Foreign rights

Winner of The Queens knickers Award 2025!

The collage-birds of artist Herma Starreveld inspired me to write this story about a bird who is found dead, but then what? Who is going to organize the funeral, who wants to pay a last tribute, is singing a song allowed when you are sad, and what to do after the funeral?
The book was published in september 2022, and not long after the book fair in Frankfurt, the foreign rights were already sold to:
Germany (Jacoby & Stuart)
France (Rue du Monde)
Japan (Kagaku-Dojin)
Canada (Greystone – English rights worldwide)
Spain (Birabiro, for both Spanish and Catalan)

Very pleased that this book will find a worldwide audience! For more information, contact Uta Matten (u.matten@gottmer.nl)

“Grown-ups often talk about love. Could you tell us more about that?” “Love,” Almustafa said, “what a beautiful question. Well, isn’t love what life is all about?”

In this adaptation I unlock Gibran’s life lessons for a younger audience. Parents and teachers can make use of the book when starting a conversation with children. Besides that, adults who are curious about the original book may find this a more accessible version. The wonderful illustrations by Pyhai, full of symbolism and magic, add additional depth to the text.

About the book
Why do you sometimes want to do things that are not allowed? How much money should you give to others when you’re rich? Is it okay to pray if you don’t believe in a god? Why is it so hard to be happy all the time?’ Almustafa, a very wise man who lived in the city of Orphalese for 12 years, decides to return to his homeland. But before he leaves, the children want to ask him all sorts of questions. Almustafa’s answers challenge young readers to reflect on life’s important questions, whether on their own or together, at home or at school. Readers can learn a lot from his teachings – about themselves, about others, and about the world. ‘The Prophet’, Khalil Gibran’s classic masterpiece, was published in 1923 and became a worldwide bestseller.

The book has already been fully translated and printed in English, but only for sale in the Netherlands and Belgium. Publishers world wide are more than welcome to get in touch!

Everyone wanted to eat the pancake. But it had other ideas! It flew through the air, spinning and bouncing out the open door yelling:
‘Catch me if you can!’

A bright and contemporary retelling of the classic tale about a cheeky pancake who makes a great escape! Features playful, rhythmic text and lively, diverse illustrations.

Dutch Publisher: Christofoor
Published in English by Floris Books, UK, English rights worldwide

Nobody’s boy

My adaptation of Hector Malots famous classic ‘Sans famille’ (titled ‘Nobody’s boy’ in English), is incredibly illustrated by Charlotte Dematons. The timelessness of the story makes it a great read for anyone aged 7 and up, whether it be reading it to your 7-year-old or losing yourself in it as an adult.

The book reached the bestseller-top-60 list upon publishing (2016), went to reprints in no time and has five editions so far. More than 30.000 copies sold. Published by Gottmer.

Publishing house Urachhaus Verlag immediately recognised the international potential of my adaptation and brought out a German edition in fall 2018.

For other interested publishers, please feel free to read the sample translation by Lorraine T. Miller.

That stupid book

This is the most stupid book you will ever pick up. It’s so stupid, I’m wondering if you should even pursue to read it. If you do anyway, you can’t say I didn’t warn you. Cause this IS the most stupid book ever. I swear..

Fifteen year old Ive and his classmates get the assignment to write a book. The blue haired student, who has an attention disorder, is not necessarily happy about this. He thinks it’s stupid. He therefore calls it: That stupid book. After an emergency phone call, Ive decides to write about a few days of his own life, when he, his mother and his younger sister go on the road to find his father, who suddenly disappeared. The trip leads to Berlin and is so bizarre, thrilling and funny at once, that according to Ive you’d want to read it in one go. When he meets the mysterious English girl Jo and her dog Max, the story takes an unexpected turn.

Ten reprints.

Published by Volt. Please feel free to read the sample translation by Dorith Mous

Romeo & Juliet

Transforming Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet from a play to a novel, had me staying close to the original story – including it’s rich symbolism – as to keep this most famous love story alive for readers of this day and age. As prof dr. Hoenselaars, of the Utrecht University, and author of Shakespeare forever put it: “Retaining Romeo & Juliet’s juicy lingo, while changing idiom, is extremely difficult. You sure succeeded!”. 

Two reprints.

Published by Blossom Books. For interested publishers, please feel free to read the sample translation by Laura Watkinson.

The little prince

The second most translated book in the world – following the Bible – is now accessible for children, with beautiful illustrations by Mark Janssen. 
This story is one of my all-time favourites; what an incredible honour to be given the opportunity to create a new rendition that is suited for the young readers of our newest generation.

Ten reprints, more than 14.000 copies sold.

Published by Volt. Please feel free to read the sample translation by Kristen Gehrman.

My year in a tent

A heart warming story about resilience, friendship and grief.
Responding to current themes such as refugee camps and overcoming fear.

Ten reprints, more than 12.000 sold.
Second prize for the Flamish childrens- and youth jury 2022.

Published bij Volt.
Turkish translation by Uyurgezer publishers. 

Please feel free to read the sample translation bij Susan Ridder.