Loukko by 
We have wonderful news! Two Ahlbäck Agency titles have been nominated for the Runeberg Junior Prize 2026! Nominated are MARSU AND THE ART OF FLOATING LIKE A WATER LILY by Tuutikki Tolonen, illustrated by Reetta Niemensivu, and STIVEN by Ted Forsström, illustrated by Åsa Lucander!
This is what the jury had to say about Marsu and the Art of Floating Like a Water Lily:
“Well-written everyday realism, where even painful topics are conveyed in an understandable, gentle, sharp, and humorous way. The book portrays a child’s perspective on parental separation and rainbow families honestly and convincingly. It’s a warm-hearted story with real people and real life. The story draws the reader in.”
and this is what the jury says about Stiven:
“A humorous and warm rhyming story about Stiven the cat, who rules the family with his constant need for food in his dish. The text and illustrations are playful, and it’s easy to relate to, especially for cat owners. A charming and witty book that leaves the reader with a smile.”
The Runeberg Junior Prize, worth 10,000 EUR, is awarded annually by the city of Porvoo and the magazine Borgåbladet to an outstanding children’s book. Next, preschoolers and first- and second-grade students in Porvoo will read the books and choose the winner. The winner will be announced on February 5th, 2026, on Runeberg’s Day.
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS FOR MARSU AND THE ART OF FLOATING LIKE WATER LILY HERE
From the internationally bestselling and award-winning author of Agnes and Monster Nanny comes a gently humorous children’s novel about Margo and her new family dynamics.
“Kids. Tomorrow we’re having a family meeting.”
Nine-year-old Marigold, nicknamed Marsu, has her ordinary life turned upside down when her parents call a family meeting. Soon, instead of one home, they have two. Dad suddenly has a strange new beard, Mom buys a car and is learning to park and secretly cries, and her little brother, of course, doesn’t understand a thing – he’s just thrilled to have two sets of toys in two homes. The true nature of things becomes clear to the children only gradually.
Marsu, on the other hand, sees everything with her new hawk-like vision. Marsu spots her dad marching alongside with a man, she doesn’t recognize. But even Marsu’s sharp gaze softens when she realizes that while her parents may be separating from each other, they’re not separating from their children.
DOWNLOAD MATERIALS FOR STIVEN HERE
Highly recommended for everyone, but especially families with young children, and particularly for those who share their lives with a cat – or perhaps, for those who are ruled by one.
The food is gone! Stiven roars. This is urgent! Come out!
Have you ever thought how frustrating life can be for a cat? When something as simple as getting fed turns into a daily battle? For Stiven, the logic is simple: an empty bowl must be filled immediately. How can an entire family have such a hard time understanding this?
The glutton Stiven is a stubborn drama queen, holding the whole family hostage with one mission: more food immediately! He’s a big personality, alternately majestic and pathetic, and neither mom, dad, the child, nor the baby escapes his constant demands for food and attention. This leads to comedic moments in the everyday life of a young family with a pet, brilliantly captured in Åsa Lucander’s lively illustrations.
Ted Forsström’s text is atmospheric and down-to-earth, with his characteristic playful rhymes occasionally shining through. It’s highly relatable for families with young children and especially for anyone who owns a cat—or is owned by one. The duo’s previous bedtime story, STELLA, was nominated for the Finlandia Prize.
MARSU AND THE ART OF FLOATING LIKE A WATER LILY
Marsu ja lumpeena kellumisen taito, WSOY 2025, 144 pp.
Rights sold:
FINLAND: WSOY (orig.)
Reading Material:
Finnish Edition, English chapter by chapter synopsis
STIVEN
Stivens fat är utan mat, Förlaget 2025, 44 pp.
Rights sold:
FINLAND, SWEDEN: Förlaget (orig. Finland-Swedish)
FINLAND: Teos (Finnish)
GERMANY: dtv Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co.KG
HUNGARY: Cerkabella Könyvek
IRAN: Mad Publication House
TURKEY: Doğan Kitap
USA: Spinning Wheel Stories
Reading Material:
Swedish edition, English PDF
