Middle School Misadventures lands in Finland!
Cover for the Finnish version of Middle School Misadventures, published by Otava
It’s always exciting when you get to hold the book that you’ve published in your hands. It’s on a totally different level when you get to hold your book when it has been translated into an entirely different language! My middle-grade graphic novel, Middle School Misadventures, is in its 6th country to be adapted, and I just received the Finnish version of my book.
The differences between the English version and the Finnish version of Middle School Misadventures
I love flipping through and seeing the differences that had been made. But I especially love seeing the large handwritten sections like the above photo. I’ve always been impressed seeing how foreign publishers, and their graphics departments, handle and mimic what I’ve done; successfully capturing the look and feel I was going for. Chapter four, of my first book, is usually the first thing I flip to when pulling out the first copy from the box. I always want to see how Newell Grumbles in a different language.
*Jupinaa!*
Every now and then someone will ask me how involved I am with the production of my books when they are being translated. And the answer is: none. The publisher has all the information they need when they receive the files from Little, Brown books. Occasionally I might get a question that an editor is trying to work around. Such as: Not too long ago I was asked why does Newell call his dad, Poppio? What does that mean? I chuckled because it made sense to myself and didn’t think that it might be confusing. I just said that it was a dad-nickname that Newell has for his dad. A term of endearment for him if you will. Small questions that I can answer to help bridge the translation to their audiences.
I’m extremely grateful for all the people who have worked on my books. Here in the States and abroad. It always makes me happy to know that kids, all over, get a chance to follow Newell and his friends on his misadventures!
Back cover for the Finnish version of Middle School Misadventures, published by Otava