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.

Two new Children’s deals!

We are thrilled to announce two new Children’s deals, both to Estonia!

Estonian publisher Elust Enesest has acquired the rights to TRAVELS IN TIME: HOW THE TELEPHONE BECAME SMART, a children’s non-fiction title by Pinja Meretoja, and to ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE AMAZING AMUSEMENT PARK, a children’s chapter book by Hannele Lampela and Ninka Reittu! Both deals were closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Praise for TRAVELS IN TIME:

Through the book, children can be introduced to the development of various technologies over the years, and it offers an excellent text and visual combination to provide (grand)parents with the opportunity to share their childhood memories with the new generation.”
– Lauri Juursoo, CEO, Elust Enesest, Estonia

Praise for ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE AMAZING AMUSEMENT PARK:

Heartwarming tale of friendship, resourcefulness, and adventures, where a little Itty Bitty Princess decides to spend the night at her friend’s house. Truly cool reading for several evenings.”
– Lauri Juursoo, CEO, Elust Enesest, Estonia

This is the first foreign sale for TRAVELS IN TIME, while the ITTY BITTY PRINCESS series has so far been sold to 6 territories!

Download the materials for TRAVELS IN TIME here!

Download the materials for ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE AMAZING AMUSEMENT PARK here!

Travels in Time: How the Telephone Became Smart

Pinja Meretoja

How did one machine come to feature thousands of years of technology? 

The smartphone includes a huge amount of functions that are the result of hundreds and thousands of years of progress. How did all these discoveries end up in a child’s pocket? Travels in Time delves into this mystery in a fun but precise way.

Lucy visits a second-hand store with her aunt. When Lucy doesn’t recognize all of the objects there, she comes up with imaginative ideas as to what their use might have been. A generation that has access to all sorts of tools in one device might not know about the past importance of all the appliances.

Travels in Time is a visual and easily approachable non-fiction title that presents to children the history of different inventions, such as writing, the camera, the radio, the computer, and many others. It also invites adults to have discussions with younger generations about their experiences growing up – how one had to wait for their turn on the phone when a sibling was chatting with friends, how the modem used to be slow or what songs one used to record on a cassette tape. Sounds familiar? Delve into the past and discover something new!

 

Itty Bitty Princess and the Amazing Amusement Park

Hannele Lampela, illustrated by Ninka Reittu

Get ready for a sleepover adventure like no other with Itty Bitty Princess!

✓ Itty Bitty Princess live-action film in development (Aurora Studios & Helsinki-filmi)

✓ Rights for the bestselling standalone picture books featuring Itty Bitty Princess have been sold to 6 territories

Itty Bitty Princess has a sleepover at her friend’s place. How exciting! What should she pack? And what should the princesses play?

The sleepover itself feels exciting, but it gets even more fun when imagination takes flight and they end up visiting an amusement park at nighttime! Are there ghosts lurking about? And if there are, could they be kind?

TRAVELS IN TIME: HOW THE TELEPHONE BECAME SMART
AIKAMATKA – MITEN TELEFOONISTA TULI ÄLYKÄS
Tammi, 2023, 56 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English sample
Spanish sample
Finnish edition

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
ESTONIA: Elust Enesest

 

ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE AMAZING AMUSEMENT PARK
PRINSESSA PIKKIRIIKKI JA HURMAAVA HUVIPUISTO
Otava, 2023, 40 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English synopsis
Finnish edition

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Otava (orig.)
ESTONIA: Elust Enesest

About author


Hannele Lampela

Hannele Lampela's lovable works have been praised above all for their rich humor and ability to truly show the world from a child's perspective. She has the ability to enchant her readers, and that is why both children and adults love her stories. Lampela's works have been dramatized for example by the Finnish National Theater, Kuopio City Theater and YLE's radio plays. She has been awarded the prestigious Kaarina Helakisa Prize for her work and she has been nominated for Runeberg Junior award in 2019 and for Storytel Award, and Arvid Lydecken Award in 2020.

In addition to her fictional works, Lampela has written and created  a world of stories for the next national ABC book of Finnish schools. First graders across the country will learn to read through Hannele’s texts. Lampela lives in a small wooden house in the middle of apple trees with her family, and spends her days not only writing, but also pampering herself and others on a regular basis.

About author


Ninka Reittu

Ninka Reittu is an illustrator and children's book writer.

Reittu lives in an old clergy house in Liperi, Finland, with her son and carpenter husband. Their family also includes two cats, several dogs, and a flock of sheep.

In addition to her own picture books Messi ja Mysteeri and Sinä olet superrakas, she has illustrated the titles of Hannele Lampela (The Itty-Bitty Princess) and Kreetta Onkelin.

About author


Pinja Meretoja

Pinja Meretoja is a Finnish children's picturebook author and an illustrator, living and working in Helsinki.  She draws inspiration from themes of environment, cultural history and equality. Meretoja graduated from Universidad de Palermo (Buenos Aires, Argentina) with a degree in Illustration Designer, and since that she has been working on a field of illustration.

Pinja Meretoja has published two children’s picture books at Tammi (2021and 2022) and is now working on her third book – a graphic novel for adults. Her new book Travels in Time was longlisted for the most Beautiful Books of the Year Award 2022. She loves music, cats, 80’s He-man characters and comics.

LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES by Magdalena Hai and Teemu Juhani sold to Azerbaijan! Now 29 territories!

We are thrilled to announce that the Azerbaijani rights for the LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES series, written by Magdalena Hai and illustrated by Teemu Juhani, have been acquired by Alatoran! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

With the latest sale to Azerbaijan, the LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES has now been sold to 29 territories!
Rights to the bestselling series are still available in UK, US, France, China, Iceland, Israel…

 

Download the materials for LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES series here!

 

The Little Shop of Nightmares series

Magdalena Hai, illustrated by Teemu Juhani

Nina is a clever, 9-year-old girl who goes to work in the Little Shop of Nightmares – a small shop where accidents and mysteries keep happening!
The Little Shop of Nightmares is a series full of fascinating and fun characters that make young readers both wonder and laugh!

#1 The Terrible Tickling Powder
When Nina, a 9-year-old, enters The Little Shop of Nightmares in hopes of getting a job, she is greeted by an odd sight: shopkeeper Mr. Kook is rolling on the floor, unable to stop laughing. With a little help from a ghost called Paddy, they start looking for the untickling powder to help him, but things are certainly not made any easier by Mr. Kook’s world-domination-planning pet octopus Squishy McGoo, who is a bit too quick about getting into trouble with rollerblades on its tentacles.

#2 The Mystery of the Missing Teeth
Nina goes to buy ice cream after her first work day at The Little Shop of Nightmares. But at the ice cream shop she discovers a vampire – without teeth! Nina decides to help the vampire, Lucas, find his teeth from Mr. Kook’s shop. But, for some reason, all the vampire teeth seem to have disappeared. It seems like somebody has hidden them on purpose…

#3 Sticky the Terrible Snowman
The Little Shop of Nightmares is getting buried in snow! Nina and Paddy are trying to find the cause of the snowstorm, but that’s easier said than done. A well-meaning but horribly clumsy snowman keeps getting in their way and thwarting their every effort to stop it from snowing inside.

#4 The Crystal Skull
The Little Shop of Nightmares crew finds out that a pirate sailing competition is coming to town! Competing to be the fastest pirate ship are the Ghosts, the Zombies, the Sirens and the Better Pirates – all of whom want the Crystal Skull that has been given to Mr. Kook for safekeeping at the Little Shop of Nightmares.
When the Crystal Skull suddenly goes missing from the shop, little Nina and her friends start their investigation – and the suspects are a-plenty!

Painajaispuoti ja kamala kutituspulveri
WSOY, 2018, 60 pp.

Painajaispuoti: Hampaat hukassa
WSOY, 2019, 60 pp.

Painajaispuoti: Hirmuinen Jumimies
WSOY, 2021, 60 pp.

Painajaispuoti: Kristallikallon tapaus
WSOY, 2023, 48 pp.

Rights sold: LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES SERIES
FINLAND: WSOY(orig.)
ALBANIA: Muza
AZERBAIJAN: Alatoran
BULGARIA: Emas
CATALAN: La Galera
CZECH REPUBLIC: Euromedia
DENMARK: VILD MASKINE
ESTONIA: Postimees Kirjastus
GERMANY: HarperCollins Schneiderbuch
GREECE: Dioptra
HUNGARY: Cerkabella Konyvkiado
ITALY: Cart’ Armata Edizioni
JAPAN: Holp Publishing
KOREA: Gilbutschool
LATVIA: Latvijas Mediji
LITHUANIA: Briedis
NETHERLANDS: De Vier Windstreken
NORWAY: Fontini
POLAND: Znak
PORTUGAL: PRH Portugal
ROMANIA: Univers Publishing House
RUSSIA: Kompass Guide
SERBIA:Odiseja
SLOVAKIA: Ikar
SWEDEN: Hegas
TAIWAN: Morning Star
TURKEY: Epsilon
UKRAINE: The Old Lion Publishing House
WORLD SPANISH: La Galera
Reading materials:
English PDFs for books #1-#3
English text for book #4

About author


Magdalena Hai

Magdalena Hai is an award-winning author, lover of cross-genre fiction and all things strange. Her fiction often combines elements of sci-fi, fantasy and horror.

Her Little Shop of Nightmares series has been sold to 30 territories around the world. Among Hai's many accolades are winning the Finlandia Prize for children's and YA literature and the Finnish Literary Export Prize, and being nominated for the Finlandia Prize for Children's and Youth Literature and the Nordic Council Children & Young People's Literature Prize.

Besides being an author, Hai teaches writing and is an active member and editor in the publishing co-operative Osuuskumma.

About author


Teemu Juhani

Teemu Juhani is a Finnish illustrator, comic artist and picture book author whose illustrations have been published in picture books and children's fiction in over 20 countries. In addition to children's books Teemu has illustrated magazines and educational material. Originally from the fields and woods of North Karelia, Teemu now lives, works and eats way too many cakes in Helsinki.

STELLA by Ted Forsström and Åsa Lucander sold to North Macedonia! Now 7 territories!

We are thrilled to announce that the Macedonian rights for STELLA (Snälla Stella, sluta skälla!) written by Ted Forsström and illustrated by Åsa Lucander have been acquired by Ars Lamina! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Ars Lamina is a North Macedonian publisher with a mission to create and disseminate knowledge by connecting readers to adult and children’s high-quality fiction and nonfiction works. Their authors include Colleen Hoover, Eva Lindström, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Mark Manson, Stephen King, Nancy Springer, Maggie O’Farrell, etc.

STELLA is a charming bedtime storybook – the key to a successful, quiet night!
Rights are now sold to 7 languages – could yours be next?

We have a full English translation for you to read – be quick to add this gem to your list!

Download the full English PDF of STELLA here!

Stella

Ted Forsström, illustrated by Åsa Lucander

An interactive and playful bedtime story for toddlers featuring a very loud dog with a big imagination!

“OFF! VOFF! GRR-VOFF!”

A father tries to put his child to bed, but keeps getting interrupted by Stella the dog, who starts barking hysterically. Something unexpected always happens, and the reader is treated to Stella’s lively imaginations: it may be a door opening or a car driving by, but Stella is strongly convinced it’s Grandma coming to give her food, or that squirrels have built a nest in the toaster.

Anyone who has ever tried to bring a child to bed knows how cozy yet fragile the situation is. It requires the right amount of patience and determination. The right bedtime story can be the key to a successful, quiet night.

There is a warm feeling, playful rhymes and an unusual mix of familiar ordinariness and fantastic antics. Clear recognition for anyone trying to combine cozy moments with a pet!

Stella is a book you can read again and again, night after night.

STELLA
SNÄLLA STELLA, SLUTA SKÄLLA!
Förlaget, 2023, 44 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English PDF
Finland-Swedish PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Förlaget (orig. Finland-Swedish)
FINLAND: Etana Editions (Finnish)
DENMARK: Gads Forlag
ESTONIA: Tammerraamat
GERMANY: Mixtvision
HUNGARY: Cerkabella
NORTH MACEDONIA: Ars Lamina
SWEDEN: Förlaget

About author


Åsa Lucander

Åsa Lucander is a director and designer, working in illustration and animation both in the UK as well as Scandinavia.

Originally from Finland, she moved to London in 2001 where she was introduced to animation while studying illustration. After graduating she joined the animation studio 12foot6 where she stayed until 2014.

In 2015 she joined Aardman Animations in Bristol, where she is now based.

With multi-faceted strengths in storytelling, design and animation she loves exploring various creative styles, be it in 2d, stop motion or CGI. Åsa has a passion for hand rendered drawings and explores many different textures and mediums in all areas of her work. She loves mixing humour with melancholy and thrills in bringing characters of every shape and form to life with compelling scripts and inventive visions. She nimbly blends music, authentic dialogue, film segments, hand drawn characters and dolls in innovative ways.

Åsa has directed multiple shorts, including her award-winning film Lost Property, as well as many heart-warming commercial films for clients including Blue Peter, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Project Every- one and Childline, and a VR documentary film for BBC. Most recently she directed the music video for Coldplay’s track Daddy that has won numerous awards.

About author


Ted Forsström

Ted Forsström is a Finnish-Swedish media personality living in Ostrobothnia. He has worked as a comedian, actor, radio host and author, often as part of the duo Ted & Kaj. Today he works with children's programs on Svenska Yle and talks once a week in Finland’s biggest Swedish podcast, Ted & Kaj, together with Kaj Korkea-aho.

Three more LITTLE MOUSE titles sold to Poland!

We are thrilled to announce that the Polish publisher FILIA has acquired the rights to three more LITTLE MOUSE titles by Riikka Jäntti: LITTLE MOUSE’S HOLIDAY, LITTLE MOUSE’S SUMMER and LITTLE MOUSE WELCOMES SPRING! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

The LITTLE MOUSE series has so far been sold to 21 territories, but the rights are still available in the US, Norway, Israel, Netherlands, Czechia, Hungary, Thailand, Greece, World Arabic etc.

Download the English PDFs for the LITTLE MOUSE series here!

Little Mouse’s Holiday

Riikka Jäntti

Little Mouse series – Book 4

Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse take the train together to the countryside to stay at their cottage on an island, pick berries, heat the sauna and cook sausages over a campfire under the starry skies. It’s a real treat for a little city mouse!

Little Mouse’s Summer

Riikka Jäntti

Little Mouse series – Book 6

Summer holiday is full of fun: going to the amusement park, playing by the beach and visiting the art museum. Buying strawberries and ice cream, and going to the cinema when the weather is too hot. Little Mouse knows that one must enjoy the summer, because it doesn’t last forever.

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti

Spring is here and Little Mouse has a lot to wonder about!

The ninth Little Mouse-title tells about the miracles of spring.

It’s so light in the evenings that Little Mouse cannot sleep. It’s spring. In the park and walking in the forest Little Mouse observes all kinds of things: the first butterfly of spring and a lizard. The ants that live in the cracks of stairs prove to be the most interesting, though.

There are some little worries with spring too as Grandpa Mouse has to go to the hospital. Little Mouse and Mummy Mouse visit him and Little Mouse thinks it’s a bit scary. Will Grandpa be okay?

Easter gets closer and the Easter Bunny brings Little Mouse a chocolate egg which is great fun to hunt after Mummy hides it. Will Little Mouse find the egg?

LITTLE MOUSE’S HOLIDAY
PIKKU HIIREN PUOLUKKAMATKA
Tammi, 2018, 48 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
AUSTRALIA: Scribe Publications
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat AS
FRANCE: Cambourakis
GERMANY: Cross Cult
NEPAL: Kathalaya Inc.
POLAND: FILIA
ROMANIA: Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA: Strecoza
SWEDEN: Epix Bokförlag

 

LITTLE MOUSE’S SUMMER
PIKKU HIIREN HELLEKESÄ
Tammi, 2020, 48 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat AS
FRANCE: Cambourakis
GERMANY: Cross Cult
POLAND: FILIA
ROMANIA: Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA: Strecoza

 

LITTLE MOUSE WELCOMES SPRING
PIKKU HIIRI JA HIIRENKORVAT
Tammi, 2023, 48 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
FRANCE: Cambourakis
POLAND: FILIA

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

Hungarian rights sold for STELLA by Ted Forsström and Åsa Lucander! Now 6 territories!

We are thrilled to announce that the Hungarian rights for STELLA (Snälla Stella, sluta skälla!) written by Ted Forsström and illustrated by Åsa Lucander have been acquired by Cerkabella! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Cerkabella is a member of the Móra Publishing Group and aims to publish children’s and YA books with high quality content, illustrated at an artistic level, and, if possible, to get little-known works and authors into the public consciousness.
They are intending to publish STELLA in spring 2024.

With the latest sale to Hungary, STELLA has now been sold to 6 territories!

Download the full English PDF of STELLA here!

Stella

Ted Forsström, illustrated by Åsa Lucander

An interactive and playful bedtime story for toddlers featuring a very loud dog with a big imagination!

“OFF! VOFF! GRR-VOFF!”

A father tries to put his child to bed, but keeps getting interrupted by Stella the dog, who starts barking hysterically. Something unexpected always happens, and the reader is treated to Stella’s lively imaginations: it may be a door opening or a car driving by, but Stella is strongly convinced it’s Grandma coming to give her food, or that squirrels have built a nest in the toaster.

Anyone who has ever tried to bring a child to bed knows how cozy yet fragile the situation is. It requires the right amount of patience and determination. The right bedtime story can be the key to a successful, quiet night.

There is a warm feeling, playful rhymes and an unusual mix of familiar ordinariness and fantastic antics. Clear recognition for anyone trying to combine cozy moments with a pet!

Stella is a book you can read again and again, night after night.

STELLA
SNÄLLA STELLA, SLUTA SKÄLLA!
Förlaget, 2023, 44 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English PDF
Finland-Swedish PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Förlaget (orig. Finland-Swedish)
FINLAND: Etana Editions (Finnish)
DENMARK: Gads Forlag
ESTONIA: Tammerraamat
GERMANY: Mixtvision
HUNGARY: Cerkabella
SWEDEN: Förlaget

About author


Åsa Lucander

Åsa Lucander is a director and designer, working in illustration and animation both in the UK as well as Scandinavia.

Originally from Finland, she moved to London in 2001 where she was introduced to animation while studying illustration. After graduating she joined the animation studio 12foot6 where she stayed until 2014.

In 2015 she joined Aardman Animations in Bristol, where she is now based.

With multi-faceted strengths in storytelling, design and animation she loves exploring various creative styles, be it in 2d, stop motion or CGI. Åsa has a passion for hand rendered drawings and explores many different textures and mediums in all areas of her work. She loves mixing humour with melancholy and thrills in bringing characters of every shape and form to life with compelling scripts and inventive visions. She nimbly blends music, authentic dialogue, film segments, hand drawn characters and dolls in innovative ways.

Åsa has directed multiple shorts, including her award-winning film Lost Property, as well as many heart-warming commercial films for clients including Blue Peter, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Project Every- one and Childline, and a VR documentary film for BBC. Most recently she directed the music video for Coldplay’s track Daddy that has won numerous awards.

About author


Ted Forsström

Ted Forsström is a Finnish-Swedish media personality living in Ostrobothnia. He has worked as a comedian, actor, radio host and author, often as part of the duo Ted & Kaj. Today he works with children's programs on Svenska Yle and talks once a week in Finland’s biggest Swedish podcast, Ted & Kaj, together with Kaj Korkea-aho.

Two new Children’s deals!

We are thrilled to announce two new Children’s deals!

Firstly, the Danish rights for the PET AGENTS series by Riina Kaarla, Sami Kaarla and Anders Vacklin have been acquired by Bogoo! The deal was closed by Anna Kappauf at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Bogoo acquired the rights for the first two books in the series – NEW PETS & NEW FRIENDS and TRACKING A THIEF!

Download materials for the PET AGENTS series here!

Secondly, the Estonian rights for WHAT’S THE BUZZ? (Some soikoon!), book #3 in the THELMA THE TENACIOUS WITCH series written by Satu Varjonen and illustrated by Mari Luoma have been acquired by Elust Enesest in a pre-publication deal! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Download materials for the THELMA THE TENACIOUS WITCH series here!

 

Pet Agents 1: New Pets & New Friends!

Riina Kaarla, Sami Kaarla and Anders Vacklin

There’s something for everyone in the fast-paced Pet Agents series, whether you’re an animal lover or an electronics geek!

The first book in the bestselling series for the animal-loving and tech-savvy children of today.

Kati-e’s and Ti-bot’s schedule is full again. Sofia needs help choosing a dog breed, Mrs. Frang has to find a dog-walker, and a little kitten named Hugo has an upset tummy. But do you know what a diabetic alert dog is? And what do you do if you find a baby squirrel on the side of the road? When you join Kati-e and her robot sidekick for a day, you’ll find out!

Pet Agents 2: Tracking a Thief

Riina Kaarla, Sami Kaarla and Anders Vacklin

Keen to solve new cases, Kati-e and Ti-bot hardly get any sleep!

Kati-e has been busy coding and Ti-bot has new skills! He hurries over to the zoo to test his brand-new language abilities – he can talk with monkeys and other animals! The Pet Agents are in for a busy day from clipping the nails of a pet rabbit to helping a depressed budgie. But soon, a mystery thief in the neighbourhood lures the Pet Agents away from their usual tasks!

Who Nose?

Satu Varjonen, illustrated by Mari Luoma

A humorous and magical series about the adventures of a young witch girl, written by Satu Varjonen with gleeful illustrations by Mari Luoma!

A heart-warming story about accepting differences and loving oneself!

Thelma, the little witch girl, starts school and ends up literally nose to nose with the popular girl, Ornelia. However, the extraordinary witch girl doesn’t get startled easily and decides to give it her all to fit in.

After a bunch of mishaps, Thelma realizes that instead of trying to please everybody, it is best to be yourself!

An Egg-cellent Surprise!

Satu Varjonen, illustrated by Mari Luoma

A humorous and magical series about the adventures of a young witch girl, written by Satu Varjonen with gleeful illustrations by Mari Luoma!

The sweet witch, Thelma, tries her hardest to make things good. But magic is one of those things that sometimes leads to quite unexpected things.

Thelma’s house is as busy as ever. The spring cleaning must be done, guests are coming and The Great Egg Hunt with its tantalizing prizes is about to start on the mountain.

The easter traditions of witches and humans cause Thelma a headache, especially when her ghastly great-aunt, Grandma Myrtle and Thelma’s new friend Ornelia get entangled in them too. And magic doesn’t always go according to plan.

What’s the Buzz?

Satu Varjonen, illustrated by Mari Luoma

Witchy tricks on social media!

The energetic and well-intentioned witch girl, Thelma, takes a deep dive into social media. As usual, mishaps are guaranteed.

Thelma’s friend Ornelia introduces her to the world of mobile phones and social media. And like any other child, Thelma is quickly swept in by the crystal display.

It turns out that witchcraft is pretty good at going viral. But is fame great for the little witch girl that has grown up in the middle of the forest? Might it even be dangerous? The human-averse Grandma Myrtle is herself aghast at technology.

Be ready for delightful magic and goofs in the usual Thelma-like way!

PET AGENTS 1: NEW PETS & NEW FRIENDS
TÄÄLTÄ TULLAAN, LEMMIKIT!
Tammi, 2019, 112 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English series brochure

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
CZECHIA: Grada
DENMARK: Bogoo
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat
POLAND: Media Rodzina
RUSSIA: Eksmo
SLOVAKIA: IKAR
UKRAINE: Ridna Mova

 

PET AGENTS 2: TRACKING A THIEF
VARKAAN JÄLJILLÄ
Tammi, 2019, 160 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English series brochure

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
CZECHIA: Grada
DENMARK: Bogoo
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat
POLAND: Media Rodzina
RUSSIA: Eksmo
SLOVAKIA: IKAR
UKRAINE: Ridna Mova

 

WHO NOSE?
VOIHAN NENÄ!
Minerva, 2021, 56 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Minerva (orig.)
ESTONIA: Elust Enesest

 

AN EGG-CELLENT SURPRISE!
YLLÄRIPYLLÄRI!
Minerva, 2022, 56 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Minerva (orig.)
ESTONIA: Elust Enesest

 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
SOME SOIKOON!
Minerva, 2023, 64 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English info sheet

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Minerva (orig.)
ESTONIA: Elust Enesest

About author


Mari Luoma

Mari Luoma is an illustrator and a comic artist. She has illustrated several children’s books and designs funny and quirky characters for various media.

About author


Satu Varjonen

Satu Varjonen has worked as a freelance editor for 20 years. When it comes to storytelling, it is children’s literature that gets her heart beating. Who Nose? in the Thelma the Tenacious Witch series is her debut.

STELLA by Ted Forsström and Åsa Lucander sold to Germany

STELLA by Ted Forsström and Åsa Lucander sold to Germany

STELLA is conquering the world, one bark at a time! We are happy to announce that the German rights for the lovely picture book by Finlandia Junior nominated author Ted Forsström and Aardman Animations director and illustrator Åsa Lucander have been sold to German publishing house Mixtvision! They are planning on making it their lead picture book title for fall 2024! The deal was closed by Anna Kappauf at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Finnish media is also already raving about STELLA:

Ted Forsström wrote a funny and inventive picture book STELLA. A great goodnight story where the eyelids of the young reader become increasingly heavy the more detailed spreads illustrator Åsa Lucander creates. (…). This book has the potential to become a bedtime favourite.”
–  Lotta Green, Svenska YLE newspaper

Children’s books about bedtime are a classic theme, but Ted Forsström and Åsa Lucander create something new by presenting STELLA from the dog’s perspective. (…) Ted Forsström and Åsa Lucander create a nice variation of the durable theme by letting the chaos-at-bedtime-story be about something different than the expected parent-child fight. In STELLA (2023), it is in fact the dog Stella who creates troubles at bedtime.
– Maria Lassén-Seger, Hufvudstadsbladet newspaper (5 star review)

STELLA is a charming bedtime storybook – the key to a successful, quiet night! Rights are now sold to 5 languages – could yours be next?

We have a full English translation for you to read – be quick to add this gem to your list!

Download the materials for STELLA here!

Snälla Stella, sluta skälla!
Förlaget, March 2023, 44 pp.

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Förlaget (orig. Finland-Swedish), Etana Editions (Finnish)
SWEDEN: Förlaget
DENMARK: Gads Forlag
ESTONIA: Tammerraamat
GERMANY: Mixtvision

Reading materials:
English PDF
Finland-Swedish PDF

About author


Åsa Lucander

Åsa Lucander is a director and designer, working in illustration and animation both in the UK as well as Scandinavia.

Originally from Finland, she moved to London in 2001 where she was introduced to animation while studying illustration. After graduating she joined the animation studio 12foot6 where she stayed until 2014.

In 2015 she joined Aardman Animations in Bristol, where she is now based.

With multi-faceted strengths in storytelling, design and animation she loves exploring various creative styles, be it in 2d, stop motion or CGI. Åsa has a passion for hand rendered drawings and explores many different textures and mediums in all areas of her work. She loves mixing humour with melancholy and thrills in bringing characters of every shape and form to life with compelling scripts and inventive visions. She nimbly blends music, authentic dialogue, film segments, hand drawn characters and dolls in innovative ways.

Åsa has directed multiple shorts, including her award-winning film Lost Property, as well as many heart-warming commercial films for clients including Blue Peter, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Project Every- one and Childline, and a VR documentary film for BBC. Most recently she directed the music video for Coldplay’s track Daddy that has won numerous awards.

About author


Ted Forsström

Ted Forsström is a Finnish-Swedish media personality living in Ostrobothnia. He has worked as a comedian, actor, radio host and author, often as part of the duo Ted & Kaj. Today he works with children's programs on Svenska Yle and talks once a week in Finland’s biggest Swedish podcast, Ted & Kaj, together with Kaj Korkea-aho.

Estonian rights to the playful bedtime storybook STELLA sold! Now conquering the world!

We are thrilled to announce that the Estonian rights for STELLA (Snälla Stella, sluta skälla!) written by Ted Forsström and illustrated by Åsa Lucander have been acquired by Tammerraamat! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

STELLA is a charming bedtime storybook – the key to a successful, quiet night!
With the Danish rights sold to Gads Forlag last week, STELLA is gearing up to conquer the world!

Tammerraamat, founded in 2005, publishes titles on a wide range of subjects, including history, social and political issues, biographies, gift books, health, humour and children’s literature. Their children’s authors include Beatrix Potter, Julian Clary, Klaus Hagerup, Katherine Rundell, Corrinne Averiss, Chris Riddell, etc.

They praised the title for being a relatable and enjoyable read:
Every dog owner knows how annoying a barking dog can be. Why does the dog bark for no reason whatsoever? This book proves conclusively that no dog barks for nothing, there is always is a reason for it. Whether it is a snap, a crackle or a pop, a good friend is always alert and ready to make their existence known. In addition to its witty plot, the book also features delightful illustrations.
– Tiina Tammer, director, Tammerraamat, Estonia

Download the full English PDF of STELLA here!

Stella

Ted Forsström, illustrated by Åsa Lucander

An interactive and playful bedtime story for toddlers featuring a very loud dog with a big imagination!

“OFF! VOFF! GRR-VOFF!”

A father tries to put his child to bed, but keeps getting interrupted by Stella the dog, who starts barking hysterically. Something unexpected always happens, and the reader is treated to Stella’s lively imaginations: it may be a door opening or a car driving by, but Stella is strongly convinced it’s Grandma coming to give her food, or that squirrels have built a nest in the toaster.

Anyone who has ever tried to bring a child to bed knows how cozy yet fragile the situation is. It requires the right amount of patience and determination. The right bedtime story can be the key to a successful, quiet night.

There is a warm feeling, playful rhymes and an unusual mix of familiar ordinariness and fantastic antics. Clear recognition for anyone trying to combine cozy moments with a pet!

Stella is a book you can read again and again, night after night.

STELLA
SNÄLLA STELLA, SLUTA SKÄLLA!
Förlaget, 2023, 44 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English PDF
Finland-Swedish PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Förlaget (orig. Finland-Swedish)
FINLAND: Etana Editions (Finnish)
DENMARK: Gads Forlag
ESTONIA: Tammerraamat
SWEDEN: Förlaget

About author


Åsa Lucander

Åsa Lucander is a director and designer, working in illustration and animation both in the UK as well as Scandinavia.

Originally from Finland, she moved to London in 2001 where she was introduced to animation while studying illustration. After graduating she joined the animation studio 12foot6 where she stayed until 2014.

In 2015 she joined Aardman Animations in Bristol, where she is now based.

With multi-faceted strengths in storytelling, design and animation she loves exploring various creative styles, be it in 2d, stop motion or CGI. Åsa has a passion for hand rendered drawings and explores many different textures and mediums in all areas of her work. She loves mixing humour with melancholy and thrills in bringing characters of every shape and form to life with compelling scripts and inventive visions. She nimbly blends music, authentic dialogue, film segments, hand drawn characters and dolls in innovative ways.

Åsa has directed multiple shorts, including her award-winning film Lost Property, as well as many heart-warming commercial films for clients including Blue Peter, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Project Every- one and Childline, and a VR documentary film for BBC. Most recently she directed the music video for Coldplay’s track Daddy that has won numerous awards.

About author


Ted Forsström

Ted Forsström is a Finnish-Swedish media personality living in Ostrobothnia. He has worked as a comedian, actor, radio host and author, often as part of the duo Ted & Kaj. Today he works with children's programs on Svenska Yle and talks once a week in Finland’s biggest Swedish podcast, Ted & Kaj, together with Kaj Korkea-aho.

Little Mouse and Spring Leaves sold to France 

We are thrilled to announce more post-Bologna deals: Éditions Cambourakis has acquired the World French rights to Little Mouse and Spring Leaves, the 9th title of the internationally bestselling series Little Mouse by Riikka Jäntti. This is the first foreign sale for Little Mouse and Spring Leaves – with more news to follow!  The deal was closed by Mimi Matinpalo at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

“We’re thrilled to continue publishing the adventures of Little Mouse! Riikka Jäntti is a master in blending together tradition and modernity, and knows how to tackle tenderly day to day’s questions as well as more difficult situations.”
-Éditions Cambourakis

The Little Mouse series is sold in 21 territories! The rights are still available in the US, Norway, Israel, Netherlands, Czechia, Hungary, Thailand, Greece, World Arabic etc.

Download Little Mouse and Spring Leaves materials here!

Little Mouse and Spring Leaves

Riikka Jäntti

Spring is here and Little Mouse has a lot to wonder about!

The ninth Little Mouse-title tells about the miracles of spring.

It’s so light in the evenings that Little Mouse cannot sleep. It’s spring. In the park and walking in the forest Little Mouse observes all kinds of things: the first butterfly of spring and a lizard. The ants that live in the cracks of stairs prove to be the most interesting, though.

There are some little worries with spring too as Grandpa Mouse has to go to the hospital. Little Mouse and Mummy Mouse visit him and Little Mouse thinks it’s a bit scary. Will Grandpa be okay?

Easter gets closer and the Easter Bunny brings Little Mouse a chocolate egg which is great fun to hunt after Mummy hides it. Will Little Mouse find the egg?

 

Pikku Hiiri ja hiirenkorvat

Genre: Picture Books (0-3 Years)
Pages: 48
Part of a series: Little Mouse series

Series rights sold:

FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
AZERBAIJAN: Alatoran
AUSTRALIA: Scribble/Scribe
BULGARIA: Uniscorp
CHINA: Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK: ABC Forlag
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat
FRANCE: Cambourakis
GERMANY: Cross Cult
ITALY: Sinnos
NEPAL: Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND: Scribble/Scribe
POLAND: Filia
PORTUGAL: Harper Collins Iberica
ROMANIA: Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA: Strecoza
SLOVAKIA: Fortuna
SPAIN (Spanish): Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan): Harper Collins Iberica
SWEDEN: Epix Bokförlag AB
UK: Scribble/Scribe

 

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

Taiwanese 4-book pre-empt deal for the LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES!

Pre-Bologna deals: We are thrilled to announce that the Complex Chinese rights for THE LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES series by Magdalena Hai and Teemu Juhani have been acquired by Morning Star in Taiwan in a 4-book pre-empt deal! Morning Star focus especially on series, and they have successfully published e.g. Erin Hunter and David Walliams. This is the 25th territory for the LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES!

The rights to the bestselling series are still available in UK, US, France, Japan, Portugal…

Download the materials for THE LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES here!

In addition, Morning Star has also acquired the rights to GRUMBLEBELLY CAT by Magdalena Hai and Teemu Juhani! The classic fairytale has already sold to 10 territories. 

Both deals were closed by Elsa Lindström at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency in association with Grayhawk Agency.

The rights to GRUMBLEBELLY CAT are still available in e.g. UK, US, Norway, Latvia, the Netherlands…

Download the materials for GRUMBLEBELLY CAT here!

The Little Shop of Nightmares

Magdalena Hai, illustrated by Teemu Juhani

Nina is a clever, 9-year-old girl who goes to work in the Little Shop of Nightmares – a small shop where accidents and mysteries keep happening!
The Little Shop of Nightmares is a series full of fascinating and fun characters that make young readers both wonder and laugh!

#1 The Terrible Tickling Powder
When Nina, a 9-year-old, enters The Little Shop of Nightmares in hopes of getting a job, she is greeted by an odd sight: shopkeeper Mr. Kook is rolling on the floor, unable to stop laughing. With a little help from a ghost called Paddy, they start looking for the untickling powder to help him, but things are certainly not made any easier by Mr. Kook’s world-domination-planning pet octopus Squishy McGoo, who is a bit too quick about getting into trouble with rollerblades on its tentacles.

#2 The Mystery of the Missing Teeth
Nina goes to buy ice cream after her first work day at The Little Shop of Nightmares. But at the ice cream shop she discovers a vampire – without teeth! Nina decides to help the vampire, Lucas, find his teeth from Mr. Kook’s shop. But, for some reason, all the vampire teeth seem to have disappeared. It seems like somebody has hidden them on purpose…

#3 Sticky the Terrible Snowman
The Little Shop of Nightmares is getting buried in snow! Nina and Paddy are trying to find the cause of the snowstorm, but that’s easier said than done. A well-meaning but horribly clumsy snowman keeps getting in their way and thwarting their every effort to stop it from snowing inside.

#4 The Crystal Skull
The Little Shop of Nightmares crew finds out that a pirate sailing competition is coming to town! Competing to be the fastest pirate ship are the Ghosts, the Zombies, the Sirens and the Better Pirates – all of whom want the Crystal Skull that has been given to Mr. Kook for safekeeping at the Little Shop of Nightmares.
When the Crystal Skull suddenly goes missing from the shop, little Nina and her friends start their investigation – and the suspects are a-plenty!

 

Grumblebelly Cat

Magdalena Hai, illustrated by Teemu Juhani

In a barren land, when a little girl meets a gigantic cat that threatens to devour her, she makes it a smart offer. The girl leads the cat across the lands, looking for something to satiate its hunger before it eats her, but they encounter drought, destruction, and people who have nothing to eat except their dreams. When the cat gobbles up the girl, she finds something in its belly, something that has made it so hungry…

Grumblebelly Cat is a classic fairytale about a contemporary subject. The detailed, monochrome illustrations by Teemu Juhani add another layer to the story.

Painajaispuoti ja kamala kutituspulveri
WSOY, 2018, 60 pp.

Rights sold:
FINLAND: WSOY(orig.)
ALBANIA: Muza
BULGARIA: Emas
CATALAN: La Galera
CZECH REPUBLIC: Euromedia
DENMARK: VILD MASKINE
ESTONIA: Postimees Kirjastus
GERMANY: HarperCollins Schneiderbuch
GREECE: Dioptra
HUNGARY: Cerkabella Konyvkiado
ITALY: Cart’ Armata Edizioni
KOREA: Gilbutschool
LATVIA: Latvijas Mediji
LITHUANIA: Briedis
NETHERLANDS: De Vier Windstreken
NORWAY: Fontini
POLAND: Znak
ROMANIA: Univers Publishing House
RUSSIA: Kompass Guide
SERBIA:Odiseja
SLOVAKIA: Ikar
SWEDEN: Hegas
TAIWAN: Morning Star
TURKEY: Epsilon
WORLD SPANISH: La Galera

Reading materials:
English PDFs for Books 1-3
English text for Book 4

 

 

 

Kurnivamahainen kissa
Karisto, 2017, 46 pp.

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Karisto (orig.)
DENMARK: Vild Maskine
ESTONIA: Tiritamm
GERMANY: Dressler/Oetinger Verlag
ITALY: Terre di Mezzo Editore
NORTH MACEDONIA: Antolog
POLAND: Widnokrąg
SWEDEN: Epix Bokförlag AB
TAIWAN: Morning Star
TURKEY: Dogan Egmont

Reading materials:
English PDF

About author


Magdalena Hai

Magdalena Hai is an award-winning author, lover of cross-genre fiction and all things strange. Her fiction often combines elements of sci-fi, fantasy and horror.

Her Little Shop of Nightmares series has been sold to 30 territories around the world. Among Hai's many accolades are winning the Finlandia Prize for children's and YA literature and the Finnish Literary Export Prize, and being nominated for the Finlandia Prize for Children's and Youth Literature and the Nordic Council Children & Young People's Literature Prize.

Besides being an author, Hai teaches writing and is an active member and editor in the publishing co-operative Osuuskumma.

About author


Teemu Juhani

Teemu Juhani is a Finnish illustrator, comic artist and picture book author whose illustrations have been published in picture books and children's fiction in over 20 countries. In addition to children's books Teemu has illustrated magazines and educational material. Originally from the fields and woods of North Karelia, Teemu now lives, works and eats way too many cakes in Helsinki.

Introducing Ahlback Agency CHILDREN’S & YA Spring 2023 Rights Guide!

We are thrilled to present our Children’s & YA Catalogue for Spring 2023: award-nominated middle-grade novels, charming picture books with the cutest animals, creeping horror for the teenagers, and painfully relatable but hopeful stories about self-image..

We’ve picked some of the hottest titles from the catalogue for you – check them out below!

View the Spring 2023 Children’s Catalogue here!

 

The Fox and Silence

Reetta Niemelä, ill. Eri Shimatsuka

A charming picture book about a sensitive fox and the need for silence.

Once upon a time there was a fox the colour of a copper pot. It had very long and sensitive ears. Loud noises keep hurting the fox’s ears. It had to dig deeper and deeper into its den to rest its ears. Where does the fox find silence? How would the other creatures in the forest understand that the silence is like a hammock, where one can safely fall asleep?

This beautiful story discusses sensibility and the need for silence. The touching text by award-winning poet and children’s author Reetta Niemela is paired with charming illustrations by textile artist Eri Shimatsuka.

 

Stella

Ted Forsström, ill. Åsa Lucander

An interactive and playful bedtime story for toddlers featuring a very loud dog with a big imagination! 

A father tries to put his child to bed, but keeps getting interrupted by Stella the dog, who starts barking hysterically. Something unexpected always happens, and the reader is treated to Stella’s lively imaginations: it may be a door opening or a car driving by, but Stella is strongly convinced it’s Grandma coming to give her food, or that squirrels have built a nest in the toaster.

Anyone who has ever tried to bring a child to bed knows how cozy yet fragile the situation is. It requires the right amount of patience and determination. The right bedtime story can be the key to a successful, quiet night.

There is a warm feeling, playful rhymes and an unusual mix of familiar ordinariness and fantastic antics. Clear recognition for anyone trying to combine cozy moments with a pet!

 

Dadman and the Impossible Time Knot

Arttu Unkari, ill. Kai Vaalio

The quirkiest cop in town! The Dadman Series offers fast-paced adventures and humour for all ages – especially lower middle gradeFor fans of David Walliams and Captain Underpants.

Dadman is a dad, and a policeman – but he also has a superpower! Too bad his superpower is one shared by almost all dads – an unwavering belief in himself and his own abilities. It follows that Dadman’s nine-year-old daughter Oona needs to solve all of the issues herself.

Oona and her friends find out that Dadman would never have gotten into police school without help – from them! How is that possible? The friends have no choice but to jump into a time machine and go back to Dadman’s police academy years to find out.

The four friends find themselves at the centre of a mysterious series of art theft. The case is being investigated by the police academy’s quirkiest cadets, including, of course, Dadman. Luckily, Oona and friends have a clue of their own. There is a criminal in the police school who they have already caught once.

 

Black Moon Inn

Reetta Niemelä, ill. Katri Kirkkopelto

Nominated for the Finlandia Prize 2022 – Audience favourite!
Winner of Arvid Lydecken Prize 2022. 

The animal-loving Saimi Salaper and her veterinarian father move to the city of Bluehill in order to set up a hospital for wild animals there. By coincidence, they buy an old inn, where one can hear weird noises behind closed doors, see rare butterflies fly past on the yard, and, at the rooftop, there seems to be… a perch for dragons.

Little by little, the house reveals its secrets to Saimi, and soon the Black Moon Inn is open for creatures of the secret folk who seek refuge there: the trolls, the fairies, and many more. But there’s a threat lurking just behind a corner, and the Inn takes both Saimi and the reader on an exciting adventure into the world of the secret folk.

 

Secrets of the Grimhill Sanatorium

Janne Malinen, ill. Teemu Juhani

The thoughtful and elaborate opening of a middle-grade trilogy opens the doors to the mysterious Grimhill sanatorium, where nothing is what it seems.

Oskar is a perfectly average boy living with his parents in the red brick house by the biggest market square in the city. Everything changes when he is diagnosed with a serious illness. His parents send him to the remote Grimhill sanatorium, which from the very first moments feels suspicious and off-putting – and the staff don’t make it better. It seems like they are hiding something. Together with his new friends Robin and Vilma, Oskar gets pulled into a compelling adventure as they try to find out what is behind the ominous voices in the night. And what is hiding within the cold forest which seems to enchant the children?

 

Diary of an Ugly Girl

Mari Kujanpää

A contemporary YA novel about the courage to be yourself and finding your own people from a Finlandia-winning author

Age 14, shoe size 42, height 175 centimetres, cup size AA and a hideously ugly face, that’s how Malva is defined. She knows she is ugly, and the other pupils remind her of it daily with words and looks. Malva escapes to art and nature. Then along comes Runo, who is passionate about the same things.

Diary of an Ugly Girl is a delicate story about how a bullied girl hating her own reflection slowly recovers from the anxiety of her looks. Everyone who has been insecure about their looks can relate to Malva’s experiences.

 

The Horned God

Magdalena Hai

Creeping horror for the YA audience from an internationally bestselling author!

When death touches your life, everything changes.

Lauri wakes up in the hospital after a fatal car crash and he doesn’t remember much about it. Mom is dead and now life has changed drastically.

When Lauri starts his slow recovery in a small town at his aunt’s house, he has an unpleasant feeling that everything is not right. The dead don’t stay dead and the beautiful neighbor Vilja-Maaria doesn’t want to live. When an ominous creature with antlers appears behind the window, Lauri begins to see nightmarish dreams that feel too real.


LITTLE MOUSE’S FABLES by Riikka Jäntti sold to Estonia!

We are thrilled to announce that the Estonian rights for LITTLE MOUSE’S FABLES by internationally bestselling children’s author Riikka Jäntti have been acquired by Rahva Raamat! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

LITTLE MOUSE’S FABLES is the latest, 9th title in the internationally successful LITTLE MOUSE series and a delightful reimagination and reinterpretation of a selection of classic fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm. Set in the ‘Little Mouse world’ and accompanied by Riikka Jäntti’s gorgeous illustrations, LITTLE MOUSE’S FABLES is guaranteed to be a wonderful storytime reading for children and adults alike!

LITTLE MOUSE’S FABLES has so far been sold to 3 territories, while the LITTLE MOUSE series has been sold to 20 territories!

Download the materials for LITTLE MOUSE’S FABLES here!

 

Little Mouse’s Fables

Riikka Jäntti

Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse dive together into the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm and discuss them. A charming and cheerful book for small readers and all Little Mouse’s friends!

Little Mouse loves storytime. Together with Mommy Mouse, they read the Grimm classics: Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, The Three Wishes, Sweet Porridge, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more! Riikka Jäntti’s lovely illustrations depict the mouseified adventures in these classic tales.

Pikku hiiren satulipas
Tammi, October 2022, 80 pp.
Rights sold: FINLAND: Tammi (orig.), ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat, FRANCE: Cambourakis
Reading materials: Finnish edition, English sample

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

Two new Children’s deals!

We are thrilled to announce two new Children’s deals!

Firstly, the Estonian rights for THELMA THE TENACIOUS WITCH series by Satu Varjonen and Mari Luoma have been acquired by Elust Enesest! Elust Enesest acquired both books – WHO NOSE? and AN EGG-CELLENT SURPRISE! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Download the materials for THELMA THE TENACIOUS WITCH series here!

Secondly, the French rights for LITTLE MOUSE’S FABLES by Riikka Jäntti have been acquired pre-publication by Cambourakis! The deal was closed by Mimi Matinpalo at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

They said:

“In this new album of her fantastic series Little Mouse, Riikka Jäntti takes a small sidestep to invite us to delve into the Brothers Grimm’s enchanted universe. While taking us back to the classics of children’s literature, she also soflty highlights the joys of the timeless moment of the bedtime story.”
-Cambourakis, France

Download the materials for LITTLE MOUSE’S FABLES here!

LITTLE MOUSE’S FABLES is the latest, 9th title in the successful LITTLE MOUSE series, sold to 20 territories!

Download the full English PDFs for the entire series here!

 

WHO NOSE?
by Satu Varjonen and Mari Luoma
Minerva, September 2021, 56 pp.

A humorous and magical series about the adventures of a young witch girl, written by Satu Varjonen with gleeful illustrations by Mari Luoma!

Thelma, the sweet-hearted young witch, has always lived with her grandmother, so the ways of other people are a bit strange to her. When she starts school, she finds not everyone sees things the way she does, and there are mishaps and headaches to come, before differences are accepted!

There are two books in the series so far, with more to come!

 

AN EGG-CELLENT SURPRISE!
by Satu Varjonen and Mari Luoma
Minerva, March 2022, 56 pp.

The sweet witch, Thelma, tries her hardest to make things good. But magic is one of those things that sometimes leads to quite unexpected things.

Thelma’s house is as busy as ever. The spring cleaning must be done, guests are coming and The Great Egg Hunt with its tantalizing prizes is about to start on the mountain.

The easter traditions of witches and humans cause Thelma a headache, especially when her ghastly great-aunt, Grandma Myrtle and Thelma’s new friend Ornelia get entangled in them too. And magic doesn’t always go according to plan.

 

LITTLE MOUSE’S FABLES
by Riikka Jäntti
Tammi, October 2022, 80 pp.

Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse dive together into the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm and discuss them. A charming and cheerful book for small readers and all Little Mouse’s friends!

Little Mouse loves storytime. Together with Mommy Mouse, they read the Grimm classics: Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, The Three Wishes, Sweet Porridge, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more! Riikka Jäntti’s lovely illustrations depict the mouseified adventures in these classic tales.

THELMA THE TENACIOUS WITCH SERIES
WHO NOSE?
VOIHAN NENÄ!
Minerva, 2021, 56 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English series introduction
Finnish PDF
English sample in September

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Minerva (orig.)
ESTONIA: Elust Enesest

 

AN EGG-CELLENT SURPRISE!
YLLÄRIPYLLÄRI!
Minerva, 2022, 56 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English series introduction
Finnish PDF
English sample in September

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Minerva (orig.)
ESTONIA: Elust Enesest

 

 

LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
PIKKU HIIRI
Tammi, 2015-2022, 48 pp.

READING MATERIALS
Full English PDFs for books #1-8
English sample for LITTLE MOUSE’S FABLES

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Into (orig.)
AUSTRALIA: Scribble/Scribe
CHINA: Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK: ABC Forlag
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat
FRANCE: Cambourakis
GERMANY: Cross Cult
ITALY: Sinnos
NEPAL: Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND: Scribble/Scribe
POLAND: Filia
PORTUGAL: Harper Collins Iberica
ROMANIA: Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA: Strecoza
SLOVAKIA: Fortuna
SPAIN (Spanish): Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan): Harper Collins Iberica
SWEDEN: Epix Bokförlag AB
UK: Scribble/Scribe

About author


Mari Luoma

Mari Luoma is an illustrator and a comic artist. She has illustrated several children’s books and designs funny and quirky characters for various media.

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

About author


Satu Varjonen

Satu Varjonen has worked as a freelance editor for 20 years. When it comes to storytelling, it is children’s literature that gets her heart beating. Who Nose? in the Thelma the Tenacious Witch series is her debut.

Introducing: EALA Fall 2022 Children’s & Young Adult Catalogue!

We are thrilled to present our Children’s & YA Catalogue for Fall 2022: An epic novel about love and power, a YA thriller by Finland’s bestselling female crime author, and beloved fairytales with new twists, inspiring stories and enchanting adventures by bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators.

From our new catalogue, we’ve picked some hot titles for you – take a look at them below!

View the Fall 2022 Children’s Catalogue here!

 

Sang

by Elina Pitkäkangas

When a person’s value is determined by money and happiness by family, what will happen when boht are ripped away? An epic novel about love and power in a fictional East Asia of the future! 

The state of Fusang is recovering from a war that ravaged the world. 16-year-old Kong Dawei, an earnest young man, is living in a poor mountain village and tries to pay his adopted siblings’ citizen dues by transporting contraband goods at night.

After a series of unfortunate events, Dawei ends up in the southern capital which is ruled by the cruel matriarch of the White Tiger Clan. When there is nothing else to lose, Dawei has only one goal: to get back to his loved ones – whatever it takes.

Sang is an addictive fantasy novel that travels through cold mountains and humid cities, noisy bazaars and opulent halls, and the world after the Black Rain, in which one’s value is measured in money.

 

The Crossing of the Green Dragon

by Leena Lehtolainen

The Crossing of the Green Dragon is a YA thriller about loss and the power of friendship. About things that one doesn’t want to reveal to adults. About a world where fear and hope are entangled in each other, and where nobody makes it on their own.

Who has painted the image of a green dragon taking flight on the electronic box at the crossroads? Why does it keep appearing again and again, despite being washed and painted over?

High school freshman Viggo knows  the original painting was done by his brother Joel shortly before his disappearance, over two years ago. The police have no leads whatsoever. Did he leave of his own volition or is he the victim of a crime?

Meanwhile, young Selma visits the dragon to seek a connection with her deceased friend Sennu, with whom she played dragons as a kid. Selma’s sibling Savu has worries of their own. A gang idolizing roadman culture has managed to extort Savu to join them in stealing designed clothes. Selma doesn’t want to idly watch Savu’s demise. Can she gather the courage to share her worries with Sennu’s father, who works with the police?

 

Thelma the Tenacious Witch Series

by Satu Varjonen, ill. Mari Luoma

A humorous and magical series about the adventures of a young witch girl, written by Satu Varjonen with gleeful illustrations by Mari Luoma!

Thelma, the sweet-hearted young witch, has always lived with her grandmother, so the ways of other people are a bit strange to her. When she starts school, she finds not everyone sees things the way she does, and there are mishaps and headaches to come, before differences are accepted!

There are two books in the series so far, with more to come!

 

Little Mouse’s Fables

by Riikka Jäntti

Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse dive together into the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm and discuss them. A charming and cheerful book for small readers and all Little Mouse’s friends! 

Little Mouse loves storytime. Together with Mommy Mouse, they read the Grimm classics: Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, The Three Wishes, Sweet Porridge, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more! Riikka Jäntti’s lovely illustrations depict the mouseified adventures in these classic tales.

 

Itty Bitty Princess’s Teeny Bit Terrific Fairy Tales

by Hannele Lampela, ill. Ninka Reittu

The hero of all mischief-makers, Itty Bitty Princess, tells us seven familiar stories from the perspective of the teeny bit naughty! 

Have you ever thought of how a witch feels when her magnificent gingerbread house is eaten? Or the fairy who doesn’t get invited to a birthday party? Indeed, probably not so good.

Itty Bitty Princess has noticed that the ones who are already kind are the ones who always win the battles. Like her little brother. That’s why she has decided to tell a few stories from the side of the scoundrels, like the dragon that gets constantly poked by swords. After all, Itty Bitty Princess knows what it’s like to be kind and naughty at the same time.


LITTLE MOUSE series sold to Bulgaria! Now 21 territories for this picture book series!

We are happy to let you know that the Bulgarian rights for the internationally bestselling LITTLE MOUSE series by Riikka Jäntti have been acquired by Uniscorp! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Uniscorp publishing house offers a wide variety of translated and Bulgarian literature and their authors include Virginia Woolf, Graham Greene, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, John Le Carré, John Wyndham, E. L. Doctorow, Erich Maria Remarque, Karel Čapek, Knut Hamsun, Miguel de Unamuno, Roald Dahl, Stefan Zweig, Ernest Hemingway, etc.

Uniscorp acquired the first three titles in the series – LITTLE MOUSE, LITTLE MOUSE HELPS OUT and LITTLE MOUSE’S CHRISTMAS – and praised the series for being an instructive insight into family life with children:
The Little Mouse series is a great resource for young parents and touches on the daily life of young children and how they are introduced to the new world of adults in a fun way.
– Venka Ragina, manager, IK Uniscorp, Bulgaria

This wonderful 8-book series about Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse has now been sold to 21 countries, but is still available in Hungary, Norway, Lithuania, Czechia, Latvia, Netherlands etc.

Download the full English PDFs for the entire series here!

LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
written and illustrated by Riikka Jäntti
A 8-book series about a little mouse living with a single mother mouse, acting as all little persons do – in the first book, saying NO to everything – to broccoli, getting dressed, washing teeth, sleeping. Other parts talk about Christmas, winter, having guests, having a holiday, summer vacation and going on an island.LITTLE MOUSE (BOOK 1)
Tammi, 2015, 48 pp.

A day in the life of a toddler is a busy one and Little Mouse’s is no exception. Between getting dressed, going to daycare, eating dinner, and splashing in puddles, Little Mouse has a lot to do … and a lot to say ‘no’ to!

LITTLE MOUSE HELPS OUT (BOOK 2)
Tammi, 2016, 48 pp.

Little Mouse’s friend Pip is coming over to visit. But first, there are chores to do around the house, like cleaning, laundry and cooking lunch. Little Mouse is determined to help Mommy Mouse with all of them.

LITTLE MOUSE’S CHRISTMAS (BOOK 3)
Tammi, 2017, 48 pp.

Christmas is coming and Little Mouse can’t wait for Christmas Eve. Luckily there are all kinds of wonderful preparations to be made, from cooking to choosing the Christmas tree.

LITTLE MOUSE’S HOLIDAY (BOOK 4)
Tammi, 2018, 48 pp.

Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse take the train together to the countryside to stay at their cottage on an island, pick berries, heat the sauna and cook sausages over a campfire under the starry skies. It’s a real treat for a little city mouse!

LITTLE MOUSE’S WINTER (BOOK 5)
Tammi, 2019, 48 pp.

Winter is here and Little Mouse enjoys playing outside. But the fun is interrupted by piano lessons. And why do all the other kids have phones and lots of collectable toy figures? Luckily mom has lots of fun activities that will make Little Mouse happy again.

LITTLE MOUSE’S SUMMER (BOOK 6)
Tammi, 2020, 48 pp.

Summer holiday is full of fun: going to the amusement park, playing by the beach and visiting the art museum, buying strawberries and ice cream, and going to the cinema when the weather is too hot. Little Mouse knows that one must enjoy the summer, because it doesn’t last forever.

LITTLE MOUSE GOES CAMPING (BOOK 7)
Tammi, 2021, 48 pp.

One beautiful summer’s day, Little Mouse goes camping with mom. Little Mouse helps Mommy Mouse set up the tent, light the grill and prepare sausages and vegetables wrapped in foil. When it gets dark, Little Mouse listens to the sounds of the night in the tent. In the morning, they are both very hungry but luckily the island’s restaurant is open!

LITTLE MOUSE AND THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT (BOOK 8)
Tammi, 2022, 48 pp.

At last, DING DONG! Little Mouse opens the front door for the birthday guests. Little Mouse receives delightful presents from friends and then it is time to feast: the birthday cake and other desserts are to everyone’s taste. Games and quizzes are also a part of Little Mouse’s birthday. The next morning Little Mouse gets a present from Mommy Mouse, but ends up causing a surprising amount of trouble, especially to Mommy Mouse!

PIKKU HIIRI
Tammi, 2015-2022, 48 pp.

READING MATERIALS
Full English PDFs

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
AZERBAIJAN: Alatoran
ALBANIA: Dritan
AUSTRALIA: Scribble/Scribe
BULGARIA: Uniscorp
CHINA: Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK: ABC Forlag
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat
FRANCE: Cambourakis
GERMANY: Cross Cult
ITALY: Sinnos
NEPAL: Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND: Scribble/Scribe
POLAND: Filia
PORTUGAL: Harper Collins Iberica
ROMANIA: Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA: Strecoza
SLOVAKIA: Fortuna
SPAIN (Spanish): Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan): Harper Collins Iberica
UK: Scribble/Scribe

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

LITTLE MOUSE 8-book series sold in Germany!

We are really happy to let you know that Cross Cult in Germany has now acquired the 5 latest LITTLE MOUSE titles, completing the 8-book picture book series!
The deal was closed by Toomas Aasmäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.This amazing picture book series about Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse has sold to 20 countries but is still available in Hungary, Norway, Lithuania, Czechia, Latvia, Netherlands etc.Recently, the rights were also sold to Poland:Full of realism and humor, stories about feisty Little Mouse and her Mother Mouse will be loved by Polish readers. Riikka Jäntti [has] create[d] her characters with universality and tender mindfulness, which changes well-known everyday reality into adventure [for] both children and adults.
We are certain that Riikka Jäntti, who [has] led the short forms to mastery, will find her masses of fans in Poland.

– Natalia Szenrok-Brożyńska, Project manager, Filia, Poland

Download the full English PDFs for the entire series here!

LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
written and illustrated by Riikka Jäntti

A 8-book series about a little mouse living with a single mother mouse, acting as all little persons do – in the first book, saying NO to everything – to broccoli, getting dressed, washing teeth, sleeping. Other parts talk about Christmas, winter, having guests, having a holiday, summer vacation and going on an island.

LITTLE MOUSE (BOOK 1)
Tammi, 2015, 48 pp.

A day in the life of a toddler is a busy one and Little Mouse’s is no exception. Between getting dressed, going to daycare, eating dinner, and splashing in puddles, Little Mouse has a lot to do … and a lot to say ‘no’ to!

LITTLE MOUSE HELPS OUT (BOOK 2)
Tammi, 2016, 48 pp.

Little Mouse’s friend Pip is coming over to visit. But first, there are chores to do around the house, like cleaning, laundry and cooking lunch. Little Mouse is determined to help Mommy Mouse with all of them.

LITTLE MOUSE’S CHRISTMAS (BOOK 3)
Tammi, 2017, 48 pp.

Christmas is coming and Little Mouse can’t wait for Christmas Eve. Luckily there are all kinds of wonderful preparations to be made, from cooking to choosing the Christmas tree.

LITTLE MOUSE’S HOLIDAY (BOOK 4)
Tammi, 2018, 48 pp.

Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse take the train together to the countryside to stay at their cottage on an island, pick berries, heat the sauna and cook sausages over a campfire under the starry skies. It’s a real treat for a little city mouse!

LITTLE MOUSE’S WINTER (BOOK 5)
Tammi, 2019, 48 pp.

Winter is here and Little Mouse enjoys playing outside. But the fun is interrupted by piano lessons. And why do all the other kids have phones and lots of collectable toy figures? Luckily mom has lots of fun activities that will make Little Mouse happy again.

LITTLE MOUSE’S SUMMER (BOOK 6)
Tammi, 2020, 48 pp.

Summer holiday is full of fun: going to the amusement park, playing by the beach and visiting the art museum, buying strawberries and ice cream, and going to the cinema when the weather is too hot. Little Mouse knows that one must enjoy the summer, because it doesn’t last forever.

LITTLE MOUSE GOES CAMPING (BOOK 7)
Tammi, 2021, 48 pp.

One beautiful summer’s day, Little Mouse goes camping with mom. Little Mouse helps Mommy Mouse set up the tent, light the grill and prepare sausages and vegetables wrapped in foil. When it gets dark, Little Mouse listens to the sounds of the night in the tent. In the morning, they are both very hungry but luckily the island’s restaurant is open!

LITTLE MOUSE AND THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT (BOOK 8)
Tammi, 2022, 48 pp.

At last, DING DONG! Little Mouse opens the front door for the birthday guests. Little Mouse receives delightful presents from friends and then it is time to feast: the birthday cake and other desserts are to everyone’s taste. Games and quizzes are also a part of Little Mouse’s birthday. The next morning Little Mouse gets a present from Mommy Mouse, but ends up causing a surprising amount of trouble, especially to Mommy Mouse!

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

Italian deal for ITTY BITTY PRINCESS!

We’re happy to announce that the Italian rights for the best-selling ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE TRUTH ABOUT BABIES by Hannele Lampela and Ninka Reittu have been sold in a pre-empt to the publisher Fabbri! The deal was closed by Elsa Lindström at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Previously sold to Denmark and Estonia, the rights to this lively and adorable title are still available in eg. Sweden, Poland, Germany, Hungary, etc!

Download the full English PDF for ITTY BITTY PRINCESS here!

ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE TRUTH ABOUT BABIES
written by Hannele Lampela, illustrated by Ninka Reittu
Otava, April 2022, 32 pp.

Where do annoying little siblings come from? Itty Bitty Princess, the loveliest, naughtiest, and kindest girl in the world, figures out the icky truth about babies in her own bold manner.

Of course, Itty Bitty Princess knows that babies grow in mothers’ tummies. But how did they end up there? And how do they get out? And most importantly: why on earth would parents want a baby that poops a lot and wakes them up in the middle of the night?

This charming picture book by Hannele Lampela, illustrated by Ninka Reittu, provides answers to children’s puzzling questions about babies but also touches on the emotions that big sisters and brothers go through, when they hear a baby is about to arrive.

PRINSESSA PIKKIRIIKKI JA (KAAMEA) TOTUUS VAUVOISTA
Otava, April 2022, 32 pp.

READING MATERIALS:
Full English PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Otava (orig.)
DENMARK: Turbine
ESTONIA: Kirjastus Elust Enesest
ITALY: Fabbri Editori
WORLD SPANISH: Planeta Junior

About author


Hannele Lampela

Hannele Lampela's lovable works have been praised above all for their rich humor and ability to truly show the world from a child's perspective. She has the ability to enchant her readers, and that is why both children and adults love her stories. Lampela's works have been dramatized for example by the Finnish National Theater, Kuopio City Theater and YLE's radio plays. She has been awarded the prestigious Kaarina Helakisa Prize for her work and she has been nominated for Runeberg Junior award in 2019 and for Storytel Award, and Arvid Lydecken Award in 2020.

In addition to her fictional works, Lampela has written and created  a world of stories for the next national ABC book of Finnish schools. First graders across the country will learn to read through Hannele’s texts. Lampela lives in a small wooden house in the middle of apple trees with her family, and spends her days not only writing, but also pampering herself and others on a regular basis.

About author


Ninka Reittu

Ninka Reittu is an illustrator and children's book writer.

Reittu lives in an old clergy house in Liperi, Finland, with her son and carpenter husband. Their family also includes two cats, several dogs, and a flock of sheep.

In addition to her own picture books Messi ja Mysteeri and Sinä olet superrakas, she has illustrated the titles of Hannele Lampela (The Itty-Bitty Princess) and Kreetta Onkelin.

Two new LITTLE MOUSE titles sold to Poland!

We are very happy to announce that the Polish publisher Filia has acquired the latest two titles in the LITTLE MOUSE series by Riikka Jäntti – LITTLE MOUSE GOES CAMPING and LITTLE MOUSE AND THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT – following their acquisition of the first four titles earlier this spring. The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Full of realism and humor, stories about feisty Little Mouse and her Mother Mouse will be loved by Polish readers. Riikka Jäntti [has] create[d] her characters with universality and tender mindfulness, which changes well known every-day reality into adventure [for] both children and adults.
We are certain that Riikka Jäntti, who [has] led the short forms to mastery, will find her masses of fans in Poland.

– Natalia Szenrok-Brożyńska, Project manager, Filia, Poland

The charming, humorous and relatable LITTLE MOUSE series has been sold to 20 territories, but the rights are still available in Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Hungary, Norway, Czech Republic, Lithuania, etc.

Download the full English PDFs for the entire series here!


LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
written and illustrated by Riikka Jäntti

A 8-book series about a little mouse living with a single mother mouse, acting as all little persons do – in the first book, saying NO to everything – to broccoli, getting dressed, washing teeth, sleeping. Other parts talk about Christmas, winter, having guests, having a holiday, summer vacation and going on an island.

LITTLE MOUSE (BOOK 1)
Tammi, 2015, 48 pp.

A day in the life of a toddler is a busy one and Little Mouse’s is no exception. Between getting dressed, going to daycare, eating dinner, and splashing in puddles, Little Mouse has a lot to do … and a lot to say ‘no’ to!

LITTLE MOUSE HELPS OUT (BOOK 2)
Tammi, 2016, 48 pp.

Little Mouse’s friend Pip is coming over to visit. But first, there are chores to do around the house, like cleaning, laundry and cooking lunch. Little Mouse is determined to help Mommy Mouse with all of them.

LITTLE MOUSE’S CHRISTMAS (BOOK 3)
Tammi, 2017, 48 pp.

Christmas is coming and Little Mouse can’t wait for Christmas Eve. Luckily there are all kinds of wonderful preparations to be made, from cooking to choosing the Christmas tree.

LITTLE MOUSE’S HOLIDAY (BOOK 4)
Tammi, 2018, 48 pp.

Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse take the train together to the countryside to stay at their cottage on an island, pick berries, heat the sauna and cook sausages over a campfire under the starry skies. It’s a real treat for a little city mouse!

LITTLE MOUSE’S WINTER (BOOK 5)
Tammi, 2019, 48 pp.

Winter is here and Little Mouse enjoys playing outside. But his fun is interrupted by piano lessons. And why do all the other kids have phones and lots of collectable toy figures? Luckily mom has lots of fun activities that will make Little Mouse happy again.

LITTLE MOUSE’S SUMMER (BOOK 6)
Tammi, 2020, 48 pp.

Summer holiday is full of fun: going to the amusement park, playing by the beach and visiting the art museum, buying strawberries and ice cream, and going to the cinema when the weather is too hot. Little Mouse knows that one must enjoy the summer, because it doesn’t last forever.

LITTLE MOUSE GOES CAMPING (BOOK 7)
Tammi, 2021, 48 pp.

One beautiful summer’s day, Little Mouse goes camping with mom. Little Mouse helps Mommy Mouse set up the tent, light the grill and prepare sausages and vegetables wrapped in foil. When it gets dark, Little Mouse listens to the sounds of the night in the tent.  In the morning, they are both very hungry but luckily the island’s restaurant is open!

LITTLE MOUSE AND THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT (BOOK 8)
Tammi, 2022, 48 pp.

At last, DING DONG! Little Mouse opens the front door for the birthday guests. Little Mouse receives delightful presents from friends and then it is time to feast: the birthday cake and other desserts are to everyone’s taste. Games and quizzes are also a part of Little Mouse’s birthday. The next morning Little Mouse gets a present from Mommy Mouse, but ends up causing a surprising amount of trouble, especially to Mom!

PIKKU HIIRI
Tammi, 2015-2022, 48 pp.

READING MATERIALS
Full English PDFs

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Into (orig.)
AZERBAIJAN: Alatoran
ALBANIA: Dritan
AUSTRALIA: Scribble/Scribe
CHINA: Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK: ABC Forlag
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat
FRANCE: Cambourakis
GERMANY: Cross Cult
ITALY: Sinnos
NEPAL: Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND: Scribble/Scribe
POLAND: Filia
PORTUGAL: Harper Collins Iberica
ROMANIA: Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA: Strecoza
SLOVAKIA: Fortuna
SPAIN (Spanish): Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan): Harper Collins Iberica
UK: Scribble/Scribe

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

World Spanish deal for ITTY BITTY PRINCESS!

We are thrilled to announce that the World Spanish rights for the best-selling ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE TRUTH ABOUT BABIES by Hannele Lampela and Ninka Reittu have been sold in a pre-empt!

The happy publisher is Planeta Mexico, part of Grupo Planeta, the world’s leading Spanish-language publisher, and Itty Bitty will join the Planeta Junior imprint! The deal was closed by Elsa Lindström at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

“Itty Bitty Princess and the (Awful) Truth About Babies is a warm, funny and sweet story that will solve many questions and will save some grownups from having that “uncomfortable” talk. Most important of all, Itty Bitty brings to the conversation the diversity and richness among all families, parents, siblings and guardians.”
-María José González Camarena, Children’s and YA Managing Editor 

Previously sold to Denmark and Estonia, the rights to this lively and adorable title are still available in eg. Italy, Sweden, Germany, Hungary, etc!

Download the full English PDF here!

ITTY BITTY PRINCESS has been nominated for multiple awards, for example the Runeberg Junior Prize in 2020, the Arvid Lydecken Awardin both 2017 and 2019, and the Kaarina Helakisa Prizein 2019 – which it won!

THE TRUTH ABOUT BABIES also rose to bestseller lists right after its publication in April 2022!


ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE TRUTH ABOUT BABIES
written by Hannele Lampela, illustrated by Ninka Reittu
Otava, April 2022, 32 pp.Where do annoying little siblings come from? Itty Bitty Princess, the loveliest, naughtiest, and kindest girl in the world, figures out the icky truth about babies in her own bold manner.Of course, Itty Bitty Princess knows that babies grow in mothers’ tummies. But how did they end up there? And how do they get out? And most importantly: why on earth would parents want a baby that poops a lot and wakes them up in the middle of the night?

This charming picture book by Hannele Lampela, illustrated by Ninka Reittu, provides answers to children’s puzzling questions about babies but also touches on the emotions that big sisters and brothers go through, when they hear a baby is about to arrive.

PRINSESSA PIKKIRIIKKI JA (KAAMEA) TOTUUS VAUVOISTA
Otava, April 2022, 32 pp.

READING MATERIALS:
Full English PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Otava (orig.)
DENMARK: Turbine
ESTONIA: Kirjastus Elust Enesest
WORLD SPANISH: Planeta Junior

About author


Hannele Lampela

Hannele Lampela's lovable works have been praised above all for their rich humor and ability to truly show the world from a child's perspective. She has the ability to enchant her readers, and that is why both children and adults love her stories. Lampela's works have been dramatized for example by the Finnish National Theater, Kuopio City Theater and YLE's radio plays. She has been awarded the prestigious Kaarina Helakisa Prize for her work and she has been nominated for Runeberg Junior award in 2019 and for Storytel Award, and Arvid Lydecken Award in 2020.

In addition to her fictional works, Lampela has written and created  a world of stories for the next national ABC book of Finnish schools. First graders across the country will learn to read through Hannele’s texts. Lampela lives in a small wooden house in the middle of apple trees with her family, and spends her days not only writing, but also pampering herself and others on a regular basis.

About author


Ninka Reittu

Ninka Reittu is an illustrator and children's book writer.

Reittu lives in an old clergy house in Liperi, Finland, with her son and carpenter husband. Their family also includes two cats, several dogs, and a flock of sheep.

In addition to her own picture books Messi ja Mysteeri and Sinä olet superrakas, she has illustrated the titles of Hannele Lampela (The Itty-Bitty Princess) and Kreetta Onkelin.

Two new Children’s deals!

We are thrilled to announce two new Children’s deals!

Firstly, the Danish rights for ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE TRUTH ABOUT BABIES by Hannele Lampela and Ninka Reittu have been acquired by Turbine! The deal was closed by Toomas Aasmäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Secondly, Alatoran has acquired the Azerbaijani rights to LITTLE MOUSE, the first title in the LITTLE MOUSE series by Riikka Jäntti! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

The hilariously funny and uniquely clever ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE TRUTH ABOUT BABIES has been sold to Denmark and Estonia. All other rights are available!

Download the full English PDF here!

The charming, humorous and relatable LITTLE MOUSE series has been sold to 20 territories, but the rights are still available in Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Hungary, Norway, Czech Republic, Lithuania, etc.

Download the full English PDFs for the entire series here!

FILI GRANTS REMINDER

We are thrilled to remind you that the latest application period for Finnish Literature Exchange (FILI) translation and printing grants is still open and will last until May 1st!

It’s a perfect time to acquire exciting Finnish titles and apply for translation grants!
Don’t have a Finnish translator yet? Find them here!

In the last application period in Winter 2022, 63 projects earned a grant with 113,000€ awarded in total. See the previously awarded projects here!

Translation grants
Up to 70% of translation costs from Finnish or Finland-Swedish can be covered by a FILI translation grant. There are 3 application periods in a year, and the Spring application period is 1.4.1.5.2022.

ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE TRUTH ABOUT BABIES
PRINSESSA PIKKIRIIKKI JA (KAAMEA) TOTUUS VAUVOISTA
Otava, 2022, 32 pp.

READING MATERIALS:
Full English PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
DENMARK: Turbine
ESTONIA: Kirjastus Elust Enesest

 

LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
PIKKU HIIRI
Tammi, 2015-2022, 48 pp.

READING MATERIALS
Full English PDFs

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Into (orig.)
AZERBAIJAN: Alatoran
ALBANIA: Dritan
AUSTRALIA: Scribble/Scribe
CHINA: Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK: ABC Forlag
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat
FRANCE: Cambourakis
GERMANY: Cross Cult
ITALY: Sinnos
NEPAL: Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND: Scribble/Scribe
POLAND: Filia
PORTUGAL: Harper Collins Iberica
ROMANIA: Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA: Strecoza
SLOVAKIA: Fortuna
SPAIN (Spanish): Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan): Harper Collins Iberica
UK: Scribble/Scribe

About author


Hannele Lampela

Hannele Lampela's lovable works have been praised above all for their rich humor and ability to truly show the world from a child's perspective. She has the ability to enchant her readers, and that is why both children and adults love her stories. Lampela's works have been dramatized for example by the Finnish National Theater, Kuopio City Theater and YLE's radio plays. She has been awarded the prestigious Kaarina Helakisa Prize for her work and she has been nominated for Runeberg Junior award in 2019 and for Storytel Award, and Arvid Lydecken Award in 2020.

In addition to her fictional works, Lampela has written and created  a world of stories for the next national ABC book of Finnish schools. First graders across the country will learn to read through Hannele’s texts. Lampela lives in a small wooden house in the middle of apple trees with her family, and spends her days not only writing, but also pampering herself and others on a regular basis.

About author


Ninka Reittu

Ninka Reittu is an illustrator and children's book writer.

Reittu lives in an old clergy house in Liperi, Finland, with her son and carpenter husband. Their family also includes two cats, several dogs, and a flock of sheep.

In addition to her own picture books Messi ja Mysteeri and Sinä olet superrakas, she has illustrated the titles of Hannele Lampela (The Itty-Bitty Princess) and Kreetta Onkelin.

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Three new Children’s deals!

We are thrilled to announce three new Children’s deals!

Firstly, Cambourakis has acquired the French rights to LITTLE MOUSE AND THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT, the 8th and latest title in the LITTLE MOUSE series by Riikka Jäntti! The deal was closed by Toomas Aasmäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

The Éditions Cambourakis are delighted to continue publishing Riikka Jäntti’s series Little Mouse. As we follow in his footsteps, we discover everyday’s marvels and surprises; a character our little French readers don’t seem to be tired of!
– Charlotte Groult, Assistante éditoriale, Éditions Cambourakis, France

Secondly, the Bulgarian rights for I’LL BECOME A RESEARCHER, a children’s non-fiction title by Tero Mielonen and Mari Ahokoivu, have been acquired by Enthusiast, an imprint of Alto! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Thirdly, the Albanian rights to the internationally bestselling MONSTER NANNY trilogy by Tuutikki Tolonen and Pasi Pitkänen have been acquired by Westprint! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

The wonderful LITTLE MOUSE series has been sold to 19 territories, but the rights are still available in Hungary, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Norway, Czech Republic, Lithuania, etc.

Download the full English PDFs for the entire series here!

The inspiring and educational I’LL BECOME A RESEARCHER has been sold to Bulgaria and Latvia. All other rights are available!

Download the full English PDF here!

The humorous MONSTER NANNY trilogy has now been sold to 32 territories, but the rights are still available in Japan, Croatia, World Arabic, Bulgaria, Greece, Slovakia, Iceland etc.

Download the full English PDFs for the entire series here!

FILI GRANTS REMINDER

We are thrilled to remind you that the latest application period for Finnish Literature Exchange (FILI) translation and printing grants is still open and will last until May 1st!

It’s a perfect time to acquire exciting Finnish titles and apply for translation grants!
Don’t have a Finnish translator yet? Find them here!

In the last application period in Winter 2022, 63 projects earned a grant with 113,000€ awarded in totalSee the previously awarded projects here!

Translation grants
Up to 70% of translation costs from Finnish or Finland-Swedish can be covered by a FILI translation grant. There are 3 application periods in a year, and the Spring application period is 1.4.1.5.2022.

LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
PIKKU HIIRI
Tammi, 2015-2022, 48 pp.

READING MATERIALS
Full English PDFs

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Into (orig.)
ALBANIA: Dritan
AUSTRALIA: Scribble/Scribe
CHINA: Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK: ABC Forlag
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat
FRANCE: Cambourakis
GERMANY: Cross Cult
ITALY: Sinnos
NEPAL: Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND: Scribble/Scribe
POLAND: Filia
PORTUGAL: Harper Collins Iberica
ROMANIA: Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA: Strecoza
SLOVAKIA: Fortuna
SPAIN (Spanish): Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan): Harper Collins Iberica
UK: Scribble/Scribe

 

I’LL BECOME A RESEARCHER
MAAILMAN TUTKIJAT
Ursa, 2021, 53 pp.

READING MATERIALS:
Full English PDF

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
BULGARIA: Enthusiast
LATVIA: Latvijas Mediji

 

MONSTER NANNY TRILOGY
MÖRKÖVAHTI
Tammi, 2015-2020.

READING MATERIALS:
Full English PDF for #1, English samples and synopses for #2 and #3

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND, Tammi (orig.)
ALBANIA: Westprint
AUSTRALIA: Allen & Unwin
BOSNIA, Šahinpašić
BRAZIL, DarkSide Books
CHINA, Beijing Children’s Publishing House
CZECH REPUBLIC, Portál
DENMARK, Turbine
ESTONIA, Tiritamm
FRANCE, Editions Robert Laffont
GERMANY, Carl Hanser Verlag
HUNGARY, Tessloff Babilon
ITALY, Salani/Mauri Spagnol
KOREA: Seosawon
LATVIA, Zvaigzne
LITHUANIA: Nieko Rimto
NETHERLANDS: (print) Luitingh-Sijthoff
NETHERLANDS: (audio) Saga Egmont
NEW ZEALAND: Allen & Unwin
NORWAY, Gyldendal Norsk
OCEANIA: Allen & Unwin
POLAND, Vesper
PORTUGAL, Asa Editiones/Leya
ROMANIA: Univers
RUSSIA, Rosman
SERBIA: Laguna
SLOVENIA, Mladinska knjiga
SPAIN (Spanish), La Galera
SPAIN (Catalan), La Galera
SWEDEN, Rabén & Sjögren
TURKEY, SEV Redhouse Kidz
UKRAINE: School Publishing House
VIETNAM, Nha Nam
WORLD ENGLISH, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
FILM RIGHTS, Scott Free Productions

About author


Mari Ahokoivu

Mari Ahokoivu is a Finnish illustrator and a comics artist. She’s been drawing professionally for over 10 years, mainly drawing graphic novels and comics for children, including Sanni & Joonas and Lola Olifante. Ahokoivu loves everything cute and scary. She lives and works in Copenhagen. 

Mari Ahokoivu won the Puupäähattu Comic Book Award 2023, and together with Laura Ertimo, they won the Tieto-Lauri Award 2022 and were nominated for the Finlandia Prize 2021 for WHERE DID THE ANIMALS GO?!

About author


Pasi Pitkänen

Pasi Pitkänen has become known for his richly detailed illustrative work on several children’s books such as the extremely popular Monster Nanny trilogy by Tuutikki Tolonen. He has also worked at Rovio Entertainment as an illustrator, character designer, and graphic designer. Pitkänen is the illustrator of the popular Kepler62 series and the author of two Children's titles Monster Tournament and The Island of Lost Animals.

Among Pitkänen’s hobbies are quantum physics, people-watching, B-movies, insects and baking.

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

About author


Tero Mielonen

Tero Mielonen (PhD) is an atmospheric scientist and a comic book enthusiast. He studies the role of atmospheric aerosols in climate change at the Finnish Meteorological Institute. He also enjoys public outreach in its various forms.

Mielonen has written a children’s book, I'll Become a Researcher (illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu) which gives introductions to several scientific fields and shows how you can still do the things you enjoyed as a child when you become a scientist. A graphic novel written by Mielonen, The Ozone Diary, was shortlisted for Comic/Graphic Novel at the British Fantasy Awards 2020. Mielonen lives in Kuopio and is partial to cycling everywhere.

About author


Tuutikki Tolonen

Tuutikki Tolonen is the author of several acclaimed children’s books, plays and academic articles. She teaches creative writing and has worked as an editor and reporter at Vinski, a Finnish literary magazine for children. For Monster Nanny she received the Arvid Lydecken award.  Her inspiration for the Monster Nanny trilogy sparked during a family breakfast. “My son Leo, then six, said: ‘I heard on the radio yesterday that all moms have to go on vacation and monsters will take their places,” she says.

Her other bestselling series is the Agnes-series, of which the first book "Agnes and the Garden of Dreams" was in 2021 nominated for the Arvid Lydecken Award, received an honorable mention for the Runeberg Junior Award, and won the Luku Varkaus Award. Tolonen tells that the inspiration for Agnes comes for her interest for weird and inexpicable tales, ghost stories and mysteries: "I wanted to write  book my daughter Aili, then nine, would like to read - not too long, not too scary, but very curious."

LITTLE MOUSE and PRINCESS RASCAL sold to Albania!

We are very excited to let you know that the Albanian publisher Dritan has acquired the rights to the first titles in the LITTLE MOUSE and PRINCESS RASCAL series! The deals were closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

The wonderful LITTLE MOUSE series has now been sold to 19 territories, but the rights are still available in Hungary, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Norway, Czech Republic, Lithuania, etc.

Download the full English PDFs for the entire series here!

The hilarious PRINCESS RASCAL series has now been sold to 6 territories, but the rights are still available in Germany, Sweden, Hungary, Poland, Romania etc.

Download the full English PDFs for the entire series here!


LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
written and illustrated by Riikka Jäntti

A 8-book series about a little mouse living with a single mother mouse, acting as all little persons do – in the first book, it says NO to everything – to broccoli, getting dressed, washing teeth, sleeping. Other parts talk about Christmas, winter, having guests, having a holiday, summer vacation and going on an island.

LITTLE MOUSE (BOOK 1)
Tammi, 2015, 48 pp.

A day in the life of a toddler is a busy one and Little Mouse’s is no exception. Between getting dressed, going to daycare, eating dinner, and splashing in puddles, Little Mouse has a lot to do … and a lot to say ‘no’ to!

LITTLE MOUSE HELPS OUT (BOOK 2)
Tammi, 2016, 48 pp.

Little Mouse’s friend Pip is coming over to visit. But first, there are chores to do around the house, like cleaning, laundry and cooking lunch. Little Mouse is determined to help Mummy Mouse with all of them.

LITTLE MOUSE’S CHRISTMAS (BOOK 3)
Tammi, 2017, 48 pp.

Christmas is coming and Little Mouse can’t wait for Christmas Eve. Luckily there are all kinds of wonderful preparations to be made, from cooking to choosing the Christmas tree.

LITTLE MOUSE’S HOLIDAY (BOOK 4)
Tammi, 2018, 48 pp.

Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse take the train together to the countryside to stay at their cottage on an island, pick berries, heat the sauna and cook sausages over a campfire under the starry skies. It’s a real treat for a little city mouse!

LITTLE MOUSE’S WINTER (BOOK 5)
Tammi, 2019, 48 pp.

Winter is here and Little Mouse enjoys playing outside. But his fun is interrupted by piano lessons. And why do all the other kids have
phones and lots of collectable toy figures? Luckily mom has lots of fun activities that will make him happy again.

LITTLE MOUSE’S SUMMER (BOOK 6)
Tammi, 2020, 48 pp.

Summer holiday is full of fun: going to the amusement park, playing by the beach and visiting the art museum. Buying strawberries and ice cream, and going to the cinema when the weather is too hot. Little Mouse knows that one must enjoy the summer, because it doesn’t last forever.

LITTLE MOUSE GOES CAMPING (BOOK 7)
Tammi, 2021, 48 pp.

One beautiful summer’s day, Little Mouse’s goes camping with mom. Little Mouse helps their mother set up the tent, light the grill and prepare sausages and vegetables wrapped in foil. When it gets dark, Little Mouse listens to the sounds of the night in the tent.  In the morning, they are both very hungry but luckily the island’s restaurant is open!

LITTLE MOUSE AND THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT (BOOK 8)
Tammi, 2022, 48 pp.

At last, DING DONG! Little Mouse opens the front door for the birthday guests. Little Mouse receives delightful presents from his friends and then it is time to feast: the birthday cake and other desserts are to everyone’s taste. Games and quizzes are also a part of Little Mouse’s birthday. The next morning Little Mouse gets a present from his mother, butt ends up causing a surprising amount of trouble, especially to Mom!


PRINCESS RASCAL (BOOK 1)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman
Tammi, 2017, 42 pp.

You would think that Rascal is a just a little girl, but she’s also a princess with many crowns for different purposes: one for Important Thoughts, one for Great Adventures, one for Peaceful Dreams. When Mom gets mad at her, she must find the right crown to calm Mom down.

PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE POTTY WORDS (BOOK 2)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman
Tammi, 2019, 42 pp.

Princess Rascal starts pre-school. She’s nervous about her new mates and new teacher. Especially nervous she is about going to the toilet. When she uses toilet words in a completely wrong situation, she’s sure that she is the most embarrassing girl in the world. But a solution for the problem can be found in her secret treasure chest.

PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE QUARREL SPELL (BOOK 3)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman
Tammi, 2021, 44 pp.

Which spell is the best when it seems that the parents do not have enough time for themselves? Resourceful Princess Rascal has a solution to every problem!

When Mom looks like a red-eyed panda and Dad like an angry troll, and they snap at each other without any reason, it’s time for some Rascal spells and Onni’s insights. The solution is the world’s finest KISSING BOOTH.

“You have to go in there to kiss. Then you will love again. And never quarrel again.”

PIKKU HIIRI
Tammi, 2015-2022, 48 pp.

READING MATERIALS
Full English PDFs

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Into (orig.)
ALBANIA: Dritan
AUSTRALIA: Scribble/Scribe
CHINA: Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK: ABC Forlag
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat
FRANCE: Cambourakis
GERMANY: Cross Cult
ITALY: Sinnos
NEPAL: Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND: Scribble/Scribe
POLAND: Filia
PORTUGAL: Harper Collins Iberica
ROMANIA: Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA: Strecoza
SLOVAKIA: Fortuna
SPAIN (Spanish): Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan): Harper Collins Iberica
UK: Scribble/Scribe


PRINSESSA RÄMÄPÄÄ
Tammi, 2017-2021

READING MATERIALS:
Full English PDFs

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
ALBANIA: Dritan
CZECH REPUBLIC: Albatros Media
DENMARK: Gads Forlag
ESTONIA: Elust enesest
LITHUANIA: Nieko Rimto/ Publishing House Nothing Serious

About author


Elina Hirvonen

Elina Hirvonen is an award-winning author and documentary filmmaker whose novels have been translated into many languages. Liesl Schillinger praised Hirvonen´s debut novel, When I Forgot, on the front page of The New York Times Book Review, and the novel also received positive reviews from The Independent, The Guardian, The Financial Times and The Globe and Mail.

Hirvonen has received the Kalevi Jäntti Prize and the Nuori Aleksis Prize, and has been nominated for Finlandia Prize and Debut Prize.

Her new novel, The Logbook of Love, is published in Finland in August 2023. The Logbook of Love is the first part of a trilogy of novels that create their world through conversations.


About author


Mervi Lindman

Mervi Lindman is a much-loved illustrator whose cheerful artworks have been published in 19 different countries to date. Lindman’s illustrations have been regularly appraised by critics and public alike.

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE TRUTH ABOUT BABIES sold to Estonia pre-publication!

It’s absolutely a pleasure to let you know that even before Finnish publication, the upcoming title in the Itty Bitty Princess series has been sold to Estonian publisher Elust enesest. 
ITTY BITTY PRINCESS AND THE TRUTH ABOUT BABIES is the 7th title in this award-winning series and it’s written by Hannele Lampela and illustrated by Ninka Reittu.

Download the Finnish pdf for this amazing title here.
English materials are coming soon!

Itty Bitty Princess and the Truth About Babies
By Hannele Lampela, illustrated by Ninka Reittu

Where do annoying little siblings come from? Itty-Bitty Princess figures out the icky truth about babies in her own bold manner.

Of course, Itty-Bitty Princess knows that babies grow in mothers’ tummies. But how did they end up there? And how do they get out? And most importantly: why on earth would parents want a baby that poops a lot and wakes them up in the middle of the night?

This charming picture book by Hannele Lampela, illustrated by Ninka Reittu, provides answers to children’s puzzling questions about babies but also touches on the emotions that big sisters and brothers go through, when they hear a baby is about to arrive.

ITTY BITTY PRINCESS SERIES
by Hannele Lampela, illustrated by Ninka Reittu

Otava 2016-

Rights sold for the series:

FINLAND: WSOY (orig.)

DENMARK: Turbine
ESTONIA: Elust enesest
NORWAY: Gyldendal
RUSSIA: Reich

About author


Hannele Lampela

Hannele Lampela's lovable works have been praised above all for their rich humor and ability to truly show the world from a child's perspective. She has the ability to enchant her readers, and that is why both children and adults love her stories. Lampela's works have been dramatized for example by the Finnish National Theater, Kuopio City Theater and YLE's radio plays. She has been awarded the prestigious Kaarina Helakisa Prize for her work and she has been nominated for Runeberg Junior award in 2019 and for Storytel Award, and Arvid Lydecken Award in 2020.

In addition to her fictional works, Lampela has written and created  a world of stories for the next national ABC book of Finnish schools. First graders across the country will learn to read through Hannele’s texts. Lampela lives in a small wooden house in the middle of apple trees with her family, and spends her days not only writing, but also pampering herself and others on a regular basis.

About author


Ninka Reittu

Ninka Reittu is an illustrator and children's book writer.

Reittu lives in an old clergy house in Liperi, Finland, with her son and carpenter husband. Their family also includes two cats, several dogs, and a flock of sheep.

In addition to her own picture books Messi ja Mysteeri and Sinä olet superrakas, she has illustrated the titles of Hannele Lampela (The Itty-Bitty Princess) and Kreetta Onkelin.

PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE POTTY WORDS wins Nextory E-Book Award!

We are thrilled to congratulate Elina Hirvonen and Mervi Lindman for having won the Children’s category of the Nextory E-book Award for PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE POTTY WORDS!

Nextory E-book Awards have been awarded in Finland since 2020, and their aim is to praise and draw attention to the most read e-books of the preceding year and to celebrate e-books and digital reading experience in general. The hilarious and relatable PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE POTTY WORDS was one of the most read children’s e-books in Nextory streaming service in Finland!

PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE POTTY WORDS is the second title in the excellent Princess Rascal series that has been sold to 5 countries, but is still available in France, Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia, Norway, Germany, United States, UK, Japan, China, Taiwan etc.

Download the full English PDFs for all 3 titles in the series here!

 #1  PRINCESS RASCAL
You would think that Rascal is just a little girl, but she’s also a princess with many crowns for different purposes: one for Important Thoughts, one for Great Adventures and one for Peaceful Dreams. When Mom gets mad at her, she must find the right crown to calm Mom down.

Princess Rascal is a picture book about a little girl who knows her mind and has a heart of gold, though sometimes it’s difficult to know the right thing to do. The book has been praised for its accurate and hilarious depictions of everyday life in a toddler family – sometimes parents get tired too.

#2  PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE POTTY WORDS
Princess Rascal starts pre-school. She’s nervous about her new mates and the new teacher. She is especially nervous about going to the toilet. When she uses potty words in a completely wrong situation, she’s sure that she is the most embarrassed girl in the world. But a solution for the problem can be found in her secret treasure chest.

#3  PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE QUARREL SPELL
Which spell is the best when it seems that the parents do not have enough time for themselves? Resourceful Princess Rascal has a solution to every problem!

When Mom looks like a red-eyed panda and Dad like an angry troll, and they snap at each other without any reason, it’s time for some Rascal spells and Onni’s insights. The solution is the world’s finest KISSING BOOTH.
“You have to go in there to kiss. Then you will love again. And never quarrel again. And we don’t have to move to Flower’s.”

PRINSESSA RÄMÄPÄÄ SERIES:

#1 PRINSESSA RÄMÄPÄÄN TALVITAIKA
Tammi 2017, 42 pp.

#2 PRINSESSA RÄMÄPÄÄ JA VESSASANAT
Tammi 2019, 42 pp.

#3 PRINSESSA RÄMÄPÄÄ JA RIITATAIKA
Tammi, 2021, 42 pp.

Reading materials:
English PDFs

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
CZECH REPUBLIC: Albatros Media
DENMARK: Gads Forlag
ESTONIA: Elust Enesest
LITHUANIA: Nieko Rimto/ Publishing House Nothing Serious

About author


Elina Hirvonen

Elina Hirvonen is an award-winning author and documentary filmmaker whose novels have been translated into many languages. Liesl Schillinger praised Hirvonen´s debut novel, When I Forgot, on the front page of The New York Times Book Review, and the novel also received positive reviews from The Independent, The Guardian, The Financial Times and The Globe and Mail.

Hirvonen has received the Kalevi Jäntti Prize and the Nuori Aleksis Prize, and has been nominated for Finlandia Prize and Debut Prize.

Her new novel, The Logbook of Love, is published in Finland in August 2023. The Logbook of Love is the first part of a trilogy of novels that create their world through conversations.


About author


Mervi Lindman

Mervi Lindman is a much-loved illustrator whose cheerful artworks have been published in 19 different countries to date. Lindman’s illustrations have been regularly appraised by critics and public alike.

Dutch rights for LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES 3 sold!

We are overjoyed to announce that the Dutch rights for LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES 3: STICKY THE TERRIBLE SNOWMAN by Magdalena Hai and Teemu Juhani have been sold to De Vier Windstreken! The deal was closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

The wonderful younger middle-grade series written by Magdalena Hai and illustrated by Teemu Juhani has already been sold to 24 territories, but the rights are still available in United States, United Kingdom, France, Iceland, Croatia, China, etc.

Download the full English PDFs for books 1-3 and the text for book 4 in the series here!


THE LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES
by Magdalena Hai, illustrated by Teemu Juhani

Nina is a is a clever, 9-year-old girl who goes to work in the Little Shop of Nightmares. During the course of the trilogy, she has to solve a mystery with tickling powder, find the lost teeth of a vampire and discover the reason why suddenly it just doesn’t stop snowing. The Little Shop of Nightmares is a mystery full of fascinating and fun characters that make young readers both wonder and laugh!

#1  THE TERRIBLE TICKLING POWDER
When Nina, 9 years old, enters The Little Shop of Nightmares in hopes of getting a job, she is
greeted by an odd sight: shopkeeper Mr. Kook is rolling on the floor, unable to stop laughing.
With a little help from a ghost called Paddy, they start looking for the untickling powder to help
him, but things are certainly not made easier by Mr. Kook’s world-domination-planning pet octopus
Squishy McGoo, who is a bit too quick about getting into trouble with rollerblades on its tentacles.

#2  MYSTERY OF THE MISSING TEETH
Nina goes to buy ice cream after her first work day at The Little Shop of Nightmares.
But at the ice cream shop she discovers a vampire – without teeth! Nina decides to help
vampire Lucas to find his teeth from Mr. Kook’s shop. But for some reason all the vampire
teeth seem to have disappeared. It seems like somebody has hidden them on purpose…

#3  STICKY THE TERRIBLE SNOWMAN
Same awesome monsters. New blizzardy trouble. The Little Shop of Nightmares is
getting buried in snow! Nina and Paddy are trying to find the cause of the snowstorm,
but that’s easier said than done. A well-meaning but horribly clumsy snowman keeps
getting in their way and stopping their every effort to stop the snowing inside.

#4  THE CRYSTAL SKULL
The Little Shop of Nightmares crew finds out that a pirate sailing competition is coming to town! Competing to be the fastest pirate ship are the Ghosts, the Zombies, the Sirens and the Better Pirates – all of whom want the Crystal Skull that has been given to Mr. Kook for safekeeping at the Little Shop of Nightmares. When the Crystal Skull suddenly goes missing from the shop, little Nina and her friends start their investigation – and the suspects are a-plenty!

LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES SERIES:

#1: Kamala kutituspulveri, WSOY, 2019, 60pp
#2: Hampaat hukassa, WSOY, 2019, 60pp
#3: Hirmuinen Jumimies WSOY, 2021, 60pp
#4: Kristallikallon tapaus, WSOY, 2022, 60pp

Reading materials:
English PDFs for books 1-3, English text for book 4

Rights sold:
FINLAND:
WSOY (orig.)

BULGARIA: Emas
CATALAN: La Galera
CZECH REPUBLIC: Euromedia
DENMARK: Vild Maskine
ESTONIA: Postimees Publishing
GERMANY: Egmont Schneiderbuch
GREECE: Dioptra
HUNGARY: Cerkabella
ITALY: Terre di Mezzo
KOREA: Gilbutschool
LATVIA: Latvijas Mediji
LITHUANIA: Briedis
NETHERLANDS: De Vier Windstreken
NORWAY: Fontini
POLAND: Znak
ROMANIA: Editura Univers
RUSSIA: KompasGuide
SERBIA: Odiseja
SLOVAKIA: Ikar
SWEDEN: Hegas
TURKEY: Epsilon
WORLD SPANISH: La Galera

About author


Magdalena Hai

Magdalena Hai is an award-winning author, lover of cross-genre fiction and all things strange. Her fiction often combines elements of sci-fi, fantasy and horror.

Her Little Shop of Nightmares series has been sold to 30 territories around the world. Among Hai's many accolades are winning the Finlandia Prize for children's and YA literature and the Finnish Literary Export Prize, and being nominated for the Finlandia Prize for Children's and Youth Literature and the Nordic Council Children & Young People's Literature Prize.

Besides being an author, Hai teaches writing and is an active member and editor in the publishing co-operative Osuuskumma.

About author


Teemu Juhani

Teemu Juhani is a Finnish illustrator, comic artist and picture book author whose illustrations have been published in picture books and children's fiction in over 20 countries. In addition to children's books Teemu has illustrated magazines and educational material. Originally from the fields and woods of North Karelia, Teemu now lives, works and eats way too many cakes in Helsinki.

PRINCESS RASCAL series sold to Czech Republic!

We are happy to announce that the first two titles in the PRINCESS RASCAL SERIES by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman, have now been pre-empted in the Czech Republic by Albatros Media!

CZECH PRAISE:
A lovely, cute heroin and her true and funny stories caught my heart, not only as an editor, but especially as a mom. I´m sure all families will definitely love Princess Rascal and her pure baby heart.
– 
Zuzana Neubauerová, Albatros Media, Czech Republic

The series has publishers in 5 languages and is still available in France, Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia, Norway, Germany, United States, UK, Japan, China, Taiwan etc.

Download the Full English pdfs for all 3 titles in the series here!

 

PRINCESS RASCAL (BOOK 1)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman
Tammi 2017, 42 pp.

You would think that Rascal is a just a little girl, but she’s also a princess with many crowns for different purposes: one for Important Thoughts, one for Great Adventures, one for Peaceful Dreams. When Mom gets mad at her, she must find the right crown to calm Mom down.

PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE POTTY WORDS (BOOK 2)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman
Tammi 2019, 42 pp.

Princess Rascal starts pre-school. She’s nervous about her new mates and new teacher. Especially nervous she is about going to the toilet. When she uses toilet words in a completely wrong situation, she’s sure that she is the most embarrassing girl in the world. But a solution for the problem can be found in her secret treasure chest.

PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE QUARREL SPELL (BOOK 3)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman
Tammi 2021, 44 pp.

Which spell is the best when it seems that the parents do not have enough time for themselves? Resourceful Princess Rascal has a solution to every problem!

When Mom looks like a red-eyed panda and Dad like an angry troll, and they snap at each other without any reason, it’s time for some Rascal spells and Onni’s insights. The solution is the world’s finest KISSING BOOTH.

“You have to go in there to kiss. Then you will love again. And never quarrel again.”

PRINCESS RASCAL SERIES
Tammi 2017-2021.

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)

CZECH REPUBLIC: Albatros Media (1-2)
DENMARK: Gads Forlag (1-3)
ESTONIA: Elust enesest (1-3)
LITHUANIA: Nieko Rimto/ Publishing House Nothing Serious (1)

READING MATERIALS:

Full English PDFs

About author


Elina Hirvonen

Elina Hirvonen is an award-winning author and documentary filmmaker whose novels have been translated into many languages. Liesl Schillinger praised Hirvonen´s debut novel, When I Forgot, on the front page of The New York Times Book Review, and the novel also received positive reviews from The Independent, The Guardian, The Financial Times and The Globe and Mail.

Hirvonen has received the Kalevi Jäntti Prize and the Nuori Aleksis Prize, and has been nominated for Finlandia Prize and Debut Prize.

Her new novel, The Logbook of Love, is published in Finland in August 2023. The Logbook of Love is the first part of a trilogy of novels that create their world through conversations.


About author


Mervi Lindman

Mervi Lindman is a much-loved illustrator whose cheerful artworks have been published in 19 different countries to date. Lindman’s illustrations have been regularly appraised by critics and public alike.

Introducing: EALA Spring 2022 Children’s & YA Catalogue!

EALA Spring 2022 Children’s & YA Rights Guide is here!

Bologna season starts now!

Today, we cannot be happier to launch our 2022 Spring list!

Figure out how to become a researcher, notice robots among us, solve secret codes and find out, how can plants move and where have thousands of species disappeared.

Celebrate a birthday with Little Mouse, build robots with Kati-e, see the pirate ships hit the shores near Little Shop of Nghtmares, meet the Super Embarassed Superhero and discover with Oboi the land where nobody reads.
To read a captivating story of rebellion, hope and humanity, go to water-covered future Japan with Aleksei and Satomi.

If you need a break go to an island with Anni  – but beware – a treasure hunt is about to begin!
If you are looking for ghost stories, move into a mysterious manor with Agnes and see the shadow in the mirror. Or go to Lapland to an orphanage, where children’s emotions are robbed by Demons.

We have over 10 exciting new Children’s and YA titles for you in our Spring 2022 digital catalogue, browse the full list here.


THE BOOK OF OBOI
by Veera Salmi

In the city where nobody reads – can a book save the World? What about an orphaned boy who doesn’t believe in stories?

A spectacular novel about a world where literacy has been decimated and a boy who does not believe in stories. Thirteen-year-old Oboi has run away to find his former homestead. He ends up in a peculiar and disaster-stricken city where no one knows how to read. People are led by the mysterious Wanda, who, via devices hooked up to one’s palm, says what everyone should know or do. At a flea market, Oboi meets a woman who gives him a book. According to her, this book can change everything and help find what Oboi thought was lost forever. Suddenly the story-averse Oboi notices he has become the hero, that orphaned boy deemed to save the whole world.Download the English sample and synopsis here


BENJAMIN BATEMAN – SUPER EMBARRASSED SUPERHERO
by Hannele Lampela, illustrated by Pasi PitkänenWhat if your superhero costume looked like a butterfly and your only superpowers would be having a good heart and an imagination?Welcome to the embarrassing life of Benjamin Bateman!The wholly hilarious and thrilling adventures of a super embarrassing superhero for middle-graders!Benjamin Bateman is stunned when he finds out that he is part of a family of superheroes. Who would’ve believed that about poor Benjamin?
Benjamin’s superhero costume is quite embarrassing though – a butterfly. And his superpower is even more mortifying – a good heart and imagination! But when Benjamin must battle the terrifying Mortem, a deep imagination will come in handy.
The story is enriched by the colorful illustrations of Pasi Pitkänen. A movie is being planned based on the title.Download the materials here


WHAT IS A ROBOT
by Laura Ertimo, illustrated by Aapo Ravantti

Robots are all around us and we don’t even notice

  • Laura Ertimo’s Children’s non-fiction titles have sold to 18 countries
  • Pre-publication rights already sold to Estonia!

Friends Ro and Bot take a look at where one might bump into robots both now and in the future in this entertaining illustrated book. What do robots and humans have in common, and how do they differ?  Do robots think, can they have a crush on someone or even get mad?

Everything becomes clear in this amazing book by award-winning, bestselling children’s non-fiction author Laura Ertimo.

Download the reading materials here


WHERE THE LIGHT COMES IN by Anne-Maija Aalto

Aleksei is a young man whose father runs a human research institute in Tokyo, which is now partly covered by the sea. New batches of test subjects regularly arrive at the facility, including one with Satomi, a young woman whose memory is set to be erased. Satomi becomes Aleksei’s trial case, since he is meant to continue his father’s work. But something is already churning beneath the surface, and the younger generation can see the horrors of the system their parents have created.

Anne-Maija Aalto’s Finlandia Award-winning Where the Light Comes In is a tremendously skillful, captivating story of rebellion, hope and humanity.

Download the English sample for this Finlandia-winner here!

 

… but that is not all!

We have 6 more exciting new Children’s and YA titles for you in our Spring 2022 digital catalogue, browse the full list here.

It would be so nice to talk about these and other titles with you!

Book an EALA Zoom meeting for the Spring season via e-mail: info@ahlbackagency.com

See you soon!

Team EALA,
Elina, Toomas, Elsa, Sten-Erik and Linda


Italian rights sold for LITTLE MOUSE!

We are very excited to announce that the LITTLE MOUSE series has now been sold to Italy!

Publisher Sinnos has bought the rights to first two books, set to be published autumn 2022. The deal was closed by Elsa Lindström at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

The wonderful series by Riikka Jäntti has sold to 15 territories, but rights are still available in United States, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc.

Download the illustrated English pdfs for the whole Little Mouse series here.

PRAISE FOR LITTLE MOUSE:

This series is a good example of excellent children literature, entertaining and rather enlightening at the same time. And of course, we were charmed by these funny and touching illustrations. These are basically the books we always choose for our children and grandchildren.
– Christina Dobrovolskaya, Lenizdat Publishing House, Russia

“Anyone who has ever looked after a toddler will recognize themselves and the child in these special books. Riikka Jäntti effortlessly captures the beguiling combination of repetition and wonder that parenting a young child involves, and Scribble is delighted to introduce these beautiful books to new audiences in Australia and the UK.”
– Miriam Rosenbloom, Art Director, Commissioning Editor, Scribble

 

LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
written and illustrated by Riikka Jäntti

A 7-book series about a little mouse living with a single mother mouse, acting as all little persons do – in the first book, it says NO to everything – to broccoli, getting dressed, washing teeth, sleeping. Other parts talk about Christmas, winter, having guests, having a holiday, summer vacation and going on an island.
This universally loved little character will be published everywhere from Nepal and Russia to France and Australia

Book 1: Little Mouse
A day in the life of a toddler is a busy one and Little Mouse’s is no exception. Between getting dressed, going to daycare, eating dinner, and splashing in puddles, Little Mouse has a lot to do … and a lot to say ‘no’ to!

Book 2: Little Mouse Helps Out
Little Mouse’s friend Pip is coming over to visit. But first, there are chores to do around the house, like cleaning, laundry and cooking lunch. Little Mouse is determined to help Mummy Mouse with all of them.

Book 3: Little Mouse’s Christmas
Christmas is coming and Little Mouse can’t wait for Christmas Eve. Luckily there are all kinds of wonderful preparations to be made, from cooking to choosing the Christmas tree.

Book 4: Little Mouse’s Holiday
Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse take the train together to the countryside to stay at their cottage on an island, pick berries, heat the sauna and cook sausages over a campfire under the starry skies. It’s a real treat for a little city mouse!

Book 5: Little Mouse’s Winter
Winter is here and Little Mouse enjoys playing outside. But his fun is interrupted by piano lessons. And why do all the other kids have
phones and lots of collectable toy figures? Luckily mom has lots of fun activities that will make him happy again.

Book 6: Little Mouse’s Summer

Summer holiday is full of fun: going to the amusement park, playing by the beach and visiting the art museum. Buying strawberries and ice cream, and going to the cinema when the weather is too hot. Little Mouse knows that one must enjoy the summer, because it doesn’t last forever.

Book 7: Little Mouse’s Goes Camping

One beautiful summer’s day, Little Mouse’s goes camping with mom.

Little Mouse helps their mother set up the tent, light the grill and prepare sausages and vegetables wrapped in foil. When it gets dark, Little Mouse listens to the sounds of the night in the tent.  In the morning, they are both very hungry but luckily the island’s restaurant is open!

Download the English pdfs for the Little Mouse series here

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)

AUSTRALIA: Scribe Publications
CATALAN: HarperCollins Iberica
CHINA: Beijing Yuntu Hongya Technology Co., Ltd
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat AS
FRANCE: Cambourakis
ITALY: Sinnos
GERMANY: Cross Cult
NEPAL: Kathalaya Inc.
PORTUGAL: HarperCollins Iberica
ROMANIA: Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA: Strecoza
SLOVAKIA: Fortuna Libri
SPAIN: HarperCollins Iberica
SWEDEN: Epix Bokförlag

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

Estonian rights for PRINCESS RASCAL series sold!

We are really happy to announce a new deal for the adorable and realistic PRINCESS RASCAL series!

Estonian publisher Elust enesest has now acquired all three titles in the PRINCESS RASCAL series written by Elina Hirvonen and illustrated by Mervi Lindman.

Download the full English pdfs for PRINCESS RASCAL series from here
________________________________________

PRINCESS RASCAL series by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman.

The topics of the clever and fun books of the Princess Rascal series arise from the day-to-day challenges of families with children. Busy days can be filled with snappy talk and misunderstandings. But on the other hand, there’s always lots of new ideas, warmth and practical magic around!

The series has publishers in 4 languages and is still available in France, Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia, Norway, Germany, United States, UK, Japan, China, Taiwan etc.


PRINCESS RASCAL (BOOK 1)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman

Tammi 2017, 42 pp.

You would think that Rascal is a just a little girl, but she’s also a princess with many crowns for different purposes: one for Important Thoughts, one for Great Adventures, one for Peaceful Dreams. When Mom gets mad at her, she must find the right crown to calm Mom down.

PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE POTTY WORDS (BOOK 2)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman

Tammi 2019, 42 pp.

Princess Rascal starts pre-school. She’s nervous about her new mates and new teacher. Especially nervous she is about going to the toilet. When she uses toilet words in a completely wrong situation, she’s sure that she is the most embarrassing girl in the world. But a solution for the problem can be found in her secret treasure chest.

PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE QUARREL SPELL (BOOK 3)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman

Tammi 2021, 44 pp.

Which spell is the best when it seems that the parents do not have enough time for themselves? Resourceful Princess Rascal has a solution to every problem!

When Mom looks like a red-eyed panda and Dad like an angry troll, and they snap at each other without any reason, it’s time for some Rascal spells and Onni’s insights. The solution is the world’s finest KISSING BOOTH.

“You have to go in there to kiss. Then you will love again. And never quarrel again.”

PRINCESS RASCAL
Prinsessa rämäpää ja talvitaika
Tammi 2017, 42 pp.

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)

DENMARK: Gads Forlag
ESTONIA: Elust enesest
LITHUANIA: Nieko Rimto/ Publishing House Nothing Serious

About author


Elina Hirvonen

Elina Hirvonen is an award-winning author and documentary filmmaker whose novels have been translated into many languages. Liesl Schillinger praised Hirvonen´s debut novel, When I Forgot, on the front page of The New York Times Book Review, and the novel also received positive reviews from The Independent, The Guardian, The Financial Times and The Globe and Mail.

Hirvonen has received the Kalevi Jäntti Prize and the Nuori Aleksis Prize, and has been nominated for Finlandia Prize and Debut Prize.

Her new novel, The Logbook of Love, is published in Finland in August 2023. The Logbook of Love is the first part of a trilogy of novels that create their world through conversations.


About author


Mervi Lindman

Mervi Lindman is a much-loved illustrator whose cheerful artworks have been published in 19 different countries to date. Lindman’s illustrations have been regularly appraised by critics and public alike.

Two children’s series continue their success in Denmark: MABEL MERRYWEATHER book 2 rights acquired by ABC Forlag; PRINCESS RASCAL book 3 rights acquired by Gads Forlag

We are really happy to announce two new deals for children’s books in Denmark!

Danish publisher ABC Forlag has now acquired the second title in the ‘Mabel Merryweather’ series; previously publishing ‘Mabel Merryweather and the Miniature Pirates’, and now to be published ‘Mabel Merryweather and the King of Thieves‘ by a Finnish children’s book author who loves Roald Dahl and crazy stories, Noora Kunnas. The popular illustrator Teemu Juhani stands for the detailed and fun-filled pictures.

That is not all  – Danish publisher Gads Forlag has now acquired all three titles in the Princess Rascal series written by Elina Hirvonen and illustrated by Mervi Lindman. The newest book ‘Princess Rascal and the Quarrel Spell’ comes quickly after the first and second books having been published in the beginning of this summer.

The publisher at Gads says:
“We are very proud here at Gads Børnebøger to be publishing the beautiful series about the Princess Rascal by Elina Hirvonen and Mervi Lindman. The series is a tribute to fantasy and has a quirky, humoristic take on the daily life in a family with small kids. The series is able to handle complex themes in a lovely and uplifting way.” – Trine Bech, Head of Fiction, Gads Børnebøger

Download the whole MABEL MERRYWEATHER series from here

Download the whole PRINCESS RASCAL series from here

 

MABEL MERRYWEATHER is a new Middle Grade series with a twist of mystery!

MABEL MERRYWEATHER AND THE MINIATURE PIRATES (BOOK 1)
by Noora Kunnas, illustrated by Teemu Juhani

Otava 2019, 140pp.

Nick and Lilly’s visit to their rule-loving, child-hating uncle turns into an adventure as the children get to know their exiting, eccentric neighbor: Mabel Merryweather. Mabel and her friends are preparing for a flower arrangement competition, when the town is hit by a jeweler thief. Nick, Lilly and Mabel have their own problems as Mabel’s decorative miniature pirates have come to live and are rummaging through the backyards. And what happened to the main judge of the competition – a pop singer Monika who disappeared in the same day?  Something must be done to bring peace and order back to the town of Dalton.

MABEL MERRYWEATHER AND THE KING OF THIEVES (BOOK 2)
by Noora Kunnas, illustrated by Teemu Juhani

Otava, 2020, 140 pp.

The town of Dalton is celebrating a local children’s poet’s 140th anniversary, and everyone is dressed up as a character from a poem. But amongst the happy people there’s also a gentleman thief who has terrorized art museums all spring. Through many mistakes and misunderstandings Nick and Lilly help the police to catch a thief – and to teach a lesson to a grumpy literary critic.

MABEL MERRYWEATHER AND THE CHEESY MYSTERY (BOOK 3)
by Noora Kunnas, illustrated by Teemu Juhani

Otava 2021, 144 pp.

Mabel Merryweather’s friend Bruno and his goats have arrived from Switzerland to perform at the Dalton cheese festival. This fragrant event has attracted a lot of people to the venue, but for the horror of the townspeople mysterious holes have started to appear on streets and courtyards at night. Who digs them – and why? The rumor spreads that the town is infested by aliens, but Lily, Nick, and the mighty grandmother Mabel Merryweather don’t believe the gossips. With the help of yodeling goats, they dig up the truth.

________________________________________

PRINCESS RASCAL series by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman. The topics of the clever and fun books of the Princess Rascal series arise from the day-to-day challenges of families with children. Busy days can be filled with snappy talk and misunderstandings. But on the other hand, there’s always lots of new ideas, warmth and practical magic around! The series has publishers in 3 languages and is still available in France, Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia, Norway, Germany, United States, UK, Japan, China, Taiwan etc.

PRINCESS RASCAL (BOOK 1)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman

Tammi 2017, 42 pp.

You would think that Rascal is a just a little girl, but she’s also a princess with many crowns for different purposes: one for Important Thoughts, one for Great Adventures, one for Peaceful Dreams. When Mom gets mad at her, she must find the right crown to calm Mom down.

PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE POTTY WORDS (BOOK 2)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman

Tammi 2019, 42 pp.

Princess Rascal starts pre-school. She’s nervous about her new mates and new teacher. Especially nervous she is about going to the toilet. When she uses toilet words in a completely wrong situation, she’s sure that she is the most embarrassing girl in the world. But a solution for the problem can be found in her secret treasure chest.

PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE QUARREL SPELL (BOOK 3)
by Elina Hirvonen, illustrated by Mervi Lindman

Tammi 2017, 44 pp.

Which spell is the best when it seems that the parents do not have enough time for themselves? Resourceful Princess Rascal has a solution to every problem!

When Mom looks like a red-eyed panda and Dad like an angry troll, and they snap at each other without any reason, it’s time for some Rascal spells and Onni’s insights. The solution is the world’s finest KISSING BOOTH.

“You have to go in there to kiss. Then you will  love again. And never quarrel again. And we don’t have to move to Flower’s.”

__________________________________________________

THE FILI GRANTS 

Do you have a perfect Finnish literature project in mind but would need some support for the translation costs?

We are happy to let you know that FILI translation grant application period started on October 1st and ends on November 1st! The grant can cover up to 70% of your Finnish/Finland-Swedish translation project.

Last period, over 100 projects were awarded a grant! Read more from: https://fili.fi/…/finnish-literature-into-other-languages/

PRINCESS RASCAL AND THE QUARREL SPELL
by Elina Hirvonen and Mervi Lindman
Prinsessa Rämäpää ja riitataika
Tammi 2021, 44 pp.

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
DENMARK: Gads Forlag

MABEL MERRYWEATHER AND THE KING OF THIEVES
by Noora Kunnas and Teemu Juhani
Salmanterin Terttu ja huijareiden kuningas
Otava 2020, 140 pp.

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Otava (orig.)
DENMARK: ABC Forlag
GERMANY: Mixtvision
POLAND: Znak
RUSSIA: Eksmo


3 new LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES deals!

Spanish and Catalan rights for THE LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES series now acquired by La Galera!

Norwegian rights for the 3rd title in the series sold to Fontini!

This adorable series will now be published in 24 languages!

We are really happy to announce 3 new deals for THE LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES series today!

The Spanish publisher La Galera has now acquired all 3 titles in the series for publishing both in Spanish and Catalan.
That is not all  – the Norwegian publisher Fontini has acquired the third title in the series.

Download the Full English pdfs for the Little Shop of Nightmares series here


THE LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES series by Magdalena Hai, illustrated by Teemu Juhani has now publishers in 24 languages but is still available in France, Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia, United States, UK, Japan, China, Taiwan etc.


The Little Shop of Nightmares is a new early readers’ series about a strange little shop and its employees… who are even stranger. You might need some untickling powder to stop laughing while reading this series!
LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES 1: THE TERRIBLE TICKLING POWDER
by Magdalena Hai, illustrated by Teemu Juhani

WSOY 2018, 60pp

When Nina, 9 years, enters The Little Shop of Nightmares in hopes of getting a job, she is greeted by an odd sight: shopkeeper Mr. Kook is rolling on the floor, unable to stop laughing. With a little help from a ghost called Paddy, they start looking for the untickling powder to help him, but things are certainly not made easier by Mr. Kook’s world-domination-planning pet octopus Squishy McGoo, who is a bit too quick about getting into trouble with rollerblades on its tentacles.

LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES 2: THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING TEETH
by Magdalena Hai, illustrated by Teemu Juhani

WSOY 2019, 60pp

Nina goes to buy ice cream after her first work day at The Little Shop of Nightmares. But at the ice cream shop she discovers a vampire – without teeth! Nina decides to help vampire Lucas, and find him new teeth from Mr. Krook’s shop. But while they look for the teeth it turns out that other things have gone missing too…

LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES 3: STICKY THE HORRIBLE SNOWMAN
by Magdalena Hai, illustrated by Teemu Juhani

WSOY 2021, 60pp

The Little Shop of Nightmares is getting buried in snow! Nina and Paddy are trying to find the cause of the snowstorm, but that’s easier said than done. A well-meaning but horribly clumsy snowman keeps getting in their way and stopping their every effort to stop the snowing inside.

Right sold for LITTLE SHOP OF NIGHTMARES series:

FINLAND:
WSOY (orig.)

ALBANIA: Muza
BULGARIA: Emas
CATALAN: La Galera
CZECH REPUBLIC: Euromedia
DENMARK: Vild Maskine
ESTONIA: Postimees Publishing
GERMANY: Egmont Schneiderbuch
GREECE: Dioptra
HUNGARY: Cerkabella
ITALY: Terre di Mezzo
KOREA: Gilbutschool
LATVIA: Latvijas Mediji
LITHUANIA: Briedis
NETHERLANDS: De Vier Windstreken
NORWAY: Fontini
POLAND: Znak Emotikon
RUSSIA: KompasGuide
ROMANIA: Editura Univers
SERBIA: Odiseja
SLOVAKIA: Ikar
SWEDEN: Hegas
TURKEY: Epsilon
WORLD SPANISH: La Galera

About author


Magdalena Hai

Magdalena Hai is an award-winning author, lover of cross-genre fiction and all things strange. Her fiction often combines elements of sci-fi, fantasy and horror.

Her Little Shop of Nightmares series has been sold to 30 territories around the world. Among Hai's many accolades are winning the Finlandia Prize for children's and YA literature and the Finnish Literary Export Prize, and being nominated for the Finlandia Prize for Children's and Youth Literature and the Nordic Council Children & Young People's Literature Prize.

Besides being an author, Hai teaches writing and is an active member and editor in the publishing co-operative Osuuskumma.

About author


Teemu Juhani

Teemu Juhani is a Finnish illustrator, comic artist and picture book author whose illustrations have been published in picture books and children's fiction in over 20 countries. In addition to children's books Teemu has illustrated magazines and educational material. Originally from the fields and woods of North Karelia, Teemu now lives, works and eats way too many cakes in Helsinki.

EALA Fall 2021 Children’s Rights Guide is here!

EALA Fall 2021 Rights Guide is here!

Frankfurt season starts now!

Enter the red carpet with Anni, meet the girls Varpu and Saga and their fragile summer love or get lost in Nordic Horror? The choice is yours!

We have 9 exciting new Children’s and YA titles for you in our Fall 2021 digital catalogue, browse the full list here.

FEATURED NEW TITLES:

Nordic Horror Series by A.R.S. Horkka

When the days are short, the nightmares are long.

Nordic Horror is an anthology series. Each novel introduces a new main character with fast-paced, original, and fun-to-read plots representing different horror subgenres with a Nordic twist. Furthermost, the stories are honest and emotional studies of their protagonists – about the fears that have made them who they are and how they still have to face the biggest of them all in the form of a monster.

The first “season” of seven books has already been acquired by Tammi in Finland, and the first book Cold will be published in 2022.

#1: Cold
I dont live in the cold, the cold lives in me.

When six-year-old Armas loses his parents in a plane accident, he is sent to a remote orphanage in northern Lapland, where children are called “hot bloods” who need to be “cooled down.”
What people don’t know is that by “cooling down”, children are actually losing their emotions to demons. Now 16-year-old Armas has to get all his emotions back by killing every monster in the process, including the oldest and the most dangerous of them all – the demon queen called the Snow Lady.

 


In the Dark I Can Be Yours
by Salla Simukka

If your love can only be a secret, will it last?Varpu and Saga are two sixteen-year-old girls that are forced to stay in their hometown for the summer. After just one drunken kiss, prejudice and identity are shattered and it’s revealed how behind the facade, everyone hurts and loves the same. In The Dark I Can be Yours is a touching and beautiful title about great emotions in the summer.

The authentic characters are supported by Simukka’s light and airy narrative. Each side of the book tells one girl’s story, which effortlessly melts together into a summer of love, insecurities, and exploration of two young people.

 


Anni the Friend Tamer on The Red Carpet
by Kaisa Paasto, illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu

If doing good was easy, everyone would do it!

Anni is inspired to do something good. Her class is shown a news clip about a hurricane in Brazil, and in the clip Anni sees a girl with a t-shirt exactly like one that Anni has in her closet.

She is moved to do something. With her friend Riia she starts to make a movie that will be shown in the library auditorium, to collect money for charity work in Brazil. But everything does not go as planned – the movie is hijacked by “the pink girls”. Anni’s mom is also in a crisis. It doesn’t look like she is going to make money with her blog, but she doesn’t know what else to do with her life. If Anni is not short on something, it’s ideas!

In the second title of the series, Anni learns that doing good is surprisingly easy – and surprisingly hard. The secret might after all be… teamwork.

 

… but that is not all!

We have 6 more exciting new Children’s and YA titles for you in our Fall 2021 digital catalogue, browse the full list here.

It would be so nice to talk about these and other titles with you!
Book an EALA Zoom meeting for the fall season via e-mail: info@ahlbackagency.com

See you soon!

Team EALA,
Elina, Toomas, Ebba and Linda



LITTLE MOUSE GOES CAMPING now sold to France!

We are very excited to announce that LITTLE MOUSE GOES CAMPING, the 7th title in the LITTLE MOUSE series by Riikka Jäntti is now traveling to France!
Publisher Cambourakis has now acquired the newest title of the series and is happy to recommend the Little Mouse series.

The wonderful series by Riikka Jäntti has sold to 15 territories, but rights are still available in United States, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc.

Download the illustrated English pdfs for the whole Little Mouse series here


PRAISE FOR LITTLE MOUSE:

English readers will see something of Beatrix Potter’s poetry and precision in the Helsinki-based illustrator and author’s retro ink and watercolour illustrations.
William Yeoman, The Weekend West

Drawings are Scandi sublime.
Alex O’Connell, Times (Children’s Book of the Week)


LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
written and illustrated by Riikka Jäntti

A 7-book series about a little mouse living with a single mother mouse, acting as all little persons do – in the first book, it says NO to everything – to broccoli, getting dressed, washing teeth, sleeping. Other parts talk about Christmas, winter, having guests, having a holiday, summer vacation and going on an island.
This universally loved little character will be published everywhere from Nepal and Russia to France and Australia

Book 1: Little Mouse
A day in the life of a toddler is a busy one and Little Mouse’s is no exception. Between getting dressed, going to daycare, eating dinner, and splashing in puddles, Little Mouse has a lot to do … and a lot to say ‘no’ to!

Book 2: Little Mouse Helps Out
Little Mouse’s friend Pip is coming over to visit. But first, there are chores to do around the house, like cleaning, laundry and cooking lunch. Little Mouse is determined to help Mummy Mouse with all of them.

Book 3: Little Mouse’s Christmas
Christmas is coming and Little Mouse can’t wait for Christmas Eve. Luckily there are all kinds of wonderful preparations to be made, from cooking to choosing the Christmas tree.

Book 4: Little Mouse’s Holiday
Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse take the train together to the countryside to stay at their cottage on an island, pick berries, heat the sauna and cook sausages over a campfire under the starry skies. It’s a real treat for a little city mouse!

Book 5: Little Mouse’s Winter
Winter is here and Little Mouse enjoys playing outside. But his fun is interrupted by piano lessons. And why do all the other kids have
phones and lots of collectable toy figures? Luckily mom has lots of fun activities that will make him happy again.

Book 6: Little Mouse’s Summer

Summer holiday is full of fun: going to the amusement park, playing by the beach and visiting the art museum. Buying strawberries and ice cream, and going to the cinema when the weather is too hot. Little Mouse knows that one must enjoy the summer, because it doesn’t last forever.

NEW: Book 7: Little Mouse Goes Camping

One beautiful summer’s day, Little Mouse’s goes camping with mom.

Little Mouse helps their mother set up the tent, light the grill and prepare sausages and vegetables wrapped in foil. When it gets dark, Little Mouse listens to the sounds of the night in the tent.  In the morning, they are both very hungry but luckily the island’s restaurant is open!

Download the English pdfs for the Little Mouse series here


The author Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of Helsinki’s School of Art and Design, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has been sold to 13 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

Read the interview with Riikka Jäntti here!

RIGHTS SOLD:

FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)

AUSTRALIA:
Scribble/Scribe
CHINA:
Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK:
ABC Forlag
ESTONIA:
Rahva Raamat
FRANCE:
Cambourakis
GERMANY:
Cross Cult
NEPAL:
Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND:
Scribble/Scribe
PORTUGAL:
Harper Collins Iberica
ROMANIA:
Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA:
Strecoza
SLOVAKIA:
Fortuna
SPAIN (Spanish):
Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan):
Harper Collins Iberica
UK:
Scribble/Scribe

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

LITTLE MOUSE series now sold to Germany!

LITTLE MOUSE series now sold to Germany! Rights sold to 15 countries and counting!

We are very excited to announce that LITTLE MOUSE series by Riikka Jäntti is now traveling to Germany!
Publisher Cross Cult  has acquired the first three titles of the series and recommends it wholeheartedly:German readers, children and parents alike, will easily be able to relate to the everyday adventures of LITTLE MOUSE and Mother Mouse. The art style is very cute – but also has a classic look and feel and a touch of realism. This is a great combination.
– Andreas Mergenthaler, Cross Cult, GermanyThe wonderful series by Riikka Jäntti has sold to 15 territories, but rights are still available in United States, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc.Download the illustrated English pdfs for the whole Little Mouse series here


PRAISE FOR LITTLE MOUSE:

English readers will see something of Beatrix Potter’s poetry and precision in the Helsinki-based illustrator and author’s retro ink and watercolour illustrations.
William Yeoman, The Weekend West

Drawings are Scandi sublime.
Alex O’Connell, Times (Children’s Book of the Week)


LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
written and illustrated by Riikka Jäntti

A 7-book series about a little mouse living with a single mother mouse, acting as all little persons do – in the first book, it says NO to everything – to broccoli, getting dressed, washing teeth, sleeping. Other parts talk about Christmas, winter, having guests, having a holiday, summer vacation and going on an island.
This universally loved little character will be published everywhere from Nepal and Russia to France and Australia

Book 1: Little Mouse
A day in the life of a toddler is a busy one and Little Mouse’s is no exception. Between getting dressed, going to daycare, eating dinner, and splashing in puddles, Little Mouse has a lot to do … and a lot to say ‘no’ to!

Book 2: Little Mouse Helps Out
Little Mouse’s friend Pip is coming over to visit. But first, there are chores to do around the house, like cleaning, laundry and cooking lunch. Little Mouse is determined to help Mummy Mouse with all of them.

Book 3: Little Mouse’s Christmas
Christmas is coming and Little Mouse can’t wait for Christmas Eve. Luckily there are all kinds of wonderful preparations to be made, from cooking to choosing the Christmas tree.

Book 4: Little Mouse’s Holiday
Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse take the train together to the countryside to stay at their cottage on an island, pick berries, heat the sauna and cook sausages over a campfire under the starry skies. It’s a real treat for a little city mouse!

Book 5: Little Mouse’s Winter
Winter is here and Little Mouse enjoys playing outside. But his fun is interrupted by piano lessons. And why do all the other kids have
phones and lots of collectable toy figures? Luckily mom has lots of fun activities that will make him happy again.

Book 6: Little Mouse’s Summer

Summer holiday is full of fun: going to the amusement park, playing by the beach and visiting the art museum. Buying strawberries and ice cream, and going to the cinema when the weather is too hot. Little Mouse knows that one must enjoy the summer, because it doesn’t last forever.

NEW: Book 7: Little Mouse’s Goes Camping

One beautiful summer’s day, Little Mouse’s goes camping with mom.

Little Mouse helps their mother set up the tent, light the grill and prepare sausages and vegetables wrapped in foil. When it gets dark, Little Mouse listens to the sounds of the night in the tent.  In the morning, they are both very hungry but luckily the island’s restaurant is open!

Download the English pdfs for the Little Mouse series here


The author Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of Helsinki’s School of Art and Design, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has been sold to 13 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

Read the interview with Riikka Jäntti here!

RIGHTS SOLD:

FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)

AUSTRALIA:
Scribble/Scribe
CHINA:
Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK:
ABC Forlag
ESTONIA:
Rahva Raamat
FRANCE:
Cambourakis
GERMANY:
Cross Cult
NEPAL:
Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND:
Scribble/Scribe
PORTUGAL:
Harper Collins Iberica
ROMANIA:
Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA:
Strecoza
SLOVAKIA:
Fortuna
SPAIN (Spanish):
Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan):
Harper Collins Iberica
UK:
Scribble/Scribe

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

LITTLE MOUSE series now sold to Slovakia!

LITTLE MOUSE series now sold to Slovakia! Rights sold in 15 countries and counting!

We are overjoyed to announce that the whole LITTLE MOUSE series by Riikka Jäntti is now traveling to Slovakia!
Publisher Fortuna Libri has acquired the first two titles of the series and had this to say:Very cute and also educational stories of Little Mouse are full of adventures it has mostly with Mother Mouse. The stories are accompanied by beautiful illustrations attractive for small children.
– Zuzana Jancokova, Fortuna Libri, SlovakiaThe wonderful series by Riikka Jäntti has sold to 15 territories, but rights are still available in Germany, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc.

Download the illustrated English pdfs for the whole Little Mouse series here


LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
written and illustrated by Riikka Jäntti

A 6-book series about a little mouse living with a single mother mouse, acting as all little persons do – in the first book, it says NO to everything – to broccoli, getting dressed, washing teeth, sleeping. Other parts talk about Christmas, winter, having guests, having a holiday, summer vacation and going on an island.
This universally loved little character will be published everywhere from Nepal and Russia to France and Australia
Book 1: Little Mouse
A day in the life of a toddler is a busy one and Little Mouse’s is no exception. Between getting dressed, going to daycare, eating dinner, and splashing in puddles, Little Mouse has a lot to do … and a lot to say ‘no’ to!

Book 2: Little Mouse Helps Out
Little Mouse’s friend Pip is coming over to visit. But first, there are chores to do around the house, like cleaning, laundry and cooking lunch. Little Mouse is determined to help Mummy Mouse with all of them.

Book 3: Little Mouse’s Christmas
Christmas is coming and Little Mouse can’t wait for Christmas Eve. Luckily there are all kinds of wonderful preparations to be made, from cooking to choosing the Christmas tree.

Book 4: Little Mouse’s Holiday
Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse take the train together to the countryside to stay at their cottage on an island, pick berries, heat the sauna and cook sausages over a campfire under the starry skies. It’s a real treat for a little city mouse!

Book 5: Little Mouse’s Winter
Winter is here and Little Mouse enjoys playing outside. But his fun is interrupted by piano lessons. And why do all the other kids have
phones and lots of collectable toy figures? Luckily mom has lots of fun activities that will make him happy again.

Book 6: Little Mouse’s Summer

Summer holiday is full of fun: going to the amusement park, playing by the beach and visiting the art museum. Buying strawberries and ice cream, and going to the cinema when the weather is too hot. Little Mouse knows that one must enjoy the summer, because it doesn’t last forever.

NEW: Book 7: Little Mouse’s Goes Camping

One beautiful summer’s day, Little Mouse’s goes camping with mom.

Little Mouse helps their mother set up the tent, light the grill and prepare sausages and vegetables wrapped in foil. When it gets dark, Little Mouse listens to the sounds of the night in the tent.  In the morning, they are both very hungry but luckily the island’s restaurant is open!

Download the English pdfs for the Little Mouse series here


The author Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of Helsinki’s School of Art and Design, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has been sold to 13 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

Read the interview with Riikka Jäntti here!

RIGHTS SOLD:

FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)

AUSTRALIA:
Scribble/Scribe
CHINA:
Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK:
ABC Forlag
ESTONIA:
Rahva Raamat
FRANCE:
Cambourakis
NEPAL:
Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND:
Scribble/Scribe
PORTUGAL:
Harper Collins Iberica
ROMANIA:
Editura Paralela 45
RUSSIA: Strecoza
SLOVAKIA: Fortuna
SPAIN (Spanish):
Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan):
Harper Collins Iberica
UK:
Scribble/Scribe

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

LITTLE MOUSE series now sold to Romania!

All 7 books in LITTLE MOUSE series now sold to Romania!

We are so happy to announce that the whole LITTLE MOUSE series by Riikka Jäntti has been acquired by Romanian publisher Editura Paralela 45!

Little Mouse series is beautifully illustrated and lovely written. Little Mouse’s activities are those of children ages 1-4, that is why these books are a perfect start of thrilling discussions and activities with your kids. The perfect story when you need to convince your kid to eat his vegetables 🙂
-Anda Marin, Educational Books Manager, Editura Paralela 45, Romania

The wonderful series by Riikka Jäntti has sold to 14 territories, but rights are still available in Germany, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc.

Download the illustrated English pdfs for the whole Little Mouse series here


LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
written and illustrated by Riikka Jäntti

A 7-book series about a little mouse living with a single mother mouse, acting as all little persons do – in the first book, it says NO to everything – to broccoli, getting dressed, washing teeth, sleeping. Other parts talk about Christmas, winter, having guests, having a holiday, summer vacation and going on an island.
This universally loved little character will be published everywhere from Nepal and Russia to France and Australia

Book 1: Little Mouse
A day in the life of a toddler is a busy one and Little Mouse’s is no exception. Between getting dressed, going to daycare, eating dinner, and splashing in puddles, Little Mouse has a lot to do … and a lot to say ‘no’ to!

Book 2: Little Mouse Helps Out
Little Mouse’s friend Pip is coming over to visit. But first, there are chores to do around the house, like cleaning, laundry and cooking lunch. Little Mouse is determined to help Mummy Mouse with all of them.

Book 3: Little Mouse’s Christmas
Christmas is coming and Little Mouse can’t wait for Christmas Eve. Luckily there are all kinds of wonderful preparations to be made, from cooking to choosing the Christmas tree.

Book 4: Little Mouse’s Holiday
Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse take the train together to the countryside to stay at their cottage on an island, pick berries, heat the sauna and cook sausages over a campfire under the starry skies. It’s a real treat for a little city mouse!

Book 5: Little Mouse’s Winter
Winter is here and Little Mouse enjoys playing outside. But his fun is interrupted by piano lessons. And why do all the other kids have
phones and lots of collectable toy figures? Luckily mom has lots of fun activities that will make him happy again.

Book 6: Little Mouse’s Summer

Summer holiday is full of fun: going to the amusement park, playing by the beach and visiting the art museum. Buying strawberries and ice cream, and going to the cinema when the weather is too hot. Little Mouse knows that one must enjoy the summer, because it doesn’t last forever.

NEW: Book 7: Little Mouse’s Goes Camping

One beautiful summer’s day, Little Mouse’s goes camping with mom.

Little Mouse helps their mother set up the tent, light the grill and prepare sausages and vegetables wrapped in foil. When it gets dark, Little Mouse listens to the sounds of the night in the tent.  In the morning, they are both very hungry but luckily the island’s restaurant is open!

Download the English pdfs for the Little Mouse series here


The author Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of Helsinki’s School of Art and Design, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has been sold to 13 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

Read the interview with Riikka Jäntti here!

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

Now 12 rights sold for LITTLE MOUSE series!

We are extremely pleased to let you know that Riikka Jäntti’s LITTLE MOUSE series has now found a home in Russia!
The Moscow-based publishing house Strecoza has acquired the rights to all 7 titles in the series and is really happy:

All parents have ever faced such situations: the baby grows up, learns the big world, but he is impatient, wants to be independent and something does not work out right away. These bright and colorful books are the ideal first reading for toddlers and a great tip for adults! Perfect for spending time together!

– Larisa Mavrina, chief editor of Strecoza publishing house, Russia

Download the English pdfs for the Little Mouse series here

 

The series has now been sold to 12 territories. Read more about the series and the author below:

 

LITTLE MOUSE SERIES
written and illustrated by Riikka Jäntti

A 7-book series about a little mouse living with a single mother mouse, acting as all little persons do – in the first book, it says NO to everything – to broccoli, getting dressed, washing teeth, sleeping. Other parts talk about Christmas, winter, having guests, having a holiday, summer vacation and going on an island.
This universally loved little character will be published everywhere from Nepal and Russia to France and Australia
Book 1: Little Mouse
A day in the life of a toddler is a busy one and Little Mouse’s is no exception. Between getting dressed, going to daycare, eating dinner, and splashing in puddles, Little Mouse has a lot to do … and a lot to say ‘no’ to!

Book 2: Little Mouse Helps Out
Little Mouse’s friend Pip is coming over to visit. But first, there are chores to do around the house, like cleaning, laundry and cooking lunch. Little Mouse is determined to help Mummy Mouse with all of them.

Book 3: Little Mouse’s Christmas
Christmas is coming and Little Mouse can’t wait for Christmas Eve. Luckily there are all kinds of wonderful preparations to be made, from cooking to choosing the Christmas tree.

Book 4: Little Mouse’s Holiday
Little Mouse and Mommy Mouse take the train together to the countryside to stay at their cottage on an island, pick berries, heat the sauna and cook sausages over a campfire under the starry skies. It’s a real treat for a little city mouse!

Book 5: Little Mouse’s Winter
Winter is here and Little Mouse enjoys playing outside. But his fun is interrupted by piano lessons. And why do all the other kids have
phones and lots of collectable toy figures? Luckily mom has lots of fun activities that will make him happy again.

Book 6: Little Mouse’s Summer

Summer holiday is full of fun: going to the amusement park, playing by the beach and visiting the art museum. Buying strawberries and ice cream, and going to the cinema when the weather is too hot. Little Mouse knows that one must enjoy the summer, because it doesn’t last forever.

NEW: Book 7: Little Mouse’s Goes Camping

One beautiful summer’s day, Little Mouse’s goes camping with mom.

Little Mouse helps their mother set up the tent, light the grill and prepare sausages and vegetables wrapped in foil. When it gets dark, Little Mouse listens to the sounds of the night in the tent.  In the morning, they are both very hungry but luckily the island’s restaurant is open!

 

RIGHTS SOLD:

FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)

AUSTRALIA: Scribble/Scribe
CHINA: Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK: ABC Forlag
ESTONIA: Rahva Raamat
FRANCE: Cambourakis
NEPAL: Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND: Scribble/Scribe
PORTUGAL: Harper Collins Iberica
RUSSIA: Strecoza
SPAIN (Spanish): Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan): Harper Collins Iberica
UK: Scribble/Scribe

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

Grumblebelly Cat sold to Denmark

We are proud to share the news that the rights of Grumblebelly Cat by Magdalena Hai and Teemu Juhani have been sold to Vild Maskine in Denmark.

This author duo is better known for their bestselling series “The Little Shop of Nightmares”, which has been sold to 19 countries so far. The Grumblebelly Cat won the Finnish Literature Export Prize in 2018 and was nominated for the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize in 2018 as well. Additionally the book was nominated for the Arvid Lydecken Prize 2017 and Runeberg Junior Prize 2018.

 

Grumblebelly Cat
Karisto 2018, 46 pp.

In a barren land, when a little girl meets a gigantic cat that threatens to devour her, she makes it a smart offer. The girl leads the cat across the lands, looking for something to satiate its hunger before it eats her, but they encounter drought, destruction and people who have nothing to eat except their dreams. When the cat gobbles up the girl, she finds something in its belly, something that has made it so hungry…

The Grumblebelly Cat is a classical fairytale about a contemporary subject. The detailed, monochrome illustrations by Teemu Juhani add another layer in the story.

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Karisto (orig.)
DENMARK: Vild Maskine
GERMANY: Dressler/Oetinger Verlag

About author


Magdalena Hai

Magdalena Hai is an award-winning author, lover of cross-genre fiction and all things strange. Her fiction often combines elements of sci-fi, fantasy and horror.

Her Little Shop of Nightmares series has been sold to 30 territories around the world. Among Hai's many accolades are winning the Finlandia Prize for children's and YA literature and the Finnish Literary Export Prize, and being nominated for the Finlandia Prize for Children's and Youth Literature and the Nordic Council Children & Young People's Literature Prize.

Besides being an author, Hai teaches writing and is an active member and editor in the publishing co-operative Osuuskumma.

About author


Teemu Juhani

Teemu Juhani is a Finnish illustrator, comic artist and picture book author whose illustrations have been published in picture books and children's fiction in over 20 countries. In addition to children's books Teemu has illustrated magazines and educational material. Originally from the fields and woods of North Karelia, Teemu now lives, works and eats way too many cakes in Helsinki.

EALA Spring 2021 Children’s Rights Guide

We have wonderful new Children’s titles for you!

We are very proud to share our Spring 2021 Children’s Rights Guide and announce exciting titles from YA fantasy adventures to finding new friends with a pet pig, from teaching children about viruses to a wonderful wintertime story and everything in between!

Browse our full Spring 2021 Children’s Rights Guide here.


 

Stormseye
by Meri Luttinen

Nominated for Finlandia Prize for Children’s & YA literature 2020!

Topelius Prize Winner 2020!

A beautiful historical fantasy adventure set in the ancient Finnish fantasy world where a young woman finds her own place in the society

On a long midsummer night, when the sun never really sets, sixteen year-old Kainu stands at the edge of a series of red circles drawn in ochre on the ground.

All young girls in her village discover what their future role in life is going to be by taking part in this ancient and traditional “rite of the circles”. Girls usually find that they end up in one of the more common circles that points them in the direction of roles such as matrons, mothers, or craftswomen. No one even dreams about the five most unique and select innermost circles, usually reserved for shamans and sages. Not one single girl has ever found themselves directed to one of the special circles for hundreds of years.

However, when Kainu enters the very middle circle which is that of a Great Sage, heavy responsibilities fall on her, and she has to go on a long journey to find out who she really is.

Download English sample and synopsis here!

 

Annie the Friend Tamer
by Kaisa Paasto, illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu

Shy people of the world, unite!
Annie is a 10-year-old girl. When her friend Miisa moves abroad, Annie has a chilling realization: she has never had to find a new friend. Is it too late to learn how to make friends? Obviously no-one can learn a skill this big when they’re 10. Can they?

At home Annie has a different sort of problem: her new pet pig is refusing to be trained. He just wants to stay in his safe place, under the table. Good thing that Annie’s brother has just had a major back operation, as this means he has lots of time to lie in bed and dole out great advice. Anni’es parents are also alright as far as parents go, even if they do laugh a bit too much at their own jokes. So it’s not all too bad – she just needs to become a ‘friend tamer’!

Download English book presentation and Full Finnish pdf from here

Full English text coming soon!

BOOK 2 coming in Fall 2021! 

 

Tales of Wintertide: The Snow Queen’s Spell
by Hannele Lampela

Nominated for Arvid Lydecken Prize 2020!

Imagine if all the bedtime stories were true! The Snow Queen’s Spell begins an enchantingly funny and fantastical series for middle-grade readers.

Greta’s little brother Kai has gone missing, but her parents act like he has never even existed. So, she embarks on a mission to find and save him, and ends up in the fairytale-like land of Wintertide, where she becomes a member of the Storytellers Guild. Before Greta can save Kai, she needs to learn to tell her own story.

But just what is her story? Is it a fairy tale about the Snow Queen? At least it seems as if it is;  Greta must now become a member of the Guild to break the enchanted spell cast by the Queen of Coldness. It’s clear that the Queen is definitely not going to let Kai go without a fight.

Download English sample and synopsis here

 

Mini Science: Invisible World
by Laura Ertimo, illustrated by Sanna Pelliccioni

In the second title of Mini Science series – INVISIBLE WORLD – the adorable character Plop will discover the things one cannot see: electricity, garden in the fog, darkness, micro-organisms and other invisible things.

When Plop will get sick, he will learn about bacteria and viruses and how to avoid them. Vaccinations can seem scary, but they keep us healthy!
Sometimes it’s better to stay home, even if this makes you bored, so that soon you could go discovering the Dark Side of The Moon!

Download full English pdf here

 

Weird Weather: Why Does Climate Change
Weird Weather Activity Book for Climate Heroes

by Laura Ertimo, illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu
Now the bestselling children’s non-fiction title about climate change got even better!
Let us introduce the Weird Weather Activity Book that compliments the original bestselling title and can turn anyone into a Climate Hero!

Weird Weather is an original title about climate change, sold already to 16 territories!

Two clever buddies, Lotta and Kasper get tired of their parents’ evasive answers about weird weather. They decide to research what climate change is really about. Weird Weather! is an accurate but hopeful children’s nonfiction title that explains how humans are responsible for climate change and what we can do to ensure a brighter future. It also gives tips on how everyone can make better choices and practice climate-positive skills every day.

But climate change won’t be beaten with tiny tricks, and that’s why this book also encourages talking to children about how to make societal changes, and how working together can change everything. Stay also tuned for the upcoming sequel!

Download full English pdf here

Weird Weather, the Activity Book provides fun pastimes for environment lovers. Fun tasks, brain-teasers and inspiring ideas unleash children’s creative powers. Through the activities, they will learn more about the world including both past and current changes happening everywhere in nature – as well as what can be done for a better future!

Some of the tasks can be done directly in the book, others encourage the children to explore their home environment or the surrounding areas. Get busy with a friend, call your grandparents to learn about the climate, and why not write a letter to the people who can make a difference, whether it’s your favorite YouTuber – or the President!

Download full Finnish pdf here

About author


Hannele Lampela

Hannele Lampela's lovable works have been praised above all for their rich humor and ability to truly show the world from a child's perspective. She has the ability to enchant her readers, and that is why both children and adults love her stories. Lampela's works have been dramatized for example by the Finnish National Theater, Kuopio City Theater and YLE's radio plays. She has been awarded the prestigious Kaarina Helakisa Prize for her work and she has been nominated for Runeberg Junior award in 2019 and for Storytel Award, and Arvid Lydecken Award in 2020.

In addition to her fictional works, Lampela has written and created  a world of stories for the next national ABC book of Finnish schools. First graders across the country will learn to read through Hannele’s texts. Lampela lives in a small wooden house in the middle of apple trees with her family, and spends her days not only writing, but also pampering herself and others on a regular basis.

About author


Kaisa Paasto

Kaisa Paasto spent her childhood in the north of Finland and now lives in Espoo with her husband, two children, bunnies and a shih tzu. Kaisa has a master’s degree in Comparative Literature and has previously worked as translator, content specialist and entrepreneur. Apart from the Anni books she has published domestic thrillers for adults by Storytel Original.

About author


Laura Ertimo

Laura Ertimo is a geographer and author. She has previously worked in publishing of geography-related non-fiction and maps, and now she writes full time, specializing in children’s non-fiction. A recurring theme in her work is the holistic worldview, the interaction between phenomena, people and nature.

In 2020, she received the prestigious Tietopöllö Award for her work as a Non-Fiction writer. Her children's title WHERE DID THE ANIMALS GO, illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu, was nominated for the 2021 Finlandia Award and has also won the Tieto-Lauri award!

About author


Mari Ahokoivu

Mari Ahokoivu is a Finnish illustrator and a comics artist. She’s been drawing professionally for over 10 years, mainly drawing graphic novels and comics for children, including Sanni & Joonas and Lola Olifante. Ahokoivu loves everything cute and scary. She lives and works in Copenhagen. 

Mari Ahokoivu won the Puupäähattu Comic Book Award 2023, and together with Laura Ertimo, they won the Tieto-Lauri Award 2022 and were nominated for the Finlandia Prize 2021 for WHERE DID THE ANIMALS GO?!

About author


Meri Luttinen

Meri Luttinen is an award-winning Finnish debut writer from Tampere. Her debut Stormseye won the Topelius prize and was nominated for both Kuvastaja Award and Finlandia Prize for Children's & YA literature in 2020.

She has a Master's degree in Finnish language and literature and has worked teaching Finnish and creating study materials. Luttinen is fascinated by everyday life in different eras and wants to transport readers to other worlds with her texts.

Second rights sale for MINI SCIENCE: INVISIBLE WORLD

Already 2 pre-publication rights sold for INVISIBLE WORLD!

Today we are very glad to announce that Laura Ertimo and Sanna Pelliccioni’s INVISIBLE WORLD has now sold to Estonia’s biggest educational publisher Avita, previously the title was also picked up by Yapi Kredi publishing in Turkey.

The book teaches small children about invisible things – imaginary friends, bacteria and viruses. It also covers the very important topic of vaccinations and how to behave when you are sick.

The book is the second part of Mini Science series but can work as a standalone as well. If timed right, this could be published already in Spring/Summer 2021, when the vaccinations reach most people that are not in risk groups.

Download the full English pdf for this very timely title here.

ABOUT MINI SCIENCE SERIES:

Mini Science is a new nonfiction series for the smallest in the family. The series will tackle big science questions with lovely illustrations, and encourages kids to wonder and ask questions. It feeds curiosity and is designed to start conversations about different topics that children might not think about on their own.
In #1 Where Are You? we follow Plop, a little creature who guides us through space to the Earth and from there to the human DNA and finally to the world of atoms. Zooming in all the way from the enormities of space to the minisculness of atoms, we learn a great deal in between.

In #2 Invisible World  Plop will discover the things one cannot see: electricity, garden in the fog, darkness, micro-organisms and other invisible things.

When Plop will get sick, he will learn about bacteria and viruses and how to avoid them. Vaccinations can seem scary, but they keep us healthy!
Sometimes it’s better to stay home, even if this makes you bored, so that soon you could go discovering the Dark Side of The Moon!

Rights sold for the series:

FINLAND:
#1 Minerva (orig.)
#2 Karisto (orig.)

ESTONIA: Avita
GREECE: Klidarithmos
TURKEY: Yapi Kredi Publishing

About author


Laura Ertimo

Laura Ertimo is a geographer and author. She has previously worked in publishing of geography-related non-fiction and maps, and now she writes full time, specializing in children’s non-fiction. A recurring theme in her work is the holistic worldview, the interaction between phenomena, people and nature.

In 2020, she received the prestigious Tietopöllö Award for her work as a Non-Fiction writer. Her children's title WHERE DID THE ANIMALS GO, illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu, was nominated for the 2021 Finlandia Award and has also won the Tieto-Lauri award!

About author


Sanna Pelliccioni

Sanna Pelliccioni is a Finnish illustrator, graphic designer and children’s author living in Helsinki with her Finnish-Italian family. An awarded illustrator, Pelliccioni has been e.g. honoured with being the only Finn named on the IBBY honour list 2022. Pelliccioni utilizes many different techniques in her illustrations, some of her favourites are collage and mixed techniques. She studied Arts and Illustration in Bologna and Macerata, Italy, and Graphic Design at the Pekka Halonen Institute in Finland.

She loves illustrating picture books and poems and making graphic design for book covers and her own books. She also writes for children and young people and concerning the themes of books she’s especially interested in equality, indigenous people, myths and taboos, forest and nature. Pelliccioni is mostly known for her Onni-poika picture book series which started in 2007 and contains 15 books so far.

​Pelliccioni collaborates with authors writing for children and young people and works with many Finnish editors. Some of her books have been translated to Chinese, Korean, Arabic, English and Swedish, Turkish and Estonian.

New deals for MISS SWIFT’S WEIRD AND WONDERFUL HOUSE and PRINCESS RASCAL SERIES!

We are very happy to start July with 2 new children’s deals!


Just 2 days after the original Finnish publication, we now have the first international sale for MISS SWIFT’S WEIRD AND WONDERFUL HOUSE!

The first international publisher is Grada from Czech Republic. Congratulations!

MISS SWIFT’S WEIRD AND WONDERFUL HOUSE is a new middle-grade title by bestselling writer-illustrator duo Magdalena Hai and Teemu Juhani, whose Little Shop of Nightmares series has already been sold to 13 countries.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Miss Swift lives happily alone in a very extraordinary house that has tigers in the garden and a ghost in the living room. She doesn’t have family, friends, and even people in the pictures on the wall have disappeared.
But one day three children appear on her doorstep, and seems like she might have forgotten something very important…
The answer can be found behind a locked door in the third floor. What’s behind the door you might ask? It’s Miss Swift’s past.

Request the English reading materials for Miss Swift’s Weird and Wonderful House by clicking here!


We are also glad to announce that we now have another sale for PRINCESS RASCAL series!
Danish rights for both books were acquired by Gads Forlag. Previously, PRINCESS RASCAL was acquired by Nieko Rimto in Lithuania.

Princess Rascal is a spirited and resourceful little girl with a great imagination, like the kid sister of Pippi Longstocking!
The heartwarming and funny picture books are written by Elina Hirvonen and illustrated by Mervi Lindman – 2 titles have been published thus far.

Request the full English pdfs for the Princess Rascal series by clicking here!

ABOUT THE SERIES:

#1 PRINCESS RASCAL is a picture book about a little girl who knows her mind and has a heart of gold, though sometimes it’s difficult to know the right thing to do. The book has been praised for its accurate and hilarious depictions of everyday life in a toddler family: sometimes parents get tired, too.

#2 PRINCESS RASCAL AND POTTY WORDS Princess Rascal starts pre-school. She’s nervous about her new mates and new teacher. Especially nervous she is about going to the toilet. When she uses toilet words in a completely wrong situation, she’s sure that she is the most embarrassing girl in the world. But a solution for the problem can be found in her secret treasure chest.

“If your child can’t stop laughing at potty words, then this book is the best Christmas present.
The book made such an impression on the 5-year old in our family that it was read dozens of times a day for a week…. And in the starring role is Princess Rascal’s stunning imagination that rescues her from trouble!”

– Janica Vilen, Turun Seutusanomat newspaper, Finland on PRINCESS RASCAL AND POTTY WORDS

MISS SWIFT’S WEIRD AND WONDERFUL HOUSE
Neiti Kymenen ihmeellinen talo,
Otava, July 2020, 250 pp.
Ages 7+

Rights sold:

FINLAND:
Otava (orig.)

 

 

PRINCESS RASCAL SERIES:

Prinsessa Rämäpää
Tammi, 2017 42pp
Prinsessa Rämäpää ja vessasanat
Tammi, 2019 42pp

Rights sold:

FINLAND:
Tammi (orig.)

DENMARK:
Gads Forlag
LITHUANIA:
Nieko Rimto

About author


Elina Hirvonen

Elina Hirvonen is an award-winning author and documentary filmmaker whose novels have been translated into many languages. Liesl Schillinger praised Hirvonen´s debut novel, When I Forgot, on the front page of The New York Times Book Review, and the novel also received positive reviews from The Independent, The Guardian, The Financial Times and The Globe and Mail.

Hirvonen has received the Kalevi Jäntti Prize and the Nuori Aleksis Prize, and has been nominated for Finlandia Prize and Debut Prize.

Her new novel, The Logbook of Love, is published in Finland in August 2023. The Logbook of Love is the first part of a trilogy of novels that create their world through conversations.


About author


Magdalena Hai

Magdalena Hai is an award-winning author, lover of cross-genre fiction and all things strange. Her fiction often combines elements of sci-fi, fantasy and horror.

Her Little Shop of Nightmares series has been sold to 30 territories around the world. Among Hai's many accolades are winning the Finlandia Prize for children's and YA literature and the Finnish Literary Export Prize, and being nominated for the Finlandia Prize for Children's and Youth Literature and the Nordic Council Children & Young People's Literature Prize.

Besides being an author, Hai teaches writing and is an active member and editor in the publishing co-operative Osuuskumma.

About author


Mervi Lindman

Mervi Lindman is a much-loved illustrator whose cheerful artworks have been published in 19 different countries to date. Lindman’s illustrations have been regularly appraised by critics and public alike.

About author


Teemu Juhani

Teemu Juhani is a Finnish illustrator, comic artist and picture book author whose illustrations have been published in picture books and children's fiction in over 20 countries. In addition to children's books Teemu has illustrated magazines and educational material. Originally from the fields and woods of North Karelia, Teemu now lives, works and eats way too many cakes in Helsinki.

MINI SCIENCE series sold to Turkey! Announcing the 2nd title in the series: MINI SCIENCE: INVISIBLE WORLD!

We are very happy to announce that Yapi Kredi Publishing has acquired the Turkish rights for the first 2 titles in the MINI SCIENCE non-fiction picture book series: WHERE ARE YOU and INVISIBLE WORLD!


MINI SCIENCE is a new nonfiction series for the smallest in the family. It feeds curiosity and is designed to start conversations about different topics that children might not think about on their own.


Introducing: MINI SCIENCE #2: INVISIBLE WORLD

In the second title of Mini Science series – INVISIBLE WORLD – the adorable Plop will discover the things one cannot see: electricity, garden in the fog, darkness, micro-organisms and other invisible things.

When Plop will get sick, he will learn about bacteria and viruses and how to avoid them. Vaccinations can seem scary, but they keep us healthy!
Sometimes it’s better to stay home, even if this makes you bored, so that soon you could go discovering the Dark Side of The Moon!

We have full English text for the second title and also some illustration samples and a cover.

Ask for the Full English materials for both MINI SCIENCE titles by clicking here.


MINI SCIENCE: WHERE ARE YOU?

This picture book has already been recently acquired by Klidarithmos in Greece and Avita in Estonia and soon will be published in 4 territories!

In Where Are You? we follow Plop, a little creature who guides us through space to the Earth and from there to the human DNA and finally to the world of atoms. Zooming in all the way from the enormities of space to the minisculness of atoms, we learn a great deal in between.

MINI SCIENCE #1: WHERE ARE YOU

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Minerva (orig.)
ESTONIA: Avita
GREECE: Klidarithmos
TURKEY: Yapi Kredi Publishing

 

MINI SCIENCE #2: INVISIBLE WORLD

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Karisto (orig.)
TURKEY: Yapi Kredi Publishing

About author


Laura Ertimo

Laura Ertimo is a geographer and author. She has previously worked in publishing of geography-related non-fiction and maps, and now she writes full time, specializing in children’s non-fiction. A recurring theme in her work is the holistic worldview, the interaction between phenomena, people and nature.

In 2020, she received the prestigious Tietopöllö Award for her work as a Non-Fiction writer. Her children's title WHERE DID THE ANIMALS GO, illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu, was nominated for the 2021 Finlandia Award and has also won the Tieto-Lauri award!

About author


Sanna Pelliccioni

Sanna Pelliccioni is a Finnish illustrator, graphic designer and children’s author living in Helsinki with her Finnish-Italian family. An awarded illustrator, Pelliccioni has been e.g. honoured with being the only Finn named on the IBBY honour list 2022. Pelliccioni utilizes many different techniques in her illustrations, some of her favourites are collage and mixed techniques. She studied Arts and Illustration in Bologna and Macerata, Italy, and Graphic Design at the Pekka Halonen Institute in Finland.

She loves illustrating picture books and poems and making graphic design for book covers and her own books. She also writes for children and young people and concerning the themes of books she’s especially interested in equality, indigenous people, myths and taboos, forest and nature. Pelliccioni is mostly known for her Onni-poika picture book series which started in 2007 and contains 15 books so far.

​Pelliccioni collaborates with authors writing for children and young people and works with many Finnish editors. Some of her books have been translated to Chinese, Korean, Arabic, English and Swedish, Turkish and Estonian.

Celebrate the summer with LITTLE MOUSE! Read the interview with the author and illustrator Riikka Jäntti!

Little Mouse is a picture book series for ages 2+ that has already six wonderful titles!

Little Mouse – as many children its age – has strong opinions and a busy schedule of his own that a single mother Mummy Mouse has to come to terms with.

This is a wonderful picture book series that has this year sold already to 12 territories – from France to Nepal, From Russia to Australia!

The rights are still available in Germany, Sweden, the US, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland etc.


Click here to ask for full English pdf’s for LITTLE MOUSE series.


INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR RIIKKA JÄNTTI!

The author and illustrator of the series – Riikka Jäntti – was recently interviewed by a publisher Dea Oidekivi, from the Estonian LITTLE MOUSE publisher Rahva Raamat.

LITTLE MOUSE series is a hit in Estonia. Read the lovely interview below:

By the end of last month Rahva Raamat Publishing House in Estonia published a new edition of Riikka Jäntti’s Little Mouse adventures in Estonia, VÄIKE HIIR SÕIDAB MAALE.
It received a warm welcome from Estonian readers and that sparked some interest about the work process and the characters. Fortunately, the author was so kind to explain us the inspiring process.
Dea Oidekivi (Rahva Raamat): First of all, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you please explain to our young readers how you became an illustrator? Is it something that you always wanted to do? Did you have any influences when you were still a child?Riikka Jäntti: I have been drawing and painting since I was born. My parents put a pencil in my hand when I was a baby, and when I was a child I spent a lot of time drawing, and then when I learned to write, writing. I have always loved books, so I guess I had this secret hope to get to do something with books when I grow up.
When there was a question of what to study after school, the art school was a natural choice. I don’t know if I ever really decided to become an illustrator, it’s more like something that just happened.

DO: It’s quite common to use animals in children’s’ books. Still, not all the authors master the simple yet captivating plot interesting both for children and grown-ups. How did the idea of a little mouse come into your mind?

RJ: Little Mouse came into my mind when my own daughter was about three years old. I had done some illustrations for a book, where there had been some nice little mouse-characters. I liked drawing mouses, so I first did some small cartoons about my daughter as a mouse. Then I thought of a book. I showed the first sketches to the publisher and they loved it! My father then said that I should keep the stories as truthful as I could, and be as honest as I can. No fairy tales, there is real life, he said. I did my best.

DO: There are six books altogether, two of them published in Estonia already. Was it your original plan to create a bestselling series or is it something that just happened?

RJ: There are now six books, and number seven is in the making. My publisher was so happy with the first book, that they asked me to make another one, and then again another one, and so on. I promised them that I will try making them as long as there are good ideas to work with. My daughter is now nine years old already, so she is no longer a little mouse, but she is still a great inspiration.

DO: The characters of the mouse books are all very relatable for children. It’s very graciously done and we believe the series is very relatable for many parents as well. Some of our young readers have asked why is there only a Mommy Mouse and where is Daddy Mouse? Is the single-parent household in the book something you planned from the start?

RJ: Being a single mother myself, that was a natural choice. The stories and ideas are all from our own everyday life, and I like to keep things in the books so close to reality as I can. Of course, there can be a little humor and fantasy too. To the readers: Yes, there is a Daddy Mouse, but he lives far away at the other side of town and doesn’t have a part in the stories. The journey to the cabin to pick berries was a real event, and yes, there was an outdoor toilet.

DO: It sometimes happens that foreign publishers want to make some adjustments for their target audience. Even I, for an example, requested to change the font on behalf of Estonian readers (thank you for granting it, it’s a hit!)  Little Mouse series has been sold to many different countries. What kind of changes have other publishers asked for?

RJ: Well, the first and probably the most important adjustment was, when the books were first sold to England, that they had to decide the gender of Little Mouse. Was it ’he’ or ’she’. Because in the Finnish language, there is no difference, it could be either. I never had really thought of which one is it, boy or girl. I think at first I thought of a girl because I have a daughter myself. But then we decided that in the English version it will be ’he’.

DO: And just to keep the questions short – we would like to know, which of the 6 books is your favorite?

RJ: The latest work is usually closest to my heart, so at the moment my favorite is book number six, Little Mouse’s Summer. I’m gradually getting more and more into book seven, but it’s still in progress.

The interview was conducted by Dea Oidekivi (Publisher, Rahva Raamat).
Publishers kindly thank the author for her time and interesting answers. They eagerly wait to publish all the additional books and wish the LITTLE MOUSE to conquer the world. 🙂

Rights sold for the series:

FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)

AUSTRALIA:
Scribble/Scribe
CHINA: 
Beijing Yuntu Tech
DENMARK:
ABC Forlag
ESTONIA: 
Rahva Raamat
FRANCE:
Carbourakis
NEPAL:
Kathalaya
NEW ZEALAND:
Scribble/Scribe
PORTUGAL:
Harper Collins Iberica
RUSSIA:
Lenizdat
SPAIN (Spanish):
Harper Collins Iberica
SPAIN (Catalan):
Harper Collins Iberica
UK: Scribble/Scribe

About author


Riikka Jäntti

Riikka Jäntti, a 2003 graduate of University of Industrial Art of Helsinki, now part of Aalto University, is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author who has created art for both nonfiction and fairy tale books for children. Her first children’s book was published in 2005. Jäntti is best known for the adorable Little Mouse series that has publishers in 20 territories, including Australia, Nepal, and China!

In her illustrations, she uses pen and ink as well as watercolor and gouache. In 2009 Jäntti won the first-ever Tieto-Lauri, an award for children’s and juvenile non-fiction, for her illustrations in Viidakkotanssi (Jungle Dance). The book was written by Markku Löytönen about the explorer Rafael Karsten in Ecuador.

Bibliography


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Welcomes Spring

Riikka Jäntti


2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes to the Museum

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Fables

Riikka Jäntti


2022, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse and the Birthday Present

Riikka Jäntti


2021, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Goes Camping

Riikka Jäntti


2020, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Summer

Riikka Jäntti


2019, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Winter

Riikka Jäntti


2018, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Holiday

Riikka Jäntti


2017, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse's Christmas

Riikka Jäntti


2016, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse Helps Out

Riikka Jäntti


2015, Picture Books (0-3 Years)

Little Mouse

Riikka Jäntti

2 new children’s deals: WHERE ARE YOU to Greece and HOW TO GREET AN ALIEN to Latvia!

We are very happy to announce 2 new children’s deals this week!

 

WHERE ARE YOU – the adorable 1st title from MINI SCIENCE series by Laura Ertimo has been acquired by Klidarithmos in Greece. The title has previously been acquired by Avita in Estonia.

WHERE ARE YOU is an exceptional picture book for very small children showing the fundamental meanings of the natural world beginning from the gigantic planet earth and reaching the tiny atoms. Plop is such a lovable character! Children can relate to the hand-made illustrations.
 – Asimina Giannopoulou, Editor-In-Chief, Klidarithmos Publications, Greece

Ask for the Full English pdf for WHERE ARE YOU by clicking here.


HOW TO GREET AN ALIEN by Petri Tamminen now has the first international publisher  – Latvijas Mediji in Latvia. The picture book helps children overcome anxiety and make new friends.

HOW TO GREET AN ALIEN is a fun, unusual and at the same time clever book for both children and their parents. With a humorous attitude it teaches how to overcome fears from strangers, how to accept the difference, cope with unpleasant feelings and uncomfortable situations. It is a great pleasure that this book will now be published in Latvia.
– Gunta Apse, Editor, Latvijas Mediji publishing, Latvia

Ask for the Full English pdf for HOW TO GREET AN ALIEN by clicking here.

WHERE ARE YOU

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Minerva (orig.)
ESTONIA: Avita
GREECE: Klidarithmos

 

HOW TO GREET AN ALIEN

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Karisto (orig.)
LATVIA: Latvijas Mediji

About author


Laura Ertimo

Laura Ertimo is a geographer and author. She has previously worked in publishing of geography-related non-fiction and maps, and now she writes full time, specializing in children’s non-fiction. A recurring theme in her work is the holistic worldview, the interaction between phenomena, people and nature.

In 2020, she received the prestigious Tietopöllö Award for her work as a Non-Fiction writer. Her children's title WHERE DID THE ANIMALS GO, illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu, was nominated for the 2021 Finlandia Award and has also won the Tieto-Lauri award!

About author


Petri Tamminen

Petri Tamminen is a Finnish author best known for his laconic humor and short stories, and 6 novels. How to greet an alien is his first book for children. Tamminen often writes about shame and shyness, and he isn’t afraid to use his own life as an example.

About author


Sanna Pelliccioni

Sanna Pelliccioni is a Finnish illustrator, graphic designer and children’s author living in Helsinki with her Finnish-Italian family. An awarded illustrator, Pelliccioni has been e.g. honoured with being the only Finn named on the IBBY honour list 2022. Pelliccioni utilizes many different techniques in her illustrations, some of her favourites are collage and mixed techniques. She studied Arts and Illustration in Bologna and Macerata, Italy, and Graphic Design at the Pekka Halonen Institute in Finland.

She loves illustrating picture books and poems and making graphic design for book covers and her own books. She also writes for children and young people and concerning the themes of books she’s especially interested in equality, indigenous people, myths and taboos, forest and nature. Pelliccioni is mostly known for her Onni-poika picture book series which started in 2007 and contains 15 books so far.

​Pelliccioni collaborates with authors writing for children and young people and works with many Finnish editors. Some of her books have been translated to Chinese, Korean, Arabic, English and Swedish, Turkish and Estonian.

About author


Valpuri Kerttula

Valpuri Kerttula is a Finnish illustrator and designer based in Lahti, Finland. In addition to diverse domestic work, her art is also being published internationally. Valpuri is known for her quirky and humorous characters of oddball humans and animals.

Second deal for THE ISLAND OF LOST ANIMALS! MARESI is now sold to 25 territories!

We are very happy to announce that Lithuanian publisher Aukso pieva has now acquired the rights for THE ISLAND OF LOST ANIMALS by Pasi Pitkänen.
The captivating picture book is a vibrant adventure story with illustrations for young readers and fans of The Jungle BookTarzan and Where the Wild Things Are.

Previously, the title was acquired by Hunan Juvenile and Children’s Publishing House in China, all other international rights are still available!

Request the full English PDF for THE ISLAND OF LOST ANIMALS by clicking here.


We also cannot be happier to also announce that  MARESI by Maria Turtschaninoff has now been sold to 25 territories!
The Albanian rights were now bought by Dritan. Rights were also recently acquired in Azerbaijan by Alatoran and Bulgaria by Izida.

This bestselling YA title has sold to already 25 territories, but the rights are still available in Russia, Czech Republic, Greece, Lithuania, Slovenia,  Japan, Portugal, Croatia and in many other countries. See the rights sold list on the right.

MARESI is the first title in The Red Abbey Chronicles and an international feature film is under development by Film4/The Bureau.
MARESI RED MANTLE, book 3 in the trilogy,  was awarded earlier this month the 2020 Global Literature in Libraries Translated Book Prize, as the best translated book of the year!

Request the full English PDFs for the trilogy by clicking here.


FILI TRANSLATION GRANTS REMINDER!

Don’t forget to apply for FILI translation grants this week before Friday 1st of May 23:59.
FILI Translation grant can cover 50-70% of your translation costs from Finnish.
All applications that meet the grant criteria are guaranteed at least 50% grant towards translation costs. Picture books can also get a grant up to 1000€ towards their printing cost.

Read more and apply here.

See all of our Spring 2020 Children’s titles here


THE ISLAND OF LOST ANIMALS
by Pasi Pitkänen

Mathias takes his little sister Jenny to the circus for her birthday. Jenny adores lions; she has dressed up in a lion costume for the occasion and is invited in to the circus ring to pet a lion cub. Suddenly, a monstrous creature bursts through the roof of the circus tent, seizing the lion cub and Jenny!

Mathias and the lion cub’s dad set off on a rescue mission, far across the sea to a mysterious jungle island that is home to weird and wonderful creatures. But can Jenny and the lion cub be there too? And why are the island’s inhabitants so peculiar?

A captivating, vibrant adventure story with illustrations for young readers and fans of The Jungle BookTarzan and Where the Wild Things Are.


THE RED ABBEY CHRONICLES
by Maria Turtschaninoff

The Red Abbey is a refuge for women and girls, where everyone pursues their own areas of interest. Maresi prefers to spend her time reading and learning.
Everything changes when the frightened Jai arrives on the island. She has seen her sister get buried alive for speaking to a young man, and her father and a crew of thugs are after her. Maresi and her friends have to fight to defend both Jai and their community.

THE ISLAND OF LOST ANIMALS
Rights sold:

FINLAND: WSOY (orig.)

CHINA:Hunan Juvenile and Children’s Publishing House
LITHUANIA: Aukso pieva

 

RED ABBEY CHRONICLES
Rights sold or the series:

Original publisher: FINLAND, Schildts & Söderströms (Book 1)
Original publisher: FINLAND, Förlaget (Books 2-3)

ALBANIA: Dritan (Book 1)
AZERBAIJAN: Alatoran (Book 1)
BELGIUM, Clavis (Book 1-2)
BRAZIL, Morro Branco (Books 1-3)
BULGARIA, Izida (Books 1-3)
CANADA (French), Editions de la Bagnole (Book 1)
CHINA (Simplified), Shanghai 99 (Books 1-3)
DENMARK, Turbine (Book 1)
ESTONIA, Varrak (Book 1-2)
FINLAND, Tammi (Books 1-2)
FRANCE, Rageot (Books 1-2)
GERMANY, Random House/Heyne (Book 1)
HUNGARY, Scolar (Books 1-3)
ITALY, Atmosphere Libri (Books 1-3)
LATVIA, Petergailis (Book 1-2)
NETHERLANDS, Clavis (Book 1-2)
NORWAY, Gursli Berg Forlag (Books 1-3)
POLAND, Wydawnictwo Debit (Books 1-3)
WORLD SPANISH, Penguin Random House/Alfaguara (Book 1)
SWEDEN, Berghs (Books 1-2)
TURKEY, Altın Kitaplar (Book 1)
UNITED KINGDOM, Pushkin Press (Books 1-3)
UNITED STATES, Abrams (Books 1-3)

FILM, Film4