We are thrilled to announce that three of our beloved and enchanting picturebooks STELLA, STIVEN and THE VOLE AND THE MOON will be published in the United States!

The U.S. rights for Stiven and Stella by Ted Forsström and Åsa Lucander, as well as The Vole and the Moon, written by Mila Teräs and illustrated by Nora Surojegin, have been acquired by Spinning Wheel Stories. The deals were closed by Martti Berner at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

This is what the publisher had to say about Stella and Stiven:

This witty and heartwarming bedtime story captures the overactive imagination of Stella, a dog who just can’t settle down during storytime. Ted Forsström brings Stella’s dramatic inner monologue to life with playful humor, while Åsa Lucander’s richly detailed illustrations amplify the energy and charm. Perfect for families who know that even the most well-planned bedtime routines can take a few detours, and for anyone valuing stories about imagination, connection, and a little bit of canine mischief. Spinning Wheel Stories is delighted to bring this joyful story to children and families in the U.S.

A deliciously dramatic tale of a perpetually hungry cat convinced he’s moments from starvation. Ted Forsström hilariously channels Stiven’s outrageous inner voice, while Åsa Lucander’s expressive illustrations heighten the humor and theatrical flair of a cat’s single-minded quest for food. Perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered what really goes on in their pet’s mind, or who’s been guilt-tripped to fill a bowl by a pleading stare. Spinning Wheel Stories is thrilled to bring this wonderfully entertaining story to U.S. readers of all ages.

And this is what Spinning Wheel Stories had to say about the Vole and the Moon:

A poetic, deeply calming tale about stillness, self-discovery, and the quiet magic of the natural world. Mila Teräs’s lyrical storytelling follows a small vole on a journey to find something she’s forgotten, only to discover meaning not through action, but through presence. Paired with Nora Surojegin’s dreamy, ethereal illustrations, this is a picture book that invites quiet reflection and reveals new layers with every read. A gentle reminder that wonder is not something to possess, but something to pause for. Spinning Wheel Stories is honored to share this luminous story with children and families in the U.S.

Spinning Wheel Stories is a women-owned independent publishing company dedicated to bringing the world heartfelt, beautifully illustrated children’s books that nurture early literacy, imagination, and positive emotional health. Their titles are distributed through Pathway Book Service and are available for purchase on our website, at live events, and through numerous retailers.

Request the materials for STELLA & STIVEN here

Stella

Ted Forsström, illustrated by Åsa Lucander

A father tries to put his child to bed, but keeps getting interrupted by Stella the dog barking hysterically. Something unexpected always happens, and the reader is treated to Stella’s lively imagination: 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 put 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. Stella is a book you can read again and again, night after night.

Stella is full of warmth, playful rhymes and an unusual mix of familiar ordinariness with fantastic antics. Very familiar for anyone trying to combine cozy moments with a pet!

Stiven

Ted Forsström, illustrated by Åsa Lucander

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.

Rights for STIVEN and STELLA are still available in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Taiwan…

Request 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.

Rights for THE VOLE AND THE MOON are still available in Germany, Sweden, Poland, Spain, Bulgaria…