleep, Vesta-Linnéa

Vesta-Linnéa and the Monster Mum

(Vesta-Linnéa svartaste tanke) 38 pages | 2008

(Sov nu, Vesta-Linnéa) 36 pages | 2003

(Vesta-Linnéa och monstermamman) 34 pages |2001

(Vesta-Linnéa och gosnosen) 34 pages | 2005

Tove Appelgren and Salla Savolainen / Picture books

Ninka Reittu and Hannele Lampela / Story books

Hannele Lampela (b. 1982) is a journalist and author of children’s books and non-fiction, whose Princess Pintsize books have been translated into four languages and are adapted into a play on stage and radio. The film rights are optioned. Illustrated by Ninka Reittu, (see page 16). Princess Pintsize – modern day Pippi Longstockings meets Captain Underpants. Book 1 was included in the White Raven catalogue and book 4 was nominated for Runeberg Junior Prize.

Book 5: Princess Pintsize’s Summer (Prinsessa Pikkiriikin kesä) Age 5+ | 64 pages | Otava | 2020

Princess Pintsize spends the best ever summer holiday with her gentle grandparents, who know how to enjoy life. With Princess Thimble for company and lots of fun, even old enemy Snotty Eddie becomes a friend.

Photo by Vesa Tyni

Book 1: Princess Pintsize (Prinsessa Pikkiriikki) Age 5+ | 80 pages | Otava | 2016

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 Snotty Eddie and makes friends with Princess Thimble. The third story sees the annoying Doofus set up home in mum’s tummy.

Book 2: Princess Pintsize’s Winter (Prinsessa Pikkiriikkin Talvi) Age 5+ | 80 pages | Otava | 2017

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. Together the girls play elves and hand out Christmas presents to everyone, naughty and nice alike.

Book 3: 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.

Book 4: 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? 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.

Reetta Niemelä (b. 1973) is an award-winning author of children’s books and poetry and active in the cultural field of many genres. In 2017 she won the Tietopöllö award for her contribution to Finnish non-fiction children’s literature. The first two books are illustrated by Salla Savolainen (see page 24) and books 3 and 4 by Emmi Jormalainen.

Star Hill fiction series introduces familiar characters from Star Hill Stables picture book series to 6+ readers, with black and white illustrations. This series focuses on Iiris and her favourite pony Noble.

Star Hill novel 1: Noble, My Friend (Tikkumäki: Ystäväni Uljas) Illustrated by Salla Savolainen Age 6+ | 80 pages | Otava | 2015

Star Hill novel 2: Noble and the Missing Dog (Tikkumäki: Uljas ja kadonnut koira) Illustrated by Salla Savolainen Age 6+ | 80 pages | Otava | 2016

Star Hill novel 3: Noble and Sad Sandra

Star Hill novel 4: Noble and the New Pony

(Tikkumäki: Uljas ja surullinen Sandra) Illustrated by Emmi Jormalainen Age 6+ | 80 pages | Otava | 2018

(Tikkumäki: Uljas ja vauhdikas varsakevät) Illustrated by Emmi Jormalainen Age 6+ | 80 pages | Otava | 2018

Reetta Niemelä and Salla Savolainen, Emmi Jormalainen / Fiction 6+

Lena Frölander-Ulf / Fiction 7+

Lena Frölander-Ulf (b. 1976) is a Helsinki-based author and illustrator, who writes in Swedish. Her works have been presented in multiple exhibitions in Finland and internationally and she has been nominated for numerous awards, including Finlandia Junior twice. Nelson Tigertass is her first novel.

Nelson Tigerpaw (Nelson Tigertass) Age 7+ | 282 pages | Förlaget M | 2019

Nelson Mareng stands alone at the train station in Berlurenstad, a city where most are in too much of a hurry to help a stranger. But not everyone. Suddenly, Nelson is involved in a world full of dangerous secrets, fake news and grand adventures. Embark on a trip beyond Berlurenstad's tidy facades in Frölander-Ulf’s tender and humoristic book about friendship and daring to stand up for what feels right. The novel was nominated for the Finlandia Junior Prize and the Runeberg Prize in 2019, and it won the Arvid Lydecken Prize in 2020.

lf lander-U Lena Frö

”Fruktansvärt! För skymmare är ingenting heligt.”

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

Siri Kolu (b. 1972) is a writer, dramatist, director and theatre instructor among many other duties in the Finnish cultural field. She is a Finlandia Junior Prize winner and her works have been translated into 21 languages. She has been awarded the Laivakello Prize by the Finnish Institute for Children's Literature and in the Netherlands, Siri Kolu won the Silver Slate Pencil. Me and the Robbersons received an honour mention in British Book Trust's In Other Words competition in 2018. Siri Kolu is a front-line author with a strong voice and a broad range from humourous middle grade to edgy YA, cross-over.

Wild House trilogy Age 8+ / appx 200 pages / Otava

A house so full of secrets that it runs away! Contemporary adventure trilogy with speedy chasing scenes, secretive characters, Cluedo-like problem solving - and a house that grows legs. Bravery, imagination, tolerance and the ability to co-operate are the key to figure out the hidden secrets about the house that itself is a living creature. Wild House trilogy 1. The Amazing Villa Van Böök, 2019 2. The Roof Riders, 2020 3. The Battle of the Black House, 2021

Siri Kolu / Fiction 8+

Kai Erik and Ted Forsström / Fiction 12+

Kai Erik (b. 1983, 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 (b. 1983) is an author, comedian, and radio personality who co-hosts the popular podcast Kaj & Ted. He writes for radio, TV and theatre.

The outrageously funny Zoo series about high-school life has been turned into a TV and online filmatisation, airing in 2020. Together the authors have envisioned the hilarious high school comedy inspired by their own school boy days. The books are perfect for the readers grown out of Wimpy Kid and illustrated in black and white by Pentti Otsamo. Zoo #1 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. The series has also been selected into a school reading programme.

The Zoo #1: Viral Geniouses

The Zoo #2: Heart-attack

Zoo #3: Love, plz

(Zoo! #1: Virala Genier) Age 12+| 160 pages | Förlaget M & Otava| 2017

(Zoo! #2: Hjärt-attack) Age 12+| 224 pages | Förlaget M | 2018

(Zoo #3: Kärlek, plz!) 12+ | 256 pages | Förlaget M | 2019

Helena Waris (b. 1970) writes atmospheric fantasy novels for young adults, where the stories are based in a world that draws inspiration from Finnish folklore. The Machine-trilogy present a new side of the author: mystery adventure writer, whose page-turners can be compared to those of Veronica Roth. Helena Waris has won the Kuvastaja price, awarded by the Finnish Tolkien Society, for an unrivalled four times.

Machine trilogy is an atmospheric dystopian adventure set in a world damaged by climate crisis, where overpowering machines have taken over. How will humans survive in the world ruled by Machines?

Machine trilogy book 1: Bird Binder

Machine trilogy book 2: Waterspinner

Machine trilogy book 3: Icewarden

(Linnunsitoja) Age 13+ | 170 pages | Otava | 2017

(Vedenkehrääjä) Age 13+ | 157 pages | Otava | 2018

(Jäänvartija) Age 13+ | 218 pages | Otava | 2019

As the beginning of a trilogy, Bird Binder is an ingeniously woven mystery set in a world ruled by the omniscient Machines where freedom hangs on the delicate wings of the birds. The helicopter takes Zemi out to sea, to a lighthouse island beyond the watchful eyes of the State, the Chasms and the Machines. The island forms the base of the resistance movement. A dovecote sits atop the lighthouse. The birds carry messages across the sea; the only method of communication not governed by the Machine. The birds are the only way the Resistance can survive.

Waterspinner is set in a postecocatastrophe world ruled by all-knowing machines. After a crisis on the remote lighthouse island where the resistance group was based, their leader, Saz, ends up on the other side of the ocean. While searching for a friend, he travels through a devastated land where water resources are evaporating. In the midst of refugee floods and cities buried in sand, Saz has to choose which future he wants to fight for.

After the resistance was wiped out by the Machines, Thom has lived low key in Mahar, but when he catches an encrypted radio message with unexpected information, secrets are revealed. Thom finds out that the continents are in turmoil. With chaos spreading, Thom and his friends head north, where no humans are known to live. The book that ends the ingeniously threaded mystery of Machine-trilogy turns everything we have learned so far on its head.

Helena Waris / Fantasy and Young Adult

Nonna Wasiljeff / Young Adult Fiction

Nonna Wasiljeff (b. 1983) 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. Her themes include fear of otherness, testing one’s boundaries and facing the unknown. Grim Boy was nominated for Topelius Prize in 2019 and Russian rights have been sold to date.

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 14+ | 336 pages | Otava | 2018

(Tomupoika) Age 14+ | 300 pages | Otava | 2019

15-year-old Aaron has always lived in the imprisonment camp – Grim. 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 only a few return. But the Second Level is also the only way out. 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 is forced to face once again the terrors of Grim.

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 award-winning Finnish artist and illustrator, who won the first Illustrator of the Year award in 2019 (see page 20)

Moments Before the World Changed (Hetki ennen kuin maailma muuttui) Age 6+ | 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. 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 and Matti Pikkujämsä / Non-fiction

Linda Liukas / Non-fiction

Linda Liukas (b. 1986) is a children’s book author and illustrator who travels the world as a keynote speaker and shares the message of embracing coding and computing at technology conferences, teacher training sessions and even at United Nations. In 2018 she was selected on the Forbes list of top 50 women in tech. In 2019 she launched Love Letters to a Computer teacher training programme on YouTube. The Hello Ruby series has been translated into 28 languages.

Hello Ruby 1: Adventures in Coding

Hello Ruby 2: Journey Inside the Computer

Age 5+ | 112 pages | Feiwel & Friends | 2015

Age 5+ | 96 pages | Feiwel & Friends | 2016

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.

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

Hello Ruby 3: Expedition to the Internet

Hello Ruby 4: Robot’s First Day at School

Age 5+ | 96 pages | Otava | 2017

Age 5+ | 96 pages | Otava | 2018

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

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

Laura Ruohonen (b. 1960) is one of the most prominent Finnish playwrights, a poet and director whose works have been translated into 27 different languages. She has been granted several awards, including Kordelin’s literary award and Pro Finlandia 2010. Erika Kallasmaa (b. 1969) Erika Kallasmaa is an award-winning artist, illustrator and graphic designer. She is a master of visual story-telling and her medium expands beyond the means of books and printed matters to theatre, television, architecture, performance arts and installations. Kallasmaa was awarded the Finnish state prize of visual arts in 2013.

CRAYFISH Astacus astacus They say only a gloomy doomster dwells alone, backwards in backwaters, loves muck and pees from his neck. But for the Crayfish, the way to be is to live your life family-free: Just me! – that´s pure luxury!

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

An enclyclopedia in verse about strange and wonderful insects and small animals. A thrilling collection of fact-based animal poems featuring over 30 catsized creatures and smaller: meercats, flying squirrels, sea snake, hedgehogs and bumblebees. The factual texts are accompanied by exhilarating animal art. This stunningly different fact book has notions of Eric Carle’s illustration style and delicious madcap poems. The book has been published simultaneously in Finnish and in Swedish.

Laura Ruohonen and Erika Kallasmaa / Non-fiction and Poetry

Copyright © Laura Ruohonen & Erika Kallasmaa 2019 This work was supported by The National Museum of Finland, Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Alfred Kordelin Foundation & The Finnish Cultural Foundation.

Laura Ruohonen and Erika Kallasmaa are an internationally acclaimed team. Their illustrated poetry books Allakka pullakka, Yökyöpelit and Tippukivitapaus are loved by children and adults alike. Their Sea Monsters exhibition at The Maritime Museum of Finland in 2019–2021 inspired this book.

Laura Ruohonen and Erika Kallasmaa / Non-fiction and Poetry

Long ago when the Earth was f l a t and much smaller than now, the seas were swarming with monsters. Even an ordinary dog or a lion on a swimming trip could turn into a Cold-Blooded Holothurian or a Ghastly Kraken! This book will take you to the birthplace of sea monsters. They keep on emerging! Now you can assemble the most magnificent of monsters!

POT BELLY COMB JELLY Plutius plotius Belly like a pot, jelly-like – and not a single bone in this lot!?

Sea Monsters (Merihirviöt, Havsodjur) Age 5+ | 22 pages | Into Kustannus & Förlaget M | 2020

Create your own creatures in this clever novelty format by the awardwinning creative duo. How would a Cold-blooded Holothurian, a slobbish sea sausage look like? And how about a Simplicissimus felix, with no eyes, no brain, no love, no pain? Or a combination of both? Illustrated imaginary Sea Monsters with sharp and witty poems for all ages. The clever mix-and-match novelty format gives endless possibilities of combining new creatures and mockLatin names for them. Creative reading, play and poems inspired by a sea-themes exhibition is published simultaneously in Finland in Finnish, Swedish and English.

The previous illustrated poetry books by an internationally known and awarded team of Laura Ruohonen and illustrator Erika Kallasmaa, Allakka Pullakka, Yökyöpelit and Tippukivitapaus, are loved by children and adults alike and have become modern classics that have inspired an award-winning television series, theatre plays and music.

Merja Kalm (b. 1976)

is a teacher, an expert on pedagogy and an author of text books and non-fiction. A Good Guy! is her first non-fiction book for children.

Mira Mallius (b. 1981) is an illustrator and a designer who has illustrated several children’s books. She is known for her charming animal print stationary.

A Handbook of Superpowers for Cool Kids (Hyvä tyyppi) Age 7+ | 80 pages | Lasten Keskus | 2020

What are good guys made of? Bravery, honesty, kindness, generosity, and many other attributes that can be thought of as superpowers in everyday life. These qualities help us navigate at home, school, hobbies, in new situations and they can be practiced to make us more confident and supportive. Ten stories present cases of different ethical questions. The creative layout, facts, tips and activities inspire to put these skills into practice. Perfect for primary schoolers and up, this guide book based on positivity and mindfulness helps us to recognise these empathic skills, to bring out the good guy in us.

Merja Kalm and Mira Mallius / Non-fiction

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Rights and Brands Autumn 2020 Catalogue - Children's Books and Young Fiction

Articles inside

Ilon Wikland

Fiction 12

Fiction 5-8

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