Almost found it!
That’s the translated title of the new adventure of August the Fox and Suzy Squirrel.
Suddenly, I got a call from Jean-Christophe, the publisher at Lemniscaat (NL).
“Hey Miriam, I have something really cool to ask of you! Would you like to make a book for the ‘Give a (Picture) Book Away’ campaign?”
“Uh… yes, of course!” I stammered. “But how, what, where, why?”
I’d heard of the initiative before, but I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
It turned out to be something truly special.
About the campaign
The ‘Give a (Picture) Book Away’ project started in 2016 and is a nationwide campaign with a beautiful goal: to help as many children as possible grow up surrounded by truly wonderful books.
The campaign is all about giving. 💕 Not just to your own child, niece, or neighbor’s kid, but also to an entire class or a daycare group — because every child deserves stories.
To make that possible, a beautiful picture book (for ages 2 to 6) and a special children’s novel (for ages 8 to 12) are published each year, both available for just €2,99 at independent bookstores. That makes it incredibly easy to share the joy of books.
But what is so special about this time?
Starting in 2026, the initiative will feature brand-new books for the first time, specially written and illustrated by well-known Dutch creators. That means they’ll offer two completely fresh stories no one has at home yet. Previously, they would use existing books for the campaign. But for their 10-year anniversary, they’re starting off with a new concept.
On the 'Give a Book Away' website (NL), you’ll find more information for schools, bookstores, teachers, and the press, all aimed at getting a book into the hands of as many children as possible.
Oh, and this is not unimportant: Pieter Koolwijk was also invited to take part. He’s currently working on a children’s book called Limbusland, which, as always, will be beautifully illustrated by Linde Faas. (And honestly, I can’t wait to get my hands on it, haha!)
A new adventure for our two little forest friends
As you might already know, August and Suus are best friends, and they’re also complete opposites. Together they go on small and big adventures, always with a touch of humor.
So, for this campaign, I came up with Bijna Gevonden (Which means ‘Almost Found’).
I already had a rough version of the story in my head when they approached me. I was just about to pitch it to Lemniscaat when this campaign unexpectedly crossed my path.
But… I’m not going to reveal what it’s about just yet. 🤫 So you’ll have to be patient a little longer.
What I can tell you is that both Pieter’s and my book will be available in bookstores starting Friday, May 22, 2026. I can’t wait. But first we both need to work hard on finishing our books!
Thankful
That’s how I feel when I realize I get to be part of such a special project.
I truly consider it an honor to have been asked, because if there’s one thing I care deeply about, it’s helping children become confident readers. But even more than that, I want them to enjoy it. To get completely swept away and imagine themselves in another world when they open a book. Isn’t that something every child deserves?
With love,
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