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Gyldendal Agency Foreign Rights Guide Children/Young Adult Fall/Winter 2021

Anne Cathrine Eng anne.cathrine.eng@gyldendal.no Foreign Rights Director Nina Pedersen nina.pedersen@gyldendal.no Literary Agent Kirsti Kristoffersen kirsti.kristoffersen@gyldendal.no Film & TV Rights // Visitor address Sehesteds gate 4 0130 Oslo, Norway Postal address P.o. box 6860, St. Olavs plass 0130 Oslo, Norway https://agency.gyldendal.no

To Ride a Unicorn Mariangela Di Fiore, Lisa Aisato 2

CHILDREN / YOUNG ADULT PICTURE BOOK // GRAPHIC NOVEL MIDDLEGRADE // YOUNG ADULT

CHILDREN/YA PICTURE BOOKS

Publisher: Gyldendal

FOREIGN SALES:

Publication year: 2021

Denmark, Jensen & Dalgaard

40 pages

Places to Piddle Svein Nyhus

A book for we who pee. “I pee! But do birds pee in the sky? Do they wee-wee even when we can’t see? What about spiders? And flies? Or bats and ghosts? Do they also need to stop and take a leak? One time I drank a lot of fizzy pop. It went straight through me. Pop in, pee out. It was like magic.” One of Norway’s leading picture-book artists has done it again: got down to knee height to put a human phenomenon under the microscope – a phenomenon that usually fascinates children more than it does adults. In this book, peeing is both magical and mysterious, ordinary and everyday. A beautiful book, rich in detail, to inspire conversation and wonderment in philosophers big and small alike. Svein Nyhus (born 1962) is one of Norway’s most celebrated authors and illustrators of children’s books.

“Strange and wonderful picture book. A short children’s book about peeing opens up for philosophising about all things great and small. Svein Nyhus’s Places to Piddle is a bounty of words and images. (...) Svein Nyhus’s picture books are magical portals. They play a part in enriching Norwegian children’s literature.” NRK

Svein Nyhus Svein Nyhus (b. 1962) was educated at Oslo National Academy of the Arts and has worked as an illustrator of newspapers and magazines. His mixture of easily accessible texts, caricature, curiosity and gravity appeals to adults as much as to children. In recent years, Svein Nyhus has made some of Norway’s best picture books, and has carved out a new genre. His philosophical texts and his bold, beautiful illustrations have reached out to a large and enthusiastic audience. Svein Nyhus has won several awards, among them The Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs’ Prize three times. His latest nomination was for the ALMA in 2009. 5

CHILDREN/YA PICTURE BOOKS

Leo is a Panda Arne Svingen / Jenny Jordahl

Imagine if Leo were a panda! Then he could roll around on the floor or climb up on Mummy. And then maybe big sister Katja would help him look for the teddy bear that’s vanished… “Inspirational role play… Accomplished interplay between text and illustrations.” Katrine Kalleklev, barnebokkritikk. no, about Leo is a dog and Leo is an elephant. FOREIGN SALES: Denmark, Turbine Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: 2021 40 pages

Arne Svingen Arne Svingen (b. 1967) is one of our foremost writers for children and young adults. His production spans from easy reads for children, to novels for children and young adults. He is deeply committed to encouraging children and adolescents to read, and he is a true wizard at using humor and suspense to ensnare his readers. Thematically, his books span from pure entertainment to novels on difficult topics. He has written several novels for adults, radio plays for NRK and graphic novels. A number of Arne Svingens’s books have been sold abroad, and he has been translated into fourteen languages. His breakthrough as a writer of thrillers came with Silent Screams (2001). He was awarded the Brage Prize for his novel Black Ivory in 2005 and was nomiated for the Brage Prize for his novel A Sky Full of Clouds in 2018. 6

CHILDREN/YA PICTURE BOOKS

Leo is a Dog Imagine if Leo were a dog! Then he could bark at the neighbour or run around the living room…fast! And then maybe his big sister Katja would want to play with him…

Leo is an Elephant

Imagine if Leo were an elephant! Then he would have to tiptoe around so as not to destroy anything. But maybe his trunk can rescue a vase that’s about to get smashed…

Jenny Jordahl Jenny Jordahl (born 1989) is a designer, illustrator and cartoonist. She is a graduate of the Oslo National Academy of the Arts and has illustrated The F-word: 155 Reasons to be a Feminist (Manifesto, 2015) and The Great Bum Rumpus – and other glimpses from the media’s backside (Manifesto, 2016). Jenny won the Brage Prize in the category Best Children and Youth Book in 2020. 7

CHILDREN/YA PICTURE BOOKS

To Ride a Unicorn Mariangela Di Fiore, Lisa Aisato

When I got sick, I had to leave kindergarten. I’ll probably never go back because I’m starting school in the autumn. If the doctors let me. Vilja has cancer. And although a lot is different when you are very ill, normal, fun things still happen at hospital. Playing with Sindre is most fun of all. The most boring thing is that her big brother William doesn’t want to visit so often. But maybe he’ll come visit for Vilja’s birthday? FOREIGN SALES: Denmark, Straarup & Co

Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: 2021 56 pages

Mariangela Di Fiore

Lisa Aisato

Mariangela Di Fiore (born 1981) has written twelve books for children, young adults and grown-ups. She is most famous for her non-fiction book, Camorraland (2010), which documents her encounters with the Neapolitan mafia organization Camorra. She received her degree in literature and screenwriting from UCLA. She is half-Norwegian and half-Italian, and lives in Nesodden, Norway.

Lisa Aisato (born 1981) is an acclaimed Norwegian illustrator, children’s book author and artist. Since her debut in 2008 she has released several of her own children’s books and illustrated for other authors, magazines and publications. She’s a regular contributor of illustrations for Norwegian weekend magazine Dagbladet Magasinet. Lisa’s books are published in several countries.

CHILDREN/YA PICTURE BOOKS

Behind the Black Gate Anders Bortne

It’s Halloween, but Olivia has no one to go trick-or-treating with. She decides to go out alone. At first it’s a little scary to walk around all by herself, but the further Olivia goes, the braver and braver she becomes. Still: The big house behind the gate is still spooky – maybe even a little bit extra spooky tonight. A picture book about fear, courage and unexpected friendship. FOREIGN SALES: Denmark, Turbine

Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: 2021 48 pages

Marianne Gretteberg Engedal

Anders Bortne

Marianne Gretteberg Engedal (aka Skinkeape) is from Haugastøl and works as an illustrator and author. She is a graduate of the Bergen Academy of Art and Design.

Anders Bortne (born 1973) is an author, musician and series creator. Behind the Black Gate is his first book for children. 9

CHILDREN/YA PICTURE BOOKS

Badger Synnøve Borge

A factual story for young and old alike. This book is about badgers, an animal that most children are familiar with - but that they may not know much about. Synnøve Borge introduces the animal by telling the story of a badger over the course of a year. This gives readers a peek into its everyday life and some of the challenges the animal faces. The badger cub is raised by its mother and father. Soon it is able to find earthworms, brown snails and wasps. It even manages to catch some nimble ground beetles. But the thing the badger cub is best at is playing with his family and sleeping away the cold winter months. In addition to the ongoing factual narrative, there is a large and detailed spread at the back of the book with more condensed facts.

Publisher: Gyldendal

The book is written for children from five to eight years, for reading aloud, but also for the oldest in the target group to read a little by themselves.

Publication year: 2021 40 pages

Alongside Lise Myhre, Synnøve Borge has previously published six books about animals for slightly older children, and the book Squirrel with Nora Brech as illustrator. Nora Brech has previously illustrated Forest of Wolves (2019) and was nominated for the Brage Prize 2019 for her illustrations in Buffy By is Gifted.

Synnøve Borge Synnøve Borge (born 1960) has a university degree in pedagogics and has studied creative writing for children at Norsk Barnebokinstitutt, where she specialized in documentary texts. Synnøve Borge writes about animals. She goes close and tries to find the pulse of one individual, for a year or part of a life - as a kind of unauthorized biography. She is looking for a language that does not close for the sensible in nature. The goal is to make meetings between children and nature through what she tells.

CHILDREN/YA PICTURE BOOKS

Book 4

Stinky Facts

Ingelin Røssland / Jenny Jordahl Crazy facts about smells foul and fragrant. Stinky Facts is a follow-up to the fun and easy-to-read Bloody Facts, Hairy Facts and Fake Facts. These books are a real discovery for new, inquisitive readers who have a thing about crazy facts. This time it’s all about smells both foul and fragrant. Why, for example, can we stand our own sweat, stinky feet and farts better than anyone else? And is it true that our memory works better through our noses than with our eyes? In this book you’ll also read about the stinky food that many people love, about flowers that release fragrances to attract insects, and about animals that give off nasty smells to scare away their enemies. Last but not least, you’ll get a sense of what the Palace of Versailles smelled like in its heyday (hint: it stank!). The book is accompanied by the vibrant illustrations of Jenny Jordahl.

Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: 2021 40 pages FOREIGN SALES Denmark, Turbine Book 1

Book 2

Ingelin Røssland Ingelin Røssland (b. 1976) is a writer. She has published several young adult novels.

Jenny Jordahl

Book 3

Jenny Jordahl (born 1989) is a designer, illustrator and cartoonist. She is a graduate of the Oslo National Academy of the Arts.

CHILDREN/YA GRAPHIC NOVEL

Book4

Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: May 2021 128 pages

Book 1

Frost Mist Hans Jørgen Sandnes

Fourth book in the exciting Crypto series! Ophelia and Bernard are on Fingal’s island, where the top secret Crypto organisation is located. Why does Crypto want to keep all underwater monsters secret? And why does the organisation feel so familiar to Ophelia? It seems that Crypto is only telling part of the truth, and Ophelia decides to explore the island on her own. But time is running out, especially when it turns out that the aquarium boss is on his way!

Book 2

Frost Mist is the fourth book in the Crypto series. The graphic novel is written and drawn by Hans Jørgen Sandnes, who is also behind the illustrations for the popular Detective Agency no. 2 books. The Crypto series is sold to five countries so far. “A magical underwater world...The design is consummate and professional.” VG (about Into the Deep)

Book 3

“Hans Jørgen Sandnes (…) conjures great drama when, in words and pictures, he appeals to our fascination for unfamiliar underwater creatures that may need our help.” NRK (about Into the Deep) “This is a highly promising, exciting and entertaining first instalment in a planned children’s series.” Nomination jury, Ministry of Culture’s Awards for Children’s and Youth Literature (about Into the Deep)

Hans Jørgen Sandnes Hans Jørgen Sandnes (born 1979) is a Norwegian illustrator and animator. He has made several animated films based on the children’s songs by Alf Prøysen, all of which have been shown regularly by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation. He has also worked with illustration and animation in a number of other projects focusing on the promotion of culture to children. Hans Jørgen Sandnes is also behind the illustrations for the popular Detective Agency no. 2 books.

CHILDREN/YA MIDDLEGRADE

Nasty Characters Jan Christopher Næss, Geir Moen

The world’s worst. In Nasty Characters we meet some of the worst dictators and tyrants in world history across 24 short but horrific biographies, Nero, Olav II Haraldsson, Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot and Idi Amin among them. The presentations are framed by the author’s own experiences with little tyrants when he himself was a schoolboy, and in-between there are enlightening texts on topics such as democracy, dictatorship, and ideologies. The book is illustrated throughout with colourful but horrible images.

Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: May 2021 80 pages

Jan Christopher Næss Jan Christopher Næss was born in England in 1964. He moved to Norway as a 7-year-old and grew up in the Frogner borough of Oslo. He lived for many years in the town of Marker in the county of Østfold, but has since returned to Oslo. He was educated as a Norwegian teacher and still does so part-time, having debuted as an author in 1999. Næss also works as a translator and has been an instructor, actor and playwright for the amateur theatre. He was awarded the Riksmål Society Literature Prize for his last novel, It Starts with Sex and Ends with Death.

CHILDREN/YA YOUNG ADULT

Just a Little Bit Scared Alexander Kielland Krag How do you start an impossible conversation? Cornelius goes to high school, plays football, and parties with friends. He’ll soon be eighteen and so far his life has been going really well. But one day he feels dizzy and the feeling won’t go away. He has no idea where it’s coming from, but knows that he’s not ill. After a while it dawns on him: He’s scared. But what is he supposed to do when he’s “too healthy” to get help and too sick to figure it all out on his own? Just a little bit scared is Alexander Kielland Krag’s second novel. He has written a personal and close story about experiencing anxiety for the first time. It is a book about being afraid, about the fear of losing oneself, and about how difficult it is to open up about the most important things. Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: 2021 192 pages

Alexander Kielland Krag Alexander Kielland Krag (born 1992) was born and raised in Oppegård, on the outskirts of Oslo. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Science and a master’s degree in Rhetoric and Communication from the University of Oslo. He lives in Oslo and works as a communications consultant. This Stays Between Us (2020) is his debut novel.

CHILDREN/YA MIDDLEGRADE

Book 2

eek, you sort see it – as a

Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: May 2021 176 pages

FOREIGN SALES: Denmark, Turbine

CHILDREN/YA MIDDLEGRADE

Man’s Best Friend Heidi Linde

Book number two about Olivia and her hectic – but nice – every-other-week life.

Book 1

Olivia wants to be there for Cornelia when she’s having a tough time. But what should you do to prove that you’re the absolute best friend in the whole wide world? Give your dog away? Shave your hair off? Expose yourself to infection (on purpose!)? Or do you simply have to overcome your greatest fear? A wise, relatable, heartwarming and fun story from one of our most popular authors.

Praise for The Different Lives of Olivia “The Different Lives of Olivia is a must-read for all adults thinking about divorce and children with step-families.” 5 out of 6 stars, VG “Linde points out a series of ethical dilemmas in the book: Obviously, the discussion is about what it means to be honest – to oneself and to others. Should we always tell it like it is?” Dag og Tid

Heidi Linde Heidi Linde (born 1973) is a genuinely talented writer, and writes a warm, yet vivid prose about characters that will touch your heart. She has been a rising star since her debut novel Under the Table (2002) made it to the main selection in Norway’s major book club, but her big breakthrough came with her third novel, Yes, We Can! (2011). She is also one of few plot driven women writers to traverse the gender gap; the reviewers obviously see her as a writer for both men and women (and compare her to giants like Nick Hornby and Jonathan Frantzen). 17

CHILDREN/YA MIDDLE GRADE

Haunted Christoffer Lamøy

Can a house be evil? Mysterious things happen to Henrik and the family when they move to 37 Boathouse Road. There are unexplained noises at night, his little brother is behaving strangely, and when he is alone, Henrik senses that someone is staring at him. Can there really only be Henrik and his family living in the old house? Something terrible has happened at 37 Boathouse Road – and is about to happen again. Haunted is a thrilling and nerve-wracking ghost tale about haunted houses and ancient curses. Not one for wimps!

Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: 2021 224 pages

Christoffer Lamøy Christoffer Lamøy (born 1991) comes from Harstad and lives in Oslo. He works as a pharmacist and holds a master’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Oslo. In 2016 he won the publisher LIV’s short story competition. For as long as he can remember, he has indulged in films and books in the horror genre. His dream is to write a story that scares the life out of his readers.

CHILDREN/YA YOUNG ADULT

Your Sister’s the Prettiest Girl at School Sverre Henmo

What do you do when your little sister is suddenly the focus of the whole schoolyard? What do you do when she gets together the baddest guy in the whole school? And what do you do when he gives her a black eye? A book about finding out who you are and what you stand for.

Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: 2021 112 pages

Sverre Henmo Sverre Henmo (b. 1968) is a trained sociologist who writes smooth, engaging and tender books. His first book was published in 1999. He has written a number of books for children, adolescents and adults. In 2009, Frognerbadet After Dark was awarded the Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs’ Book Prize for best novel. His books have been translated to German, Swedish and Danish.

CHILDREN/YA YOUNG ADULT

The Order of Dreams Øysten Stene

Book 2

The follow-up to THE ACT OF BREATHING The Act of Breathing was the first book in the trilogy about Alm, the 19-year-old girl raised in Fjordbyen in Oslo. While a global pandemic has almost wiped humanity from the face of the Earth, she was one of the few who grew up in a controlled indoor climate and some sense of security. That security is now gone. Even though she is immune to the virus, the dangers are many – and often come in the form of other people. In The Order of Dreams we follow Alm on her hunt for answers. Who was her mother, and what did her father have to do with the virus? Come along on a fantastic journey through a desolate Europe, among derelict metropolises where nature is about to reconquer what was once its own.

Book 1

Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: May 2021 300 pages

Øysten Stene Øystein Stene (b. 1969) is a writer, playwright and director. He made his fiction debut with Master of Patience in 2003, which was followed up with The Bearer of Shame (2006) and The Necromancer (2011). In 2014 he published the acclaimed Zombie Nation. He has written and directed stage plays and feature movies, as well as a book on the history and art of acting. He teaches at The Academy of Theatre in Oslo.

CHILDREN/YA YOUNG ADULT

Outlaster Nina Borge

Adrian leads his CS team to new victories, but now he’s at risk of letting them all down. Adrian keeps leading his CS:GO team to ever-new victories, and preparations for a big tournament are under way. But at school, things are different. Since he panics just thinking about school, Adrian isn’t keeping up in class and is at risk of failing several subjects. If he keeps skipping class, he won’t be allowed to take part in the tournament – and without him, the team risks losing. And what will Jos – who loves playing with him – think if he lets her and the rest of his teammates down? A story about not coping at school, but also about friendship, team spirit, and gaming. FOREIGN SALES: Denmark, Turbine

Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: 2021 192 pages

Nina Borge Nina Borge (born 1983) was born and raised in Sandefjord and lives in Stokke. She trained as a child welfare pedagogue and works as a milieu therapist. In addition, she works freelance as a script consultant and editor for Forlagshuset in Vestfold. The Rebels (2020) is her first novel.

CHILDREN/YA YOUNG ADULT

Catching Air Neda Alaei

How many lies can you keep track of? I disappear into your arms, shrinking, almost completely vanishing. The only thing you can catch is air. Samia is no longer invisible, but that’s not all her new friends at high school need to know. They don’t need to know about Kristoffer, her nerdy best friend. They don’t need to know that Samia doesn’t really know how to hug. They definitely shouldn’t know about Mum, who wants both of them to be best friends, who hides the key to the bathroom, and who doesn’t let Samia sleep alone. How many lies can you keep track of? Catching air is a story about a claustrophobic, clammy and suffocating mother-daughter relationship, and about how difficult it is to break out and become your own person. Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: May 2021 XX pages

Neda Alaei Winner of the U Prize 2020. Neda Alaei (born 1991) grew up in Moss and lives in Oslo. She graduated in Writing Studies from the Norwegian Institute of Children’s Books in 2017. She is a trained child welfare officer and her day job is as a milieu therapist working with young people. This isn’t us was her first novel, for which she received the Ministry of Culture’s Debutant Award, the Book Blogger Award and the U Prize. 22

CHILDREN/YA YOUNG ADULT

Girlskate

Steffen R.M. Sørum / Eldrid Johansen A story about skateboarding, friendship and the importance of doing your own thing. Molly and her best friend Sofie spend their days building out their treehouse and making comic books – but now that the summer holidays are over, something has changed. All the girls in the class have started playing football, and Sofie is the team’s star player. Meanwhile, Molly can’t even get her head on the ball. Molly wants to quit football, but her parents won’t let her. Then some girl skateboarders make an appearance, forcing Molly to make some difficult choices. Girlskate deals with friendship, wanting to fit in, and the importance of doing your own thing. Steffen Sørum and Eldrid Johansen have written a number of books for children and teenagers, both together and in their own right. The book is illustrated by Ingrid dos Santos. All three are active skateboarders.

Publisher: Gyldendal Publication year: 2021 160 pages

Steffen R.M. Sørum

Eldrid Johansen

Steffen R. M. Sørum (born 1976) comes from Stavanger originally. His debut novel, You Love Me, was released in 2000. Since then he has published a range of books for adults, teenagers and children. In 2016 he was awarded the Ministry of Culture’s prize for his book Write Brilliantly, written with Eldrid Johansen and Ingrid dos Santos. Steffen trains children’s authors at the Norwegian Institute for Children’s Books. When he has time he tries to skateboard, play games, and read.

Eldrid Johansen (born 1973) has published many books for children and teenagers since she made her debut with Sara Wants to be a Star in 2005. In addition to being a children’s author, Eldrid also works as a singer, singing actress, and producer of literature for the Cultural Schoolbag, a national cultural programme for school pupils. Write brilliantly!, which was made by the same team behind Girlskate, was nominated to the Brage Prize and was awarded the Ministry of Culture’s prize for best textbook for children and teenagers in 2016. Eldrid is a keen skater and became Norwegian vert skateboarding champion in 2019.