Two-book World Spanish (excl. Spain) deal for PRANKENSTEIN 1+2!

We are thrilled to announce that Mexican publisher VR Editoras has acquired World Spanish rights (excl. Spain) in a two-book deal for PRANKENSTEIN books 1 + 2 by Kaisa Paasto and Mari Ahokoivu! The deal was negotiated by our wonderful co-agent Anna Ascolies at IMC Agencia.

Download the full English PDF for Prankenstein 1 here!

PRANKENSTEIN 2 is slated for release in Spring 2025, but until then here’s a sneak peek showing us that, despite appearances, Elmeri’s prank-ventures aren’t quite over:

 

The very popular Prankenstein is back!
Well, not quite. Since the whole debacle last spring Elmeri has sworn off pranks.

No more pranks. At all. Zilch.
But then there’s a development. Someone is pranking principal Ruustinen and making it look like it was Elmeri. And it gets worse.

Elmeri was excited for the big trip to Stockholm with Mima (the girl next door who’s “ok”) and the other student council members. But now, as punishment, Principal Ruustinen has banned Elmeri from going!
Obviously the one doing the framing is Elmeri’s arch-enemy Leo – or is it?

The original Prankenstein has to come out of retirement. You can’t rest on your laurels when great deeds await.

 

For fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Kaisa Paasto’s hilarious writing and Mari Ahokoivu’s engaging art make this highly illustrated middle grade a delight to read!

Rights still available in the US/UK, France, Italy…

PRANKENSTEIN
Tammi, March 2024, 112 pp.

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Tammi
POLAND: Greg
WORLD SPANISH (excl. Spain): VR EDITORAS Mexico

About author


Kaisa Paasto

Kaisa Paasto spent her childhood in the north of Finland and now lives in Espoo with her husband, two children and Saku the dog. 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 psychological thrillers for adults by Storytel Original.

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?!

PRANKENSTEIN by Kaisa Paasto and illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu sold to Poland!

We are back from Bologna book fair and are happy to report that Publishing House Greg has snapped up the Polish rights to PRANKENSTEIN by Kaisa Paasto and illustrated by Mari Ahokoivu! This deal was closed by Anna Kappauf at Elina Ahlback Agency.

Publishing House Greg is a children’s books publisher publishing children’s and YA titles from the classics to more contemporary titles as well as educational books for children.

PRANKENSTEIN was creating a nice buzz during Bologna book fair – the funny and heartwarming story, fresh black-and-white illustrations, and relatively short text with appeal for reluctant and first time readers seemed to tick many boxes of what editors were looking for across all territories!

And we have a full English sample translation for you to read!

Download the English materials for PRANKENSTEIN here!

Prankenstein
Tammi, 2024, 112 pp.

Reading material:
Full English translation
Finnish edition

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)
Poland: Greg

About author


Kaisa Paasto

Kaisa Paasto spent her childhood in the north of Finland and now lives in Espoo with her husband, two children and Saku the dog. 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 psychological thrillers for adults by Storytel Original.

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?!

Albanian 2-book-deal for ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER series!

We are very happy to announce that Albanian rights for ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER and ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER ON RED CARPET have been sold to Muza publishing.

Congratulations to the author Kaisa Paasto, illustrator Mari Ahokoivu and the publisher Muza!

ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER was this year also shortlisted for the LukuVarkaus Award, honoring books targeted at readers under 12 years old and the series rights have already been pre-empted in Germany by Loewe Verlag.

Download Full English manuscripts for the Anni series here.

Praise from the German publisher:

“Kaisa Paasto manages to carry out the inner emotional world of shy children, but at the same time effortlessly portrays the heroine likeable and self-confident. What immediately convinced us was the sweet little pig, which reflects the development of the protagonist: At first scared, strange and a bit out of place, in the end an open, lovable friend. What a wonderful story!”
– Laura Hänel, Editor, Loewe Verlag, Germany

Finnish review:

“Anni the Friend Tamer succeeds in showing how a person can be quite different in different environments: at home Anni is happy and confident, at school she’s shy and clumsy. The crucial understanding comes when Anni realizes that instead of taming a friend, she needs to tame her own school self. She needs to learn how to be herself. In this first part of a new children’s novel series there’s plenty of humour both in the text and in the pictures.”
– Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, Finland


 

Book 1: ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER
by Kaisa Paasto

Anni is a 10-year-old girl. When her friend Miisa moves abroad, Anni 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 Anni 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 Anni’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’s 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’!

Book 2: ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER ON THE RED CARPET

In the second part Anni wants to do good. Her class is shown a news clip about a hurricane in Brazil. In the clip Anni sees a girl who has a T-shirt, exactly like the one that Anni has in her closet. Anni feels a strong desire to do something to help. With her friend Riia they will make a movie, show it in the library auditorium and raise money for charity work in Brazil.

Book 3: ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER (UNTITLED)

Anni learns how to deal with difficult people. Anni’s family spends the summer in a small island near Turku with Anni’s uncle and his family. Anni has never spent much time with her cousin, but oh boy, he turns out to be a pest. He’s mean and sly and prone to temper tantrums.

BOOK 1: ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER
Anni kaverinkesyttäjä
Tammi, 2020, 116 pp.

BOOK 2:  ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER ON THE RED CARPET
Anni kaverinkesyttäjä punaisella matolla
Tammi, October 2021, 152pp

BOOK 3: ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER #3
Coming in Fall 2022

Rights sold for the series:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)

ALBANIA:
Muza (Books 1-2)
GERMANY:
Loewe Verlag (books 1-3)

About author


Kaisa Paasto

Kaisa Paasto spent her childhood in the north of Finland and now lives in Espoo with her husband, two children and Saku the dog. 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 psychological thrillers for adults by Storytel Original.

Bibliography


2024, Chapter Books (6-9 Years), Middle Grade (8-12 Years)

Prankenstein

Kaisa Paasto


2022, Middle Grade (8-12 Years)

Anni the Friend Tamer in Salty Waters

Kaisa Paasto


2021, Middle Grade (8-12 Years)

Anni the Friend Tamer on the Red Carpet

Kaisa Paasto


2020, Middle Grade (8-12 Years)

Anni the Friend Tamer

Kaisa Paasto

German 3-book deal for ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER series

“Shy people of the world, unite!” We are very happy to announce that German rights for ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER and the next two books in the series have been sold to Loewe Verlag in a pre-empt. These are the first foreign rights sales to this new book series. Congratulations to author Kaisa Paasto!

Finnish author Kaisa Paasto and her debut ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER have been shortlisted for the LukuVarkaus Award, honouring books targeted at readers under 12 years old. The winner will be announced in June.

Praise from the German publisher:

“Kaisa Paasto manages to carry out the inner emotional world of shy children, but at the same time effortlessly portrays the heroine likeable and self-confident. What immediately convinced us was the sweet little pig, which reflects the development of the protagonist: At first scared, strange and a bit out of place, in the end an open, lovable friend. What a wonderful story!“
– Laura Hänel, Editor, Loewe Verlag

Review:

“Anni the Friend Tamer succeeds in showing how a person can be quite different in different environments: at home Anni is happy and confident, at school she’s shy and clumsy. The crucial understanding comes when Anni realizes that instead of taming a friend, she needs to tame her own school self. She needs to learn how to be herself. In this first part of a new children’s novel series there’s plenty of humour both in the text and in the pictures.
– Helsingin Sanomat

Download Full English manuscript here.

Book 1: ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER
by Kaisa Paasto

Anni is a 10-year-old girl. When her friend Miisa moves abroad, Anni 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 Anni 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 Anni’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’s 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’!

Book 2: ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER ON THE RED CARPET

In the second part Anni wants to do good. Her class is shown a news clip about a hurricane in Brazil. In the clip Anni sees a girl who has a T-shirt, exactly like the one that Anni has in her closet. Anni feels a strong desire to do something to help. With her friend Riia they will make a movie, show it in the library auditorium and raise money for charity work in Brazil.

Book 3: ANNI THE FRIEND TAMER (UNTITLED)

Anni learns how to deal with difficult people. Anni’s family spends the summer in a small island near Turku with Anni’s uncle and his family. Anni has never spent much time with her cousin, but oh boy, he turns out to be a pest. He’s mean and sly and prone to temper tantrums.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Kaisa Paasto

Kaisa Paasto (born 1979) spent her childhood in the north of Finland and now lives in Espoo with her husband, two children and several pets. But sadly, no pigs.

Kaisa has a Master’s Degree in Comparative Literature, and she has previously worked as translator, audiovisual translator and entrepreneur. She is now working as a marketing content specialist. For the joy of her publishing editor, she herself has also done some work as a publishing editor.

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)

GERMANY: Loewe Verlag

About author


Kaisa Paasto

Kaisa Paasto spent her childhood in the north of Finland and now lives in Espoo with her husband, two children and Saku the dog. 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 psychological thrillers for adults by Storytel Original.

Bibliography


2024, Chapter Books (6-9 Years), Middle Grade (8-12 Years)

Prankenstein

Kaisa Paasto


2022, Middle Grade (8-12 Years)

Anni the Friend Tamer in Salty Waters

Kaisa Paasto


2021, Middle Grade (8-12 Years)

Anni the Friend Tamer on the Red Carpet

Kaisa Paasto


2020, Middle Grade (8-12 Years)

Anni the Friend Tamer

Kaisa Paasto

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 four times, most recently in 2023.

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 and Saku the dog. 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 psychological 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.