We are thrilled to announce two new deals for Laura Lähteenmäki‘s stunning middle-grade novel Count Silently to Ten!

Firstly, the Swedish rights for the title were pre-empted by Lilla Piratförlaget in a deal closed by Martti Berner at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

Lilla Piratförlaget is a children’s and YA publisher founded in 2011. They aim to publish books that entertain and provoke, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression.

Secondly, the Danish rights for the title were acquired by Straarup & Co in an auction! The deal was closed by Martti Berner at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

This middle-grade novel has captured the hearts of publishers, with rights already sold in six countries: Italy, Germany (pre-empt), Estonia, Poland, Sweden (pre-empt), and Denmark. Its heartfelt story has resonated deeply with readers.

Described by the 2024 Nordic Council Literature Prize jury:

“Count Silently to Ten” is a fluently written, linguistically beautiful children’s novel that describes a summer on the border between childhood and adolescence. Although the book depicts childhood in our time, the portrayal of play captures the timeless charm and power of childhood games.”

And Wiebke Andersen, editor at the German publisher, Carlsen Verlag:

“Anyone who is (or once was) ten years old will identify 100% with this girl caught between childhood and growing up struggling to find her place. A beautifully told, finely observed children’s book about the power of friendship.”

And Olivia at Lilla Piratförlaget, Sweden

“A wonderful story about friendship and belonging, and about play as both a source of power and a refuge when you’re not quite ready to grow up yet.”

Click here to request reading materials for COUNT SILENTLY TO TEN!

We are thrilled to share that Count Silently to Ten by Laura Lähteenmäki, the poignant middle-grade novel and Nordic Literary Prize nominee, has been acquired for publication in even more countries!

Following the recent announcement of rights being sold to Germany and Estonia, as well as the earlier acquisition to Italy, we are excited to reveal that Polish publisher Muchomor has now acquired the rights to publish this beautiful middle-grade novel in Poland. The deal was closed by Martti Berner.

The rights are still available in France, Sweden, Hungary, Greece…

Click here to request reading materials for COUNT SILENTLY TO TEN.

We are very excited to announce, not one, but two new deals for our poignant middle grade novel and Nordic Literary Prize nominee Count Silently to Ten by Laura Lähteenmäki!

The German rights were acquired by Carlsen in a pre-empt deal closed by Martti Berner, and the Estonian rights were acquired by Hea Lugu in a deal closed by Sten-Erik Tammemäe.

Wiebke Andersen, editor at Carlsen shared her thoughts:

Anyone who is (or once was) ten years old will identify 100% with this girl caught between childhood and growing up struggling to find her place. A beautifully told, finely observed children’s book about the power of friendship.

About COUNT SILENTLY TO TEN:

Myy, Viivi, Heta, Aada, and Camilla are a close-knit group of five girls who call themselves Pätkikset. But as the fourth grade draws to a close, Myy finds that something has changed. She feels that she’s no longer part of the gang. She notices that lively conversations fall silent when she approaches her friends. When the girls hug each other in a tight circle, there’s no room for Myy.

COUNT SILENTLY TO TEN is a story about friendship between girls and the changes that come about as you grow up, but which are difficult to accept. Myy is left out and feels that there may be something wrong with her, since she still wants to play and isn’t interested in make-up and growing up. As things become difficult with the girls, a new boy appears in the area provides a wonderful opportunity for Myy to throw herself into the world of play. Myy and Lassi run to a nearby forest and immerse themselves in a joint game where time and space disappear.

Click here to request reading materials for COUNT SILENTLY TO TEN.

We’re excited to announce that Italian rights to COUNT SILENTLY TO TEN by Laura Lähteenmäki have been acquired by Terre di mezzo, in a deal closed by Julia Bogen. We are thrilled to place the Italian edition in the hands of Terre di Mezzo, whose guiding motto is “Do the right thing.”

COUNT SILENTLY TO TEN is a Nordic Council Literature Prize nominee, whose jury praised the title:

“Count Silently to Ten” is a fluently written, linguistically beautiful children’s novel that describes a summer on the border between childhood and adolescence. Although the book depicts childhood in our time, the portrayal of play captures the timeless charm and power of childhood games.”

About COUNT SILENTLY TO TEN:

Myy, Viivi, Heta, Aada, and Camilla are a close-knit group of five girls who call themselves Pätkikset. But as the fourth grade draws to a close, Myy finds that something has changed. She feels that she’s no longer part of the gang. She notices that lively conversations fall silent when she approaches her friends. When the girls hug each other in a tight circle, there’s no room for Myy.

COUNT SILENTLY TO TEN is a story about friendship between girls and the changes that come about as you grow up, but which are difficult to accept. Myy is left out and feels that there may be something wrong with her, since she still wants to play and isn’t interested in make-up and growing up. As things become difficult with the girls, a new boy appears in the area provides a wonderful opportunity for Myy to throw herself into the world of play. Myy and Lassi run to a nearby forest and immerse themselves in a joint game where time and space disappear.

Click here to download all reading materials for COUNT SILENTLY TO TEN.