From North to South – The Swiss publishing house has been creating books for children everywhere for over 60 years. With around 40 new titles per year we offer a wide range of high-quality illustrated books and stories for children aged 2 - 8. Working with the best illustrators and authors from around the globe and always on the lookout for new talent. Through our imprint NorthSouth Books we are also well established in the US. Regardless of which side of the Atlantic: An eye for detail, a high level of originality and passion for picture books shapes the way we work.
We make books with our hearts and our brains. See for yourself!
Herwig BitscheAmong our most successful books are »The Rainbow Fish« by Marcus Pfister and »The Little Polar Bear« by Hans de Beer. Our list represents a wide range of authors and illustrators, most of them with numerous titles. Many of our books have been in stock throughout and available for decades. Most recently, the mouse adventures by Torben Kuhlmann have become a significant part of our program. We pride ourselves in promoting young talents and have published quite a few successful debuts in the last couple of years. Our focus is on printed picture books rather than e-books.
Fairy Tales have been a constant companion across our publishing history. Illustrators like Bernadette Watts, Maja Dusíková, Binette Schroeder or Lisbeth Zwerger are pillars of the NordSud list. In Autumn 2015 NordSud launched a new series of unabridged children’s classics, inlcuding »The Jungle Book«, »The Wizard of Oz« or »Heidi« each one richly illustrated.
Established and upcoming illustrators and authors rub shoulders on our list. It’s this colourful mixture that distinguishes NordSüd.
To name but a few: Kwame Alexander, Isabelle Arsenault, Mac Barnett, Hans de Beer, Anne-Kathrin Behl, Bernadette, Käthi Bhend, Sophie Blackall, Aljoscha Blau, Nele Brönner, Pei-Yu Chang, Sonja Danowski, Maja Dusíková, Carson Ellis, Hans Fischer, Philippe Goossens, William Grill, Rebekka Gugger & Simon Röthlisberger, Kazuo Iwamura,Amélie Jackowski, Heinz Janisch, Oliver Jeffers, Sean Julian, Maja Kastelic, Christa Kempter, Jon Klassen, Torben Kuhlmann, Taltal Levi, Sebastian Meschenmoser, Erwin Moser, Jürg Obrist, Josef Palecek, Baptiste Paul, Marcus Pfister, Barbara Piatti, Celestino Piatti, Willy Puchner, Rashin, Yvonne Rogenmoser, Carol Roth, Anna Russelmann, Francesca Sanna, Antonie Schneider, Binette Schroeder, Linda Schwalbe, Eve Tharlet, Max Velthuijs, Julie Völk, Brigitte Weninger, Udo Weigelt, Brendan Wenzel, Józef Wilkon, Linda Wolfsgruber, Lisbeth Zwerger and many, many more.
A carriage is driving towards Copenhagen. Inside are a little girl named Elsa, her mother and another passenger, who introduces himself only as Mr Andersen. Over the course of the journey the inquisitive Elsa asks the man a series of questions and he tells her how the son of a cobbler became an acclaimed writer of the “Fairy Tale of his life”.
Heinz Janisch tells the story of the great Danish writer’s life, weaving in elements of his most famous fairy tales along the way. Maja Kastelic mixes picture book and graphic novel techniques and uses different colour schemes to create a multi-layerd masterpiece.
Ida has always had a mind of her own. Though living at a time when girls were still expected to be mothers and housewives, Ida dreams of being an explorer and going on expeditions. She bravely sets off on her first trip around the world, an adventurous journey over land and sea, discovering faraway lands and exotic people along the way. A wild, exuberant debut which pays homage to the explorer Ida Pfeiffer (1797 – 1858).
A little one conquers the world: potted plants are a wonderful climbing park and a water glass is the perfect swimming pool. But there is a mysterious shadow lurking beyond the books and paper clips. The little girl gathers her courage and prepares to defend herself. But wait, could this fluffy, purring creature be a friend?
An inventive story about courage and friendship.
Friendly Doctor Mouse is happy to help all of his patients, but he can only see them one at a time. When the dog, hen, owl and fox start talking to each other in the waiting room, they start to solve problems themselves. Will Mr Dog find a new friend? Will Ms Hen lose her fear? Will Ms Owl get a new pair of glasses? This humorous story will tickle your funny bone!
Going to the doctor has never been so fun!
In Hamburg there lives an extraordinary mouse. One day she is struck by how dangerous it has become close to home. There are mousetraps and cats everywhere. One by one her mouse-friends vanish. But where are they fleeing to? America? The tiny mouse decides she too will undertake the journey over the Atlantic. Every night she tinkers with her very own flying machine. A wild adventure is about to begin!
From the acclaimed author illustrator of »Lindbergh. The Tale of a Flying Mouse«, a new tale of ingenuity and daring!
In the 1950’s a small grey mouse discovers a telescope pointing directly at the night sky in her attic dwelling. Drawn to the moon and its waxing and waning, from shiny crescent to a full and bright moon, the little mouse sets out to solve the riddle of the moon and whether, as the other mice believe, it really is made of cheese. A mysterious letter from a famous museum leads her on to greater mysteries and a wise old mouse convinces her that nothing is impossible, not even a mouse setting foot on the moon.
The spirit of reinvention and the value we place on things are beautifully expressed in José Sanabria’s visually evocative story about a steamship that makes a journey over time from luxury and exclusion to stewardship and inclusion as we see the changing functions and faces of the people who cherish it most of all.
Things aren’t always what they seem in this humorous book about imagination, umbrellas, and sharing.
Elephant is enjoying his walk in the rain until he is interrupted by a hedgehog, a cat, a bear, and a rabbit – each politely accusing him of having their »boat«, »tent«, »flying machine«, and »balancing pole« while recounting the adventures they had with Elephant’s green »umbrella.« The imagination of each character and the hilarious dialogue will tickle little listeners and the ending will delight.
There’s no place like home when it’s time for bed!
When Bear can’t sleep, he goes on an adventure and discovers the wonders of New York City – a parade, Central Park, hot dogs, and more! But when he finally gets tired and looks for a place to rest . . . he learns why it’s called the city that never sleeps. What’s a bear to do?
Caroline Nastro’s gentle adventure and Vanya Nastanlieva’s engaging illustrations are sure to comfort and delight!
»Surf’s up!«
»Not yet, Dude!«
»Books are boring!«
»Not this one!«
Bro and Dude have very different ideas about how to spend a day at the beach. But as Bro continues to gasp and cheer while he reads his book, Dude can’t help getting pulled in – literally. Before you can shout “Surf’s up!” both frogs are sharing the same adventure – that is, until they get to the beach.
Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander and acclaimed illustrator Daniel Miyares join forces to give readers a wild ride in this playful romp celebrating the joys of summer and reading.
Tony loves animals, especially cats. After a visit to the Pet Rescue Center, his heart hurts for the lonely animals, and he donates his collection of cuddly toys to keep them company. Later that night, he feels all alone. Who will comfort him and help him sleep? Fortunately Tony’s Mum has her own childhood friend, a cuddly cat named Paul and the two become inseparable. Will Tony’s dream of having a real cat to care for and look after soon become a reality?
Mr. Benjamin is a philosopher with extraordinary ideas. But when his country begins punishing people for being different, he must escape. Over hills and valleys he trudges with a heavy suitcase. What could he be carrying? Mr. Benjamin and his suitcase disappear without a trace but the mystery of what it contained lives on. A compelling and true story about the importance of personal freedom and the distances we go to protect it.
“Pei Yu-Chang is a huge new talent.”
Prof. Felix Scheinberger, FH Münster
Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos is based on the life of one of the world’s most beloved artists and the animals that inspired her art and life. Brown’s story recounts Frida’s pets—two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn— and playfully considers how she embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal.
• Pua Belpré Illustrator Honor
Book 2018
• ALA Notable Children’s Book
2018
• New York Times/New York
Public Library Best Illustrated
Children’s Book 2017
• Nami Concours Island Award
2019, Shortlist
Inspired by the famous “Ministry of Silly Walks” sketch, Belgian illustrator David Merveille has created this hilarious picture book. Perfectly capturing the fun and absurdity of Monty Python this book is sure to delight fans of that series as well as tickle children new to Mr Teabag and his adventures.
John F. Kennedy was born 100 years ago. As America’s 35th president, he often took bold actions. But on civil rights he didn’t act quickly. It took the urging and the example of other courageous people, like Martin Luther King Jr., to help him realize that the time to act was NOW. On June 11, 1963, Kennedy’s “big speech” was a game changer, and his efforts laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. A thought-provoking and sensitive look at a transformative time in history.
“Christie . . . takes readers on a visual journey.”
Publishers Weekly on Freedom in Congo Square
Kenneth Graham’s classic tale of the riverbank with it’s memorable cast of characters, including wise old Badger and the ostentatious Toad of Toad Hall, reinvented by the very talented German illustrator Sebastian Meschenmoser. His mixture of pencil vignettes and full page oil illustrations bring something new to this unabridged version.
Along with Hans Fischer and Alois Cariget, Felix Hoffmann was one of the great Swiss illustrators of the 20th century. He achieved international renown with his innovative interpretations of the familiar fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. With atmospheric landscapes and a keen eye for detail he made a point of giving children new things to find in his art, every time they looked at his books.
“The lithographic lines and colours of Felix Hoffmann are very harmonious. Through his picture books I have learned, how pictures can cohesively tell a story from page to page.”
Kazuo Iwamura
From the creator of Lindbergh and Armstrong, comes Edison.
Long ago a mouse learned to fly. Then another landed on the moon! This story of what happened next is an equally amazing adventure with a dramatic twist.
Pete is a curious little mouse who hears of sunken mouse treasure. With the help of a wise mouse professor they set out to retrieve it and make a big discovery which will forever enlighten mouse- and mankind.
“A shooting star in the firmament of children’s literature with cult potential.” Buch und Maus, Christine Lötscher, on Torben Kuhlmann
The last little newspaper on a newsstand wonders what its life will be like until a gust of wind sends its individual pages flying. Each page travels to a different place and experiences a vastly different life – from being used to clean a mirror and line the cage of a pet to being folded into a boat by a child or sheltering
a homeless person from the
cold – until, at last, the final page finds it’s true calling. Sanabria’s expressive art and thoughtful story reflect many ways our lives can be touched.
The Smon Smon lives on the planet Gon Gon. In the morning the Smon Smon hangs its last ron ron next to its won won on a lon lon and floats away in a ton ton. But when the Smon Smon falls into a zon zon . . . what happens next is what makes any world worth being in. A finely woven story.
Batchelder Honor Book Award recipient Sonja Danowski takes us on a journey to a beautiful, mysterious world where cooperation and generosity save the day and friendships make it wonderful.
“There are picture books which make your heart beat a little faster when you open them.” BuchKultur, Andrea Wedan, on Little Night Cat
What lies behind the sun, the moon, and the stars? Ida can’t stop thinking about these and other very important questions. Then one night, a flying whale wakes her and takes her on an amazing journey – where some of her questions are answered and even more created. This gentle, philosophical tale is a visual treat sure to fill curious little readers with wonder.
While others do “penguin” things, Chilly da Vinci – self-declared inventor penguin, builds machines that don’t work… yet!
When Chilly’s latest invention “Good Bird” crashes into the penguins’ iceberg home, a chunk of ice separates and sends them drifting out to sea. Can he invent a way to get them home?
Sloppy the tree dragon doesn’t want to take a bath. “Being mucky is what a tree dragon is all about.” But Dewdrop refuses to give him a hug until he’s clean, so Sloppy reconsiders. Could it be that getting clean is nearly as much fun as getting dirty?
“A heart-warming picture book with a wide read-aloud audience. It’s even more fun with each reading.” Eselsohr, Sylvia Mucke, on Sloppy Wants a Hug
“Funny, lovable and thoroughly educational!” Stiftung Lesen, on Sloppy Wants a Hug
There once was a little girl named Ada. She looked ordinary, but she was anything but. Ada loved solving problems – big problems, little problems, and tricky complicated problems. She invented crazy contraptions, solved big sums, and read all the books in the library. The truth is she changed the world. Zoe Tucker and Rachel Katstaller tell the amazing story of a little girl who didn’t go to school, but grew up to create the world’s first computer program.
A pioneer not just in mathematics but also for women in science.
A shaggy but lovable creature is pining away because it has lost his home and has lived in the darkness ever since. One day curiosity get’s the better of it and it ventures out to the edge of the darkness. On the other side, bathed in sunlight and bright colours, lives a very different, gentle creature. The two tentatively get to know one another, until they finally become friends.
A quietly poetic story which gives hope and courage in difficult times, sensitively told by Kerstin Hau. With contrasting imagery provided by Julie Völk, this book shows that life is light, dark and every shade in between.
“Vini! Come! The field calls!” cries a girl as she and her younger brother rouse their community – family, friends, and the local fruit vendor – for a pickup football (futbol) match. Boys and girls, young and old, players and spectators come running – bearing balls, shoes, goals, and a love of the sport. “Friends versus friends” teams are formed, the field is cleared of cows, and the game begins! But will a tropical rainstorm threaten their plans?
The world’s most popular and inclusive sport has found its spirited, poetic, and authentic voice in Baptiste Paul’s debut picture book.
• Horn Book Fanfare 2018
• Kirkus Best Books 2018
• School Library Journal
Best Books 2018
• Shelf Awareness
Best Books 2018
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NordSüd Verlag AG
Franklinstrasse 23
8050 Zürich
Switzerland
Phone +41 (0)44 936 68 68
Publisher and Managing Director Herwig Bitsche
Assistant Publisher Andrew Rushton
Assistance to the Management Annina Studer
Public Relations Julia Ann Stüssi
Assistance Public Relations, Events Jacqueline Frei
Foreign Rights Louise Münzer
Assistance Foreign Rights Laetitia Oertle
Editorial Department Hanna Lang, Andrea Naasan, Elena Rittinghausen
Graphics Department Fabienne Heeb, Theresa Gamper
Account Staff Sonja Wennemer