FOREIGN RIGHTS

Liels un Mazs is a family-owned and run children’s book publisher based in Rīga, Latvia, founded in 2004 by Alīse Nīgale (Publisher and Managing Director), Inese Zandere (Editor-in-Chief), and Ūna Laukmane (Head of Design).

It started with a single book that our co-owners, Inese and Ūna, had written and illustrated. With a mission to get this title back into print when its original publisher dissolved, Liels un Mazs was formed, and now, in 2024, we are celebrating a milestone birthday, and our list has grown from one to over 300 titles strong.

Over the years, our work has been recognised with various awards nationally and internationally, the highlight of which was the Bologna Prize for the Best Children’s Publishers of the Year for Europe in 2022.

From the beginning, Liels un Mazs’ vision has been to introduce Latvian readers to contemporary picture books, poetry, and fiction by talented local authors as well as outstanding translations. Our catalogue spans from modern classics to unexpected artistic experiments, delving into serious and complex topics while showcasing diverse writing styles and illustrations. We also love organising various cultural events — exhibitions, concerts, readings, and theatre plays that evolve from our books.

Liels un Mazs’ original titles have been translated into over 30 languages worldwide, and some of our authors have become international stars. Our list of published translations includes works from esteemed authors and illustrators from around the globe, such as Kristin Roskifte, Kitty Crowther, Edward van de Vendel, Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv, Maria Parr, and many more.

Liels un Mazs’ publishing choices are reasoned and responsible, making our books a unifying space where different generations can meet and understand each other.