Petergailis Rights Catalogue by Petergailis

The lion’s roar Author: Juris Zvirgzdiņš Illustrator: Lina Dudaite The first Lion’s Roar in a series of bestselling titles

Latvian Children’s Jury Award 2015 Nominated for the National Book Art Contest Award “Golden Apple Tree” 2015 2017 Children’s Jury Award

This book by the popular Latvian writer Juris Zvirgzdiņš is a story for children about animals, flowers and toys. In an easy manner it tells about compassion, fitting into the situation of someone else, about solidarity and common activity which can help to solve problems. The author isn’t giving instructions to his reader or teaching, His text is alive with a beloved hero, the bear Tobias and with new images as well – the five year old girl Rasa, the dog Zorro and the unhappy lion Leo, who has lost his ability to roar. He is waiting for the director of the Zoo to write him off.. For Leo to regain his roar, they are looking at the sounds of a fierce barking dog, the siren of an ambulance, the thunder of an airplane. The lion doesn’t understand yet that wonderful, unknown friends are able to get the recipe for peppermint pastry from the doctor and will risk, getting two sacks with bumble-bees, bees, gadflies and gnats for him, with which he will regain the ability to roar, so rescuing him from the tragic fate of being rejected. The book is illustrated by the renowned Lithuanian artists Lina Dūdaite, whose ideas inspired the author. ISBN 978-9984-33-397-7 Hardcover 160 x 230 x 10 mm 64 pages AGES 7–13 Foreign rights sold: Lithuanian, Finland, Bulgaria

Crossing the sea and countries ”Toby’s and Tama’s Great European Library Voyage” Author: Inguna Cepīte, Juris Zvirgzdiņš, Illustrator: Elīna Brasliņa Toby and Tama cross the sea to meet with heroes from famous children’s books in their GREAT EUROPEAN LIBRARY VOYAGE

The National Book Art Contest Award “Golden Apple Tree” 2014 nomination Best childrens book 2014 Latvian Children’s Jury Award 2016

ISBN 978-9984-33-386-1 Hardcover 215 x 258 x 17 mm 96 pages AGES 5–13

Toby is worried. During a Christmas recital, he had somehow lost not only the poem he was to recite but also the name of its author. It was a famous author, so Toby had to fnd his name, and to do that he had to become a detective. Toby, of course, is quite famous himself, but nonetheless he is still just a common teddy bear from Riga, who would have a tough time to resolve the puzzle without his Japanese friend Tama and his paw-operated computer and the internet. A tough time. It’s hard to draw the route around the Baltic Sea: Riga –Tallinn – Saint Petersburg – Helsinki – Oslo – Stockholm – Copenhagen – Hamburg – Gdansk – Klaipeda – Riga. It’s hard to fnd the lost poem, because Toby is not Emil Tischbein or his friends the German detectives of from Erich Kästner’s book. Toby doesn’t even know how to ﬂy like Karlson of Stockholm and it’s good that Hans Christian Andersen himself offers his magic galoshes to Toby for the ﬂight from Copenhagen to Hamburg. Toby and Tama are convinced that you, the reader of this book, have an encyclopaedia in your hands with references to the most superb books and authors of ten European countries.

The Bruvers are Brewing Author: Pēters Brūveris, Zane Brūvere-Kvēpa and Indra Brūvere- Daruliene Illustrator: Gita Treice Nominated for the National Book Art Contest Award “Golden Apple Tree” 2018 International Baltic Sea Region Jānis Baltvilks Prize in Children’s Literature and Book Art 2018 The book was awarded the top readers’ prize and a free advertising campaign in Latvia’s biggest internet portal DELFI Latvian Children’s Jury Award 2018

Can you appreciate a language while playing with it? The Brūveris family certainly can. They’ve compiled the late Peter Brūveris’ unpublished work and poems by his twin daughters Indra and Zane into this single collection, complete with illustrations by the multiple award-winning artist Gita Treice. The poet Māris Salējs invites readers to drop their caution regarding the scandalous incident when Pēters’ poem Hackers’ Songs was removed from the school curriculum by fearful adults who’d lost touch with their ‘childlike-selves’. He compares opening the cover of this poetry collection to opening the door to a cosy house, where the author, who died over seven years ago, is still sat at the large living room table with his daughters, sharing wonderful stories. He’s telling them about The Big Whale Hali Gali and the Unfortunate Hanger, while Indra recites Children’s Tales From Our Town. Meanwhile, Zane impatiently waits for her turn to share her poem of the mysterious Parents Who Don’t Sleep at Night … ISBN 978-9984-33-4660 Hardcover 240.6mm x 150mm x 14mm Age: +5

The lynx dropped his fake moustache, The toad broke the heel of his shoe, The snail lost all the glitter on his face The magpie started hiccupping until the Frill came off her blouse, The corbie got tangled up in crinoline And broke his wife’s necklace, The frog lost his brass buttons And dropped his velvet trousers.

The Sad Scenario The lynx cried until he went rusty The toad went hungry from sorrow The slow snail was teased by naughty boys The magpie forgot all about being nice And threatened everyone with a whip The corbie got mixed up with devils And the frog jumped out of the window.

The happy scenario The lynx was over the moon with happiness The toad was not dancing without a shoe But eating all night long Naughty boys filled the glass to the brim And brought copper roses to the magpie And the corbie offered blueberries to the frog.

All Kinds of Wishes Author: Ieva Samauska Illustrator: Katrīna Avotiņa

Tina’s Wish Alice wishes for dogs to have their own God, while Neil wants to own a huge swimming pool, filled with Coca–Cola. Each poem in Ieva Samauska’s latest poetry collection All Kinds of Wishes is named after a different child. The end result is an eclectic and boisterous mix of everyday wants and more exotic wishes from these children. One wishes to be famous some day, or not to have any more homework set, or for their teacher to miss an exam, or to be allowed to sleep for as long they please. Another wishes to travel in time, to walk on the ceiling like a fly, to live inside a watermelon, or to get a taste for bird’s milk. Other wishes don’t seem unrealistic on the surface, but the children who wish them know, deep in their hearts, that they would never come true. They wish for their mummy to be happy, for daddy to stop drinking, and for their parents not to get divorced…

ISBN 978-9984-33-472-1 Hardcover 240.6mm x 150mm x 10mm 40 pages Age: 7+

The ability to express an innocent, even naive, wish is what distinguishes a child from a responsible adult. Samauska’s talent lies in her ability to address children and teenagers in their own language. That’s why her last poetry collection The Noisy Classroom (published by Petergailis, 2015) became the first Latvian children’s book to be published in the United Kingdom and receive unprecedented positive responses from readers. That’s also why these irresistible poems are bound to become your wishes as well.

Dad says I’m a featherbrain, and mum always agrees, of course. Maybe the reason I seem so birdlike is that, come autumn, I feel like flying away with the birds, with cranes, storks, and snipes. Yes, I’ll be honest: I would like to take wing with the birds and fly everywhere together with them: glide over the seas and countries till we reach the most distant South… I want to see HOW they do it, HOW they manage it all – to get there after thousands of miles battling exhaustion, storms, and high winds. Dad says I’m a featherbrain, and mum always agrees, of course. Maybe the reason I seem so birdlike is that, come autumn, I feel like flying away with the birds, with cranes, storks, and snipes. P.S. I will bring along the latest drone, and send you messages and the latest news.

Baking Pizza’s Cousin Author: Inese Paklone Illustrator: Vivianna Maria Stanislavska

GUINEA PIG’S CASTLE

MUM CAN DO MORE

My guinea pig Daisy is just a bit crazy. Grandma says: Don’t talk like that! But it’s such a hassle, According to Dad’s design, I built Daisy a castle but she keeps ignoring her fancy new flat!

While Mum is cleaning the house, she is talking to me.

According to Dad’s drawing, the castle has windows, columns and awnings. Grandma says: It’s fit for a king but isn’t suited for a guinea pig, it’s meant for people and is way too big. So Dad should keep it in mind: His architecture is only for humankind.

ON POISONOUS SPIDERS Albert is Secret Agent 006, but nobody in his family or Riga suspects this. He can’t wait to start school, hoping to get two pencil cases with Geronimo Stilton that he’ll definitely need. He has a special way of looking at the world, filled with his mum’s notes on the fridge, a magical biscuit box and children’s party hats, all brought to life with stunning illustrations that shape the poems. Albert loves building things, going fishing and collecting European coins with his dad. Nothing escapes the boy’s keen eyes – not even grandad’s bad back, grandma’s tea shelf, the worlds that she crochets and the food that she makes (though he sometimes refuses to eat what she calls ‘real food’ so that there’s enough room left for ice-cream). And then there are the growth notes on the door jamb, and baking pizza’s cousin!

ISBN 978-9984-33-484-4 Hardcover 276mm x 175mm x 12mm AGES 6 - 12

I will not look into the new flower pot, no, that I will not: what if there are poisonous spiders in that pot. When she looked through the soil, Mum did not recoil, she said there are no poisonous spiders in that pot. Grandpa has read all about the new plants and says can be no ants, let alone poisonous spiders in that pot. Dad also gives me a piece of his mind, he says the shop would be fined if there were poisonous spiders in that pot. Only Grandma has kept quiet throughout, she simply takes the flowerpot out, so I’d stop seeing poisonous spiders in that pot.

While Mum is fixing supper, she is also on the mobile phone. While Mum is doing her work jobs, she is listening to the music. While Mum is drying her nail polish, she is reading a book. While Mum is watching the telly, she is knitting a hat or a jumper. While Mums is doing one thing, she is also doing another thing day in and day out. But not me and my dad, we do just one thing at a time.

SECRET AGENT I am the secret agent 006. But no one knows about it And no one knows my tricks. I have a special ink and a candle: Invisible letters I know how to handle. To find a hiding place was quite a feat, Where is it? No, I won’t give you the street. So secret, so supersecret am I… I can fight even if I don’t quite know why. The next agent, 007, may be in the movies and such, I am so very secret, for me it would be too much.

Cucumber Elmar who Worried a Lot Author: Sabīne Košeļeva Illustrator: Anita Rupeika

Cucumber Elmar looks different from other cucumbers in his plot — he’s small and crooked, and can’t stop obsessing about his looks. To make things worse, his cousin Renars is always making fun of him. Elmar feels more and more isolated, and can’t stop worrying, which can turn his taste from sweet to bitter. His Mum’s soothing words don’t seem to have any effect on him, so it’s up to the enthusiastic cucumber-girl Alina to save the day! “Why should someone worry if they’re fat,crooked or straight? So what? There are so many other worthwhile things to investigate, like multiplication, or learning a song, or going swimming,” she thinks to herself. Alina gathers all the cucumbers in the plot, and they come up with a genius plan to cheer up Elmar. Renars watches them in secret, desperately wanting to take part, because making fun of everyone has left him feeling isolated as well. Will Renars be able to overcome his pride and show his true nature?

ISBN 978-9984-33-488-2 Hardcover 170 x 240 mm AGES 4+

Author: Arno Jundze Illustrator Gita Treice

Using whimsical character names and fanciful language, the author tells little readers about an imaginary country called “Kiparzeme”. Everything there happens the same as in our world, except more playfully and bigger than life. The images in the book are made more engrossing by artist Gita Treice’s original illustrations and representation of events. ISBN 978-9984-33-267-3 Hardcover 175 x 275 x 14 mm 112 pages AGES 6–12

The noisy classroom Author: Ieva Samauska Illustrator: Vivianna Maria Staņislavska International Baltic Sea Region Jānis Baltvilks Prize in Children’s Literature and Book Art 2016

This poetry collection will appeal to young people of all ages. Anyone who has been through school will find something they can relate to or a nuance they have forgotten. The themes of the poems encompass the timely topics in life – love, hatred, friendship, loneliness, success and failure in studies. ISBN 978-9984-33-416-5 Hardcover 150 x 245 x 8 mm 71 pages AGES 8–13 Foreign rights: sold to UK

Toby, Charlie and the Invisible Ghost Author: Juris Zvirgzdiņš Illustrator: Elīna Brasliņa A detective STORY. A ghost story. All in one. (included in the IBBY 2018 catalogue)

Toby, Charlie and the Invisible Ghost is the latest book by the award-winning children’s author Juris Zvirgzdiņš, illustrated by the evocative artist Elīna Brasliņa Nominated for the IBBY Honour List 2018 International Baltic Sea Region Jānis Baltvilks Prize in Children’s Literature and Book Art 2017 White Ravens 2018 Collection Follow the adventures of two famous teddy bears, Toby and Charlie, as they make a new friend for life – the Invisible Ghost Dog (called Invisible for short).. The two daredevils meet Invisible at 13 Fogmonkey Boulevard, responding to an advertisement from a nasty family, who are offering a ghost for free. They rescue Invisible from their clasp, agreeing that he’ll live with them from now on. This is where their real adventures begin. Invisible rescues them from some bullies, who try to steal him while sledging. They have loads of fun with some flying sausages in the supermarket and even rescue Magpie’s flat from two robbers. When Christmas arrives, they meet Jonass Klanga – the man responsible for turning their dog invisible. He is the only one who can reverse the spell.

ISBN 978-9984-33-441-7 Hardcover 23.6cm x 16.5cm x 1.1cm 48 pages Ages 7-12

Toby, Charlie and the Invisible Ghost is a vibrant tale that will keep the young readers turning the pages, while teaching them important lessons about empathy, loyalty and the value of friendship.

Have a Nice Day! Almost a love story Author: Juris Zvirgzdiņš Illustrator: Elīna Brasliņa Drama, detective and a love story — all in one book!

Nominated for the International Baltic Sea Region Jānis Baltvilks Prize in Children’s Literatureand Book Art 2015 The National Book Art Contest Award “Golden Apple Tree” 2015

Can world-famous masterpieces – Otto Dix, George Grosz, even a couple of Rembrandts from the Prague museum – be found in a landfill, next to gold, British pounds, and American dollars? Is it possible to beat the allegedly unbeatable Catholic school team at football? How do you avoid taking the pills that Monkey and Fatso supply? And what is an ex-notary doing living in a bum’s hut? Can a classmate who has moved to Latvia all the way from America become closer than a ‘homie’? These questions require definite answers, and they can be found in this book. ISBN 978-9984-33-398-1 Hardcover 160 x 230 x 14 mm 96 pages AGES 9–14

The Crested Titbird’s SONG… Author: Inguna Cepīte, Juris Zvirgzdiņš Illustrator: Ilze Ramane Learn the history of Europe and the Baltic region in the most thrilling way!

Vivid illustrations and the two main characters, Small Titbird and Old Titbird, will guide little readers through 800 years of the history of Riga, posing exciting questions. Meet the chirpy little tit bird, foreteller of Latvian destiny. Take off from the top of Saint Peter’s Church tower in Riga, and fly over the mythical waters of the River Daugava. Allow the tit bird to take you on a journey through the ages, soaring over German, Polish, Swedish, Russian, and Soviet eras, followed by Latvian Independence and the Singing Revolution. ISBN 978-9984-33-417-2 Hardcover 235 x 220 x 10 mm 87 pages AGES 6–13

The First Christmas Tree Author: Juris Zvirgzdiņš Illustrator: Evija Stukle-Zutiņa Find out about the first Christmas tree, and how the tradition of decorating it began.

Book content available in ENG, GER, RUS, FIN.

At the centre of the story is the history of how the tradition of adorning Christmas trees started in Riga 1510. The author of the book Juris Zvirgzdiņš freely crosses the borders of ages, and the past becomes the present. The heroes of the story aren’t going beyond Riga and its outskirts, but the author draws a map of the medieval town and harbours, from which ships sail with different cargos to Germany, Holland, England… He paints pictures of historical events, in which the reader finds the chimney-sweeper Johannes, who came from countryside, and his assistant Matīss, authorities from the Townhall and the Church and the Blackheads, who make a most splendid picture. These were merchants, who travelled abroad in dangerous business trips to Lithuania and Russia, but also supplied the splendid altar of St.Peter’s church… ISBN 978-9984-33-346-5 Hardcover 215 x 265 x 8 mm 47 pages AGES 5–12 Foreign rights: sold to Finland

The Little Bee’s Big Journey Author: Juris Zvirgzdiņš Illustrator: Gita Treice

The main character Zuzū doesn’t get honey simply by landing on a linden tree or in a field of heather. By making Zuzu collect medicinal honey for the sick Ilze, the author can introduce the reader to the nature, climate and religions of distant lands. For example, the statue of Buddha in India next to the river Ganges opens up a view of a stone lotus plant, where Zuzū can collect some wonderful nectar. In London, an orchid is awarded the first prize by the Queen during a flower show, and here Zuzu collects nectar in a very special way. After landing on a tall castle, the little bee can see the UK’s coat of arms, made up of two lions, a unicorn, a rose and a thistle. Having listened to the little bee’s story, it is the thistle who lets her drink from its flower. Even over in cold Lapland, reindeer take Zuzu to a mossy swamp, where the purple flowers become wells filled with nectar. The illustrator Gita Treice creates truly wonderful scenes. At times, it is difficult to tell whether the little bee is flying after the author’s writing or if it is the writing that follows the illustrations.

ISBN 978-9984-33-428-8 Hardcover 210 x 260 x 9 mm 48 pages AGES 5–12

The Bat Author: Māris Rungulis Illustrator: Elīna Brasliņa Nominated for the National Book Art Contest Award “Golden Apple Tree” 2017

ISBN 978-9984-33-447-9 Hardcover 17.5cm x 24.5cm x 1.4cm 110 Pages Ages 8-12

The publishing house Pētergailis is proud to announce the release of The Bat, an eco-detective story for teenagers. The events of this long story are based on Marta’s diary, where she documents her younger brother Sylvester’s adventures in their country house during the summer holidays. Excitement is never lacking. From chasing down a graffiti artist, to trying to capture the mysterious outlaw Bat, the two siblings stay true to their inner call to protect nature, animals and the people they love. The Bat builds upon the same motives that are evident in other books by Māris Rungulis. Just like the protagonists in Frīda Frikadele (2000), The Frog’s Croak (2004) and Naughty Alfred (2012), the main heroes of this book behave in a way that defies the norms of society. They are not afraid to look silly, if it means protecting their ‘littlest brothers’ – the animals. At times they resort to some rather drastic measures in their attempts to reduce pollution and rescue nature. Nonetheless, the author is on the side of these ‘eco-warriors’ since their motives are always disarmingly genuine and noble. This may just be the key to the acclaim that the stories Rungulis receive among young readers. He is a favourite among children and teenagers alike, and his books have been nominated for the most prestigious awards, receiving acclaim and prizes.. Just this year, both Rungulis and Brasliņa received the Jānis Baltvilks’ Prize for their outstanding efforts in enriching Latvian children’s literature with an array of fascinating and likeable characters.

The Ocean and the Desert Author: Inese Paklone Illustrator: Alise Mediņa

The Ocean and the Desert is Inese Paklone’s third book for children. The idea of the book came to her after two long trips to Chile. Paklone brought back with her some tiny knitted finger dolls as souvenirs, as well as the imaginary smiling llama Atakama and the crafty penguin Humbolt Humbolt. The stunning illustrations by the versatile artist Alise Mediņa take the reader through Chile’s unique nature and geography: high mountains, abundant waters, lands covered with snow and ice, deserts, forests and all kinds of gems created by nature and people.

ISBN 978-9984-33-457-8 Hardcover 251 x 271 mm 88 pages Age: 7+

Salty Pancakes Author: Māris Rungulis Illustrator: Elīna Brasliņa Latvian Children’s Jury Award 2016 Nominated for International Baltic Sea Region Jānis Baltvilks Prize in Children’s Literature and Book Art 2016

Salty Pancakes is a dynamically-paced adventure book that morphs into a ghost story half-way through. It’s a witty tale about two twelve-year-olds Martins and Inese, who are cruising around a lake in a stolen boat called Emily. Throughout the book, they experience things that most of their peers would only dream about. The author reveals the differences between how boys and girls view the world during complicated situations and where these world-views collide.The same events and the passing of time are narrated through the eyes of both Martins and Inese. Through this process, they become completely different sets of events. The world of fantasy and illusion in the story are so stront, that they often deform reality, and that takes makes you hold your breath. “Are all boys so strange and stupid?” Inese blurts out by accident. “Strange?” Martins asked, pretending that he hadn’t heard the remark about being stupid, but he didn’t look upset. He looked a little confused though, so Inese explained what she’d meant. “So strange that... they want to live through everything they’d read about and they believe in it all, too!” ISBN 978-9984-33-403-5 Hardcover 165 x 245 x 14 mm 108 Pages AGES 9–15

Premiere! Castor and Porcella Author: Juris Zvirgzdiņš Illustrator: Gita Treice Nominated for the National Book Art Contest Award “Golden Apple Tree” 2014

The author Juris Zvirgzdiņš reminds us that at every big, self-respecting town one can find Opera House, but can the parents going by tell their children what’s happening in this house? He draws attention to the music, the hard everyday work of the creative people, and the status of the ‘star’ when it’s achieved, the world’s music pearls, the qualities of the orchestra instruments. The reader can find all this in the new book. The author has affirmed that his main principle is to educate and amuse, which is intriguing for the reader. Juris Zvirgzdiņš wanted this book to be a bit paradoxical, inspiring little readers to ask their parents questions and then to wait for answers.

ISBN 978-9984-33-393-9 Hardcover 215 x 265 x 9 mm 40 Pages AGES 7+

The Walking Leg Author: Leons Briedis Illustrator: Aleksejs Naumovs

After a period of absence, the poet Leons Briedis has returned to the children’s literature scene with two books, including The Walking Leg. He is well-aware that every poem should contain an important secret, which young readers need to solve by themselves. In this way, the poet enables the child to participate actively in the making of each poem, enhancing their emotional and intellectual capabilities. Briedis is not trying to describe or portray, but rather to elicit how children see the world and everything that happens around them.Thus, the moral of each poem unravels organically, trusting the child to draw their own conclusions, and enhance their ability to show empathy for someone else’s suffering, and happiness for someone else’s joy. This poetry collection speaks to the child through the tone of a folksong, but contemporary characters can also be found within the poems,allowing a child to identify themselves with the characters. The poet’s warm tone is evident throughout the collection. His is a humane and light voice, which is so often missing from contemporary children’s literature.

ISBN 978 -9984-33-429-5 Hardcover 245 x 260 x 5 mm 47 pages AGES 5 - 8

The Cow on the baggage carrier Author: Ieva Samauska Illustrator: Elīna Brasliņa Latvian Children’s Jury Award 2015

The heroes of this new book for teenagers are a brother and sister – Rose and Axel. They have found that the reason for rumours in the town is… the common cow! The police haven’t detected it yet. In fact the cow isn’t so usual at all. Normally cows don’t speak, though sometimes they make the sounds M – OO. But this cow can walk like people on two legs., She polishes her nails, plays a little guitar and pays attention to neglected cats, dogs and children. Happily, children have met her, because not everyone can see her. ISBN 978-9984-33-392-2 Hardcover 160 x 230 x 20 mm 208 pages AGES 7–13

The Girl Who Knew All the Languages of the World Author: Ieva Samauska Illustrator: Gita Treice Why DOES a girl needs to learn all the languages of the world?

Nominated for the National Book Art Contest Award “Golden Apple Tree” 2012

This story is about a girl called Lela, who finds herself in an embarrassing situation while attending a party for diplomats. She makes a brave decision – to learn all the languages of the world. Lela discovers that learning languages is actually an exciting and inspiring process, which turns into a fun adventure. As she studies languages (she has got herself 12 different dictionaries), Lela begins to learn many other things as well: how to draw, how to make fish from folded paper and how to create a map. While flying in a hot air balloon, she experiences the significant moment when her ability to use newly acquired words quite literally ends up saving someone’s life. ISBN 978-9984-33-359-5 Hardcover 175 x 275 x13 mm 84 pages AGES 7–12 Foreign rights: sold to UK

The Tale about Tebra’s Beaver Author: Māris Rungulis Illustrator: Aleksejs Naumovs

Beaver is the inspiring result of two collaborating masters. Maris Rungulis is a much loved Latvian children author, and has been awarded the Spring Prizee, the Janis Baltvilks Prize, and several Children’s, Jury prizes as well. Professor AlekseiNaumov of the Latvian Academy of Art is a prominent, well known painter, and his works are often showed at exhibitions abroad. Both have received the diplomas of the Council of Cihildren’s and Youth literature. The impressive illustrations introduce little readers to the wonderful, unforgettable world of wild nature.

ISBN 978-9984-33-231-4 Hardcover 240 x 330 x 9 mm 40 pages AGES 5–10

Juris Zvirgzdiņš (1941)

One of the most versatile Latvian living writers, Juris Zvirgzdiņš is the author of numerous books, plays, short stories and essays. Most of Zvirgzdiņš’ work focuses on children’s literature, for which he has received several prizes of a national calibre. His books are read world-wide, translated into languages including English, Russian, Italian and Lithuanian.

Authors

Inguna Cepīte (1960)

Inguna Cepīte is a writer whose eloquent use of language, humour and simplicity of expression cuts through to readers of all ages. In the books that she has co-written with the acclaimed Latvian author Juris Zvirgzdiņš, she leads the young readers through culturally and geographically diverse excursions, using a cohort of bold and extravagant characters as the guides. These include the much-loved protagonists of recognised European children’s stories, and has led Inguna to being awarded with the National Boys’s Jury Award.

Authors

Pēters Brūveris (1957 – 2011)

The first book by Brūveris was published in 1977. He wrote a total of ten collections of poetry and also children’s books and lyrics for songs. Since 1988, Pēters Brūveris was a member of the Latvian Writers’ Union and he worked for several years as an editor at various culture magazines. Apart from his own work, he translated poetry into Latvian, mainly but not exclusively from different parts of the former Soviet Union. He commanded a large number of languages including Russian, Turkish, Lithuanian, Gagauz, Ossetian, Crimean Tatar and Mordvinic.

Ieva Samauska (1969)

Ieva Samauska had her debut in children’s literature in 2006 with her poetry collection How to Conjure up Snow. The author has since completed numerous novels, poetry collections and stories for children and young adults, many of which have been nominated for Latvian prizes in literature.

Illustrators

Aleksejs Naumovs (1955)

Professor of Latvian Academy of Art Aleksei Naumov is prominent, well known painter, his works are often showed at different exhibitions abroad. Both have got the diplomas of the Council of Cihildren’s and Youth literature. The impressive illustrations introduce little readers at the wonderful, unforgettable world of wild nature.

Elīna Brasliņa (1988)

Elīna Brasliņa is a talented young artist, whose dynamic illustrations bring any book alive, enhancing the writing with an arabesque charm and elegance.

Alise Mediņa ( 1984)

Alise Mediņa is a Latvian painter, living and working in Riga. Painting is a form of her existence, often without any reason behind.

Vivianna Maria Staņislavska

Inese Paklone (1954)

has become known in the Latvian literature scene, thanks to her skillful translations of the Dutch works – Teacher Owen by Ton Telehen and Jack Freanse’s Teacher Ioap Can Do Anything. The play version of the latter work has been staged at New Riga Theatre and received much acclaim and interest among the younger readers and viewers. Paklone’s debut work The Little Saw has been named a work of excellence “that will defnitely become a Christmas classic.

Arno Jundze (1965)

Māris Rungulis (1950)

Māris Rungulis is one of the most prolific and popular writers for children and young adult fiction in Latvia. He has written tens of books, including poetry, stories, novels and folklore for children. Rungulis has been nominated and awarded with every possible children’s literature award in Latvia.

Zane Brūvere (1983)

is a Latvian prose writer, cultural journalist, literary critic and theorist.Currently Jundze is head of the Latvian Writers’ Union.)

is a Latvian poet and author of the book “Brūveri brūvē”. Zane writes poetry for children as well as adults. She also translates poems and plays from Turkish and Lithuanian languages.

(1992) Graphic designer/cartoonist has received the Jānis Baltvilks Prize in the Young Growth subcategory for her illustrations in Ieva Samauska’s book “Skaļā klase” (The Noisy Class), wich is published in UK, too. Ever since she was a child, Vivianna was always taken by art in comic books. Now she has realised another one of her dreams as an animator.

Lina Dudaite (1974)

Illustrator, painter and graphic designer. She works as a freelance illustrator for various magazines and publishing houses.

Sabīne Košeļeva (1989)

mostly writes prose about existential matters, such as moral choices, finding oneself and the right place in the world, trauma healing, morals of the society and individual, psychological issues, sexuality. Her coming of age novel “RigaMoscow. A 21st Century Love Story” (2015) was nominated for The Annual Latvian Literature Award in category “Best Debut”.

Gita Treice (1969)

Leons Briedis (1946)

Leons Briedis is a Latvian poet, novelist, essayist, literary critic and publisher, as well as a translator of various important works of prose and poetry from Latin, Russian, English, Romance languages (such as Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Catalan, Rhaeto-Romanic), Swahili, Albanian and other tongues.

Indra Brūvere (1983)

Indra Brūvere was born in 1983, Riga. She is a poet and Lithuanian – Latvian translator

Gita Treice highly values her search for a character and bravely explores all possibilities by conducting artistic experiments. The result of this process is a unique artistic style, specific to Treice. Whether its a character who is made up of wooden shingles, or teddy Tobiass who looks at the reader thoughtfully with his expressive button eyes, Treice’s work cannot be mistaken for anyone else.

Anita Rupeika (1989)

Anita is a Latvian illustrator and painter, illustrated numerous books. Nominate for 2018 International Baltic Sea Region Jānis Baltvilks Prize in Children’s Literature and Book Art.”By drawing illustrations I try not to simply portray the events described in the text, but also to visually complement them.I believe that illustrations are another story, and in this story I try to include a sense of wonder and magic.”

Evija Stukle-Zuitiņa (1976)

Illustrator and graphic designer. She has collaborated with the publishers Pētergailis creating illustrations and cover designs for various publications.

Some of the brightest moments...