An enchanting new adventure novel by the Finlandia Prize winner sold to 25 areas.
Author: Anja Portin
Finnish original: Sumupuiden kirja
Publisher: S&S, 2023
Genre: Children’s fiction, fantasy, middle grade
Number of pages: 384 pp.
Reading material: Finnish original, English sample, English synopsis
Rights sold: Danish, Staarup; Estonian, Ühinenud ajakirjad; Polish, Widnokrag
Screen rights: available
“In the spring, I was left alone. Mother disappeared under the earth that quaked down the mountain. Time after that has passed in a haze and I couldn’t tell you what day it is…”
Magda Murkbird loses her mother in a horrible accident and needs to learn to cope on her own. Luckily, she is not all alone but has Chestnut – the best dog on earth. In fact, it is thanks to Chestnut that Magda has survived unscathed. The two set off on a journey to look for Magda’s aunt she has never met, and on the way they get lost in a mysterious thick fog covering the peak of the Misty Mountain.
Thus begins an unforgettable adventure in a world governed by Misty Trees, above all the eldest of them, the fountain of all living, the enormous Everbark.
Anja Portin has quickly become a favourite among children’s authors with her middle grade novel Radio Popov, now sold to 25 areas. She writes about children who take matters into their own hands when grownups do not want to take responsibility or are not there to do it. Portin’s theme and style evokes comparisons with Astrid Lindgren and Roald Dahl, among others.
About the author:
Anja Portin