Best Seven

The German translation of THE CANCERCHAMPIONSHIP FOR JUNIORS, the book that I wrote with Roy Looman (it's based on the story of his life) was chosen as one of the Besten Sieben in December 2016 (the seven best children's and young adultbooks, chosen by 29 jurors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland). That's a big honour!
The book was translated by Rolf Erdorf and in German it's called KREBSMEISTERSCHAFT FÜR ANFÄNGER (Carlsen Verlag).

The rights for this book can be seen here.
This book is promoted by the Dutch Literary Fund, so foreign publishers could apply for translation and production grants here. 

VISITING FRANKFURT & JUGENDLITERATURPREIS

'This is what we share' is the theme that sums up all the activities Holland and Flanders organise at the Bookfair in Frankfurt this year. 'We' are Guest of Honor, and over seventy writers and illustrators are invited. I will be attending the fair from Thursday the 20th of October til Sunday the 23rd.
There will be many talks & interviews & book signings. The talks mostly will be about my latest youth book; KREBSMEISTERSCHAFT FÜR ANFÄNGER (THE CANCER CHAMPIONSHIP FOR JUNIORS, written with Roy Looman, translated by Rolf Erdorf and issued by Carlsen Verlag).

One event is extra thrilling: this Friday the winners of the German Literature Prize will be named. Illustrator Anton Van Hertbruggen and me are nominated for our picture book THE DOG THAT NINO DIDN'T HAVE. (Published by Bohem Press, translated by Rolf Erdorf) Many other wonderful picture books are nominated, so we won't win the award, but still: exciting!

NEW BOOK IN GERMANY

This month a new youth book of mine came out in German. Publishing house Carlsen Verlag issued KREBSMEISTERSCHAFT FÜR ANFÄNGER, the German thranslation (by the great translator Rolf Erdorf), which is based on the true life story of Roy Looman (now 21, in the story he is fifteen years old). The original title, published by Querido in Amsterdam is HET KANKERKAMPIOENSCHAP VOOR JUNIOREN.

Roy told me his life story in over fourty sessions. He got cancer when he was 15 years old, at a time where he was mainly playing soccer with his friends, working in a supermarket, going to school, having fun, trying to kiss as many girls as he could. The impact it had on his life and on his mind is in the book - and the story is told in a very direct, strong way. It moves from heartfelt to extremely funny (Roy has a great sense of humour), from the start of the disease to the end, and even after that - and we get to know everything, including pretty private episodes. It's amazing what Roy dared to tell, but it's part of his mission: make people aware of what cancer can do to a young mind, in a negative ánd in a positive way. I'm very proud that Roy let me use his voice for this swinging, fast-paced, but yet elaborate novel. It's certainly not a sad book, and this is proven by the first line: 'This must be the sickest game I have ever played. But I can't stand losing, so let me tell you upfront: I'm not going to die.'
 
This book is promoted by the Dutch Literary Fund, so foreign publishers could apply for translation and production grants here.

THE CANCERCHAMPIONSHIP FOR JUNIORS GOES TO GERMANY

The book is not even out yet, but already publishing house Carlsen bought the German rights of THE CANCERCHAMPIONSHIP FOR JUNIORS (HET KANKERKAMPIOENSCHAP VOOR JUNIOREN), the book that is based on all the interviews I did with Roy Looman (20), about his lifestory: getting cancer at an early age, and at the same time having friends, kissing girls, working at the supermarket, caring about your little brothers.

The book, with its direct, uninhibited tone will be out in april this year in Holland, and one year later in German, translated by Rolf Erdorf.
Both me and Roy are very pleased!