THE VOLE AND THE MOON by Mila Teräs and Nora Surojegin sold to Estonia!

We are thrilled to announce that the Estonian rights for THE VOLE AND THE MOON, a children’s picture book written by Mila Teräs and illustrated by Nora Surojegin, have been acquired by Hea Lugu! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Publishing house Hea Lugu is a subsidiary of Ekspress Grupp, a media group that publishes three primary newspapers in Estonia. As a book publisher, Hea Lugu have been in the market for over 25 years. Their authors include Stephen King, Anne Cathrine Bomann, Umberto Eco, Serhiy Zhadan, Liane Moriarty, Samantha Young, Tove Jansson, etc.

Estonian praise for THE VOLE AND THE MOON:

Very beautifully illustrated book celebrating life and nature. It is important to stop hurry of everyday life sometimes and look at the Moon.”
– Maire Kasemaa, editor/project manager, Hea Lugu, Estonia

THE VOLE AND THE MOON has also received high praise in Finland:

THE VOLE AND THE MOON is the sweetest story about the wonderfully beautiful moments, which we find only by stopping and letting ourselves to go with the story…
– Leena Lumi, book blogger

Mila Teräs has the skill to write lyrically, whether it is in a picture book, a children’s novel or a very realistic YA title. In the story of Milli the Vole and the full moon one can also see some of the wisdom of ancient fables. [–] Surojegin has the magical ability to create panoramic and meditative views that slow down one’s heartbeat.
– Päivi Heikkilä-Huutunen, researcher and critic of children’s and YA literature

Surojegin’s beautifully soft illustrations of the night-time forest paint a beautiful and enchanting atmosphere. The trees with their shadows and the grass stems invite one to take part in the adventure in the woods. The animals are friendly and soft fairytale creatures. The book helps the reader to realise the importance of pausing!
– Lukuriemua on instagram

Download the materials for THE VOLE AND THE MOON here!

The Vole and the Moon

Mila Teräs, illustrated by Nora Surojegin

A charmingly sweet picture book about the beauty of living in the moment. Mila Teräs’ enchanting prose is accompanied by Nora Surojegin’s gentle illustrations.

Millie the vole has a strange feeling. She is preparing for the upcoming winter well in advance. However, she feels like she has forgotten something. She is so busy planning and doing things that there is no time to go to watch the Moon and celebrate with other animals. When Millie decides to look up to the sky, she has to stop and stare.

The book tells of how important it is to stop: instead of the constant hurry and overachieving, it is important to pause and just exist without feeling guilty. At the same time, the book highlights what a wonder and secret life really is.

THE VOLE AND THE MOON
MYYRÄ JOKA KATSOI KUUTA
Karisto, 2023, 32 pp.

READING MATERIALS
Full English PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Karisto (orig.)
ESTONIA: Hea Lugu

About author


Mila Teräs

Mila Teräs has been awarded the prestigious Kaarina Helakisa Prize for her works for children's and YA literature, and her works have been nominated for e.g. the Finlandia and Topelius Prizes. She writes for children, young adults and adults, and often incorporates fantasy and historical elements into her realistic work.

About author


Nora Surojegin

Nora Surojegin is an illustrator, children’s author and a graphic designer. She lives in Kirkkonummi, between the sea and the forest, where she creates worlds with images and words, gets inspired by the forest trolls and potters around in her secret garden. In her work she wants to mix the strange with the incredible and create art that makes you stop. Her books have been translated into ten languages.