Seven picture books represented by R&B Literary Rights have been selected to be part of an international initiative that gathers children’s books from around the world.
The initiative is led by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). It is formed by ‘Sister Libraries’ around the world that work together to provide comprehensive library experiences to local people, and encourage international understanding through stories.
The upcoming collection is the third edition of the programme’s catalogue. In this broad collection, seven out of ten books from Finland are represented by R&B, created by Tove Jansson, Mauri Kunnas, Aino Havukainen and Sami Toivonen, Annika Sandelin, Ninka Reittu, Tove Appelgren and Salla Savolainen, and Katri Kirkkopelto. You can browse through the whole catalogue here.
The programme puts together a remarkable catalogue with librarians’ favourite books from their countries. To promote the programme, IFLA is also putting together two exhibitions in Tokyo and Paris that will display the entire catalogue collection.
The following titles, modern and contemporary classics, are among the ten Finnish books that have been chosen through a joint project between Finnish libraries:
The Canine Kalevala (Koirien Kalevala) by Mauri Kunnas
Moominvalley’s Alphabet (Mumindalens alfabet) by Annika Sandelin and with original illustrations by Tove Jansson
You Are Super Loved (Sinä olet superrakas) by Ninka Reittu
The Book about Moomin, Mymble and Little My (Hur gick det sen?) by Tove Jansson
Vesta-Linnéa and the Monster Mum (Vesta-Linnéa och monstermamman) by Tove Appelgren and illustrated by Salla Savolainen
Tatu and Patu: This is Finland (Tatun ja Patun Suomi) by Aino Havukainen and Sami Toivonen
Blue (Molli) by Katri Kirkkopelto
These titles are connected by classic themes: ‘friendship, family and finding a way to be yourself. There is a lot of warmth and humour, and the child’s perspective is central in almost all the books in our selection,’ writes Anna-Maija Koskimies, the Finnish contact in the international project.
More about the programme:
The aim of The World Through Picture Books is to create an annotated list of books from around the world that have been recommended by librarians. The books can be used as a way of celebrating and promoting the language, cultures, and quality of children’s book publishing around the world. They can also be used by countries wishing to purchase books from abroad, and looking for ‘favourite’ titles of librarians from other countries.
Each country was asked to submit 10 of the best children’s picture books that are among the favourites of the librarians within that country. Some of the criteria for selection included:
-
- books that have or will last the test of time and are seen as ‘classics’ representing the best in picture books of that country
- books of good quality and a high standard of publishing with text and illustrations that work well together, and
- books that are excellent for reading aloud to and with children and reflects a positive message.
The programme is led by IFLA Children and Young Adults Section. This significant programme not only celebrates children’s literature, but also has a truly positive impact as ‘children exposed to stories and pictures from around the world develop empathy and understanding for others,’ as stated by Everall and Stuckey, the editors of the catalogue.
Are you a publisher interested in these books represented by R&B Literary Rights? For translation rights, get in touch at publishing@rightsandbrands.com.