Hot Key Books, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired world English language rights for the prize-winning Rhubarb Lemonade from Oskar Kroon.
Jenny Jacoby, editor, acquired the title from Carin Bacho Carniani from Koja Agency, Stockholm. Previously published in 12 other languages, this will be Kroon’s first title published in the English language.
A prize-winning novel about family, blossoming love and a hot Swedish summer, Rhubarb Lemonade is a story filled with empathy and heart about that exciting, confusing time when childhood comes to an end. Vinga must learn to hold her course during the storm of farewells, newfound friendship and a stranded whale as she spends her summer making an old boat seaworthy.
Oskar Kroon said: “Vinga, the main character of Rhubarb Lemonade, is a dreamer. She’s dreaming about the ocean, longing for far away harbours, foreign languages. That the novel is being translated into English means that Vinga’s dreams are coming true. And that really makes me happy!”
Jenny Jacoby added: “This wonderful novel precisely captures the kaleidoscope of feelings that being thirteen brings, from awkwardness and insecurity to silliness and belly laughs – and the very special delight of someone liking you back for the first time. It’s no surprise that the book has won prizes in other territories and I am so pleased to be bringing this novel to readers in English.”
Oskar Kroon was a journalist who retrained as a baker. Now he writes full-time so he can spend time with his family. Rhubarb Lemonadewas published in Sweden in 2019 as Waiting for Wind and won the August Prize for the best Swedish children’s book in 2019. It has been published in 12 other languages.
Rhubarb Lemonade, will publish in June 2023 in paperback and ebook.
