Founded in 2010, Otago is a literary agency based in Bologna, Italy. We represent authors in Italy and abroad, foreign publishers and literary agencies in the Italian market, and we manage the foreign rights of Italian publishing houses. We are proud to be one of the founding members of ADALI, the first Association of Italian literary agents.
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Remember urban legends? And have you ever heard of Pokémon Black, the devilish version of the Japanese game? You’ll probably wish you hadn’t after you’ve read this collection of horror stories based on the internet’s scariest stories… Urban legends have always fascinated young people and their imagination. The digital generations have come to known them from the internet and through social media. Now, Mikko Toiviainen has written a collection of clever and scary original short stories based on the myths and legends circulating the web. Topics range from an immersive game experience gone too far to a potentially lethal email chain – or an AI system who knows you all too well. The Dark Mirror is a collection to be read around a digital campfire with your friends. It’s perfect for boys, girls, and all those kids who are not yet avid readers. The story collection also includes a short story written by artificial intelligence!
Was my father a spy and a killer? Questioning her family past draws middle-aged Mari right in the centre of Nokia’s shady trades with the Soviet Union and the legacy of the Cold War lies. Mari’s father was Michael Albright, an American businessman who moved to Helsinki in the early 1980’s, set up a family and a successful career, but returned to the States with his new mistress at the end of the decade. Or at least this is the story as Mari knows it. Michael’s real name is Edward and he was sent to Helsinki as a CIA undercover agent in 1980. He got involved in a deceivingly clever double-scheme, where the frontmen of Nokia played both the Soviets and the Americans, resulting in a secret operation on a wintry night in 1988. An operation that went horribly wrong. When Mari finds out that Michel Albright never really existed, everything she has known about herself, family, and love start to crumble. Events in the provincial Helsinki cabinets and private parties, and decisions taken during negotiations in saunas and snowed-in cottages, sent shockwaves all the way to the core of the superpower politics. Cold War Affairs is a contemporary and imaginative take on the bold schemes behind the Cold War politics and their life-changing effects on individuals and families, echoing the present interest in the personal life of a spy in popular TV-series like Homeland and Le Bureau. Skillfully staged by a young talented author who remoulds the tradition of the Cold War spy novels by masters like John Le Carré and Graham Greene, with a nod to The Innocent by Ian McEwan.
In this powerful debut novel, the beauty of the Arctic nature in Lapland contrasts with the brutal actions conducted both at a secret Nazi prison camp during the Second World War and against the indigenous Sámi people after the war. These secrets are buried deep, while inconceivable destinies drive the narration, resulting in an intoxicating read. The dual storyline of LAND OF SNOW AND ASHES takes place in Northern Finland, in Lapland, altering between two points in time: In 1944, a young Finnish soldier is sent to work as interpreter at a secret prison camp ran by the Nazis. What we get to read is his diary, taking us to one the darkest time periods in human history. In the late 1940’s, Inkeri, reporter and photographer from the south, arrives to write about the reconstruction of the Enontekiö town in Lapland after the war. She befriends a young Sámi girl and learns about the ongoing racial profiling of the indigenous Sámi people. She also has a personal agenda: to find out what happened to her husband who never returned from the war. The more Inkeri gets to know her young tenant Olavi – who is also originally from the south but has lingered in Lapland after the war ended – the more convinced she becomes that he is hiding something concerning her husband’s destiny. Underneath the skies of polar night and midnight sun, dark secrets begin to unfold.
The adventures of Wild House continue in this brilliant follow-up that introduces readers to Roof Riders. In this action-packed contemporary adventure sequel, the children decide to take the reins of the secret filled house into their own hands. Just as the main character TomTom and his friends are settled in the unusual Scurry Manor a new surprise awaits them. Stranger Dunia hops onboard claiming to be a Roof Rider from another wild house called Sugar Manor. Tomtom relates to the new arrival and the role of a Roof Rider and everything starts to make sense, the story of his family is entwined with the ongoing adventure: “To understand what you’re capable of, you have to embrace who you are”. Things take a turn to the worse and Tomtom must hop off Scurry Manor. Will he be able to return? Siri Kolu's lively exciting Wild House trilogy continues with new twists and turns. There’s nothing like an adventure to create new friendships. Combined with illustrator Johanna Lumme's black and white illustration the story embraces freedom, childhood, diversity, and creativity.
The Jungle Crew’s adventures in the big city continue as they encounter new acquaintances in the busy city streets! In the second book about the group of jungle refugees, the three adapt to a new life in the city. Zebra is at school and Mama Hen has an interesting job, only poor Giraffe feels out of place. While struggling to find his place, Giraffe gives a try to new experiences as he ponders what could be his specialty. When a fruit thief strikes in the Jungle Crew’s house’s thriving garden Giraffe is set to catch the evildoer. During the chase, Giraffe realizes that learning new things is a struggle but also extremely fun. And sometimes the solutions to secrets are right in front of you, as long as you know where to look. Each page is if filled with stunning illustrations, that bring to life all the wonders and quirkiness of the jungle citizens who make their way in a new neighborhood. The current pressing themes of climate change and migration are depicted charmingly in the voice of jungle creatures in this captivatingly colourful sequel of the timely picture book series.
Have you ever wondered what Santa Claus and the elves do when all the gifts are delivered? Up in the village of Korvatunturi, where the Christmas spirit is at its fullest, a well-deserved holiday break begins for everyone. It lasts for twelve Christmas days, from Christmas Day to Epiphany. In this jolly Christmas story, we find out what happens over Santa’s holiday and how the Korvatunturi folk relax. Delicious delicacies, fun and games, and many other festive traditions from around the world set Santa Claus and his elves to the holiday mood as they enjoy the 12 days of Christmas. The dozen joyous days include many whimsical activities such as snow fun Flumber’s Day loved by many of the elves and a traditional wild Christmas pantomime. Also, there’s a bit of magic in the air at the turning of the year. But most important of all is to enjoy the time together. The ultimate connoisseur of Christmas, Mauri Kunnas reaches the festive spirit better than anyone. Santa’s Christmas holiday is filled with a warm atmosphere and good-natured humor. The magic of Christmas continues with the merry bunch of Korvatunturi folk.
The adventures of the charming and well-intentioned field-mouse continue. A familiar red cape flutters in the wind as little Fearless Field-mouse ventures carefree along forest paths with friend shrew on a mission: to be a hero. Together the duo set off on a heroes’ quest until they find themselves on the doorstep of the terrifying beetle. Next unsuspecting Fearless Field-mouse is preparing for a dual and must rise to the challenge to set free the exhausted family of grasshoppers who has been terrorized for centuries. But the question is who is the bravest hero of all? The one who is fearless or the one who overcomes his fears? This storybook is a gentle encouragement to young readers. Sometimes it’s good to be a bit braver than you think can be. In this sequel universal themes of courage, self-knowledge, overcoming fears, and standing up for others with sympathetic main animal characters and new acquaintances are brought to life in classic but quirly illustrations. The detailed artwork is a beautiful visual invite to the world of Van Gogh and Wes Andersen films, both inspirations reflected in the illustration.
The excitement and loveliness of travelling are revealed as readers join Finland’s most popular picture book heroes on an exhilarating train journey. Tatu and Patu are travelling on a train for the very first time – what does one pack on a train journey: Hot chocolate induced underwear and mashed all-you-can-eat, of course. The joy of discovery in the train leads into the most hilarious train trip towards Helsinki in new comic album design. Back to the basic oddness and essence of these curious brothers.
Hung is the sunshine of the nursery but when he grows restless, his heart starts beating bam-bam and turns into a ferocious panther Bam-Bam, who is wildly runs, climbs and leaps. When Bam-Bam feels blue he feels like running away.The panther must get out of the nursery yard to the forest. Luckily panthers are able to open the nursery gate. Heybuddy Nursery is a picture book series, that celebrates diversity and everyday nursery life, the mood swings, fears and dramas that children encounter every day, but with all the humour, friendship and care that makes them feel safe. Each title is set in a different season and features a different protagonist, but all the children become familiar in this multi-cultural nursery. The insightful stories by Veera Salmi are illustrated with humour and colourful details by Elina Warsta.
Why doesn’t Stella want to go to bed? The charming Stella picture book series about first experiences continues as the second book addresses children’s fears. It’s time for bedtime but Stella’s toys all over the place. Mummy tells her to clean up. Stella is annoyed. Why are adults allowed to dictate everything! Regular evening routines are a struggle, and nothing seems to go right. When Stella is finally in her nighty, eaten her porridge, and visited the bathroom once more, it’s time for her to close her eyes. But she can’t sleep. What if a monster is hiding in the dark under her bed, she worries. Luckily, Mummy knows the tricks for overcoming the fear of the dark. Johanna Lestelä’s books present a preschooler’s everyday issues with a coherent storyline and stylish illustrations that beautifully support one another.
Menseki Meiro, also known as Area Mazes, have taken the world by storm since they first became popular in Japan. This new volume is full of even bigger challenges - in 3D, too! Find the missing value using the simple arithmetic combined with your own creativity and logical thinking power. Perfect for Sudoku lovers and curious puzzlers of all ages.
Iris is cross. She’s in the middle of a game, and her mother, tired out by the baby, is angrily telling her to go to bed. Why are grown-ups allowed to stay up later? Why do you have to go to bed if you’re not tired? And why doesn’t sleep come anyway? Who on earth is the Sandman? Her dreams take Iris with them into the forest, to a farm, under the water and finally to the mountains. At that point the dream becomes a little frightening when Iris meets a sleepy monster suffering from insomnia! Fortunately, when Iris wakes up in the morning everything is back to normal. Even her mother is more cheerful. Close your Eyes, Iris! is a book about the fascinating and still largely unknown world of sleep. Many exciting aspects of sleep receive a child-level explanation which will also interest adult readers: how do fish sleep? And what about jellyfish, which don’t have brains or eyes? How can bears sleep all winter? How do sleep and sleeplessness affect the human brain, nervous system and cells? Why is it sometimes really difficult to wake up?
