FALL 2025
ADULT BOOKS
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PEOPLE LIKE SUNS AND PEOPLE LIKE MOONS
Xillan Macrooy adult fiction paperback, 13,5 x 21,5 432 pages
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PEOPLE LIKE SUNS AND PEOPLE LIKE MOONS adult fiction
sample translation available Lanny grows up in Paramaribo (Surinam)
Why did we publish this?
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with his twin brother. The boys are
Rarely have we read a novel that allows the
[nog aan te vullen na 17 sept]
talented: they draw and even become
reader so intimately into the emotions, fogs,
known as a singing duo. But as Lanny grows
fears, and desires of a young Black queer
older, he increasingly withdraws into the
man. Xillan Macrooy is radically honest, and
moonlit side of life. He doesn’t see himself
through him, the reader closely witnesses
as a sun. And as it becomes more and more
how Lanny slowly learns to see himself in a
clear what his feelings for his best friend
brighter light.
truly mean, a time of life begins in which everything seems to lose its meaning: the music, the sense of freedom he could still fully enjoy as a child, and even the bond with his twin brother. A beautiful, literary coming-of-age novel that powerfully captures the experience of growing up as a Black queer boy in Suriname, showing in a deeply sensory way how notions of masculinity can shape a person’s life.
Xillan Macrooy (born 1993) grew up in Suriname. In addition to his debut novel, he is also creating a theatre performance and a music album.
Foto: Marie Broeckman
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CHILDREN’S BOOKS
CONSPIRACY
THE MOST THRILLING COLLUSION THEORIES (AND ARE THEY TRUE?)
Jan Paul Schutten & Koen Aelterman children’s non-fiction hardcover, 17 x 23 illustrations in black and white 208 pages 11+
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CONSPIRACY
THE MOST THRILLING COLLUSION THEORIES (AND ARE THEY TRUE?) children’s non-fiction, 11+
sample translation available
All over the world, conspiracy theories
Why did we publish this?
Press
are thriving. Is the Earth round or flat after
The days of unquestioning trust in science
all? Who says UFOs don’t exist? Is there
are over – whether we like it or not. Through
an evil elite secretly controlling us? And
social media, even children and young
that moon landing—did it really happen?
people are exposed to sweeping theories
Jan Paul Schutten explores the nine most
about what’s ‘really’ behind things. This book
widespread conspiracy theories. He lays
is exciting – yes, because it includes aliens,
‘With his thoughtful, questioning approach, Schutten unravels and debunks several famous and infamous conspiracy theories.’ ‘But the clever design and full-page, cartoon-style black-and-white illustrations by Flemish illustrator Koen Aelterman also add flair to Conspiracy.’
out the evidence that supports them and
wars, and secret elites – but it’s also a plea
the counter-evidence that refutes them.
for clear thinking and seeing the bigger
Moreover, he explains how the theories
picture. In that way, it equips the reader.
work, what lines of reasoning are used, and
Conspiracy is truly a book for our time.
what role science plays in all of it.
Jan Paul Schutten (1970) is one of the masters of children’s nonfiction. He won the Golden Griffel award (best children’s book) twice and is translated widely.
Koen Aelterman (1988) illustrates for schoolbooks, advertising, theater, children’s books, and animation and published a graphic novel for adults, Don’t You Worry About Us.
Foto: Toon Vieijra
Foto: Britt Guns
‘It’s also commendable that Schutten never dismisses conspiracy theorists as fools.’ ‘Conspiracy is a book that badly needed to be written.’ - NRC ‘Non-fiction master Jan Paul Schutten at his most laid-back in the beautifully designed Conspiracy.’ ‘We should be thankful that someone who so creatively debunks conspiracies isn’t the one inventing them!’ - De Volkskrant ‘Conspiracy is an interesting but, above all, important book.’ - Trouw
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THE BIG CHEERFUL BOOK ABOUT STUTTERING
Jelmer Soes & Coen Hamelink children’s non-fiction hardcover, 17 x 23 illustrations in full colour 128 pages 10+
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THE BIG CHEERFUL BOOK ABOUT STUTTERING children’s non-fiction, 10+
sample translation available The Big Cheerful Book about Stuttering is
Why did we publish this?
packed with funny facts and stories about
Writer and person-who-stutters Jelmer Soes
stuttering. It includes interviews with Well-
wanted to create a book about stuttering.
Known Dutch People Who Stutter, and
One you can often laugh at, and are allowed
answers to the Quite Quirky Questions—
to laugh at. At the same time, it offers
also known as the Q-Q-Questions.
both empowerment and reassurance.
Of course, there’s also The Big Serious
Coen Hamelink makes everything livelier
Stuttering Chapter, along with a convincing
and lighter with his witty and colourful
argument that while stuttering can be
illustrations.
incredibly frustrating, it can sometimes actually be pretty useful. A cheerful, richly illustrated non-fiction book for children in grades 4 through 6 (roughly ages 9–12). For kids who stutter, their classmates, friends, and family members—but also for anyone who loves jokes, cartoons, quirky facts, and clear explanations.
Jelmer Soes (1986) wrote young adult novels about game addiction and about donor children, and co-wrote The Eurovision Song Contest: all the years, all the songs, all the stories. Foto: Rodney Kersten
Coen Hamelink (1978) creates colourful children’s books, theater posters, and animations full of theatrical characters and humorous details. Foto: Linda Rollenberg
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THE RUTHLESS DETECTIVES
Evelien Mentink children’s fiction hardcover, 15,5 x 22 no illustrations 228 pages 10+
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THE RUTHLESS DETECTIVES children’s fiction, 10+
sample translation available Twelve-year-old David has spent a year
Why did we publish this?
Press
abroad with his father – and when he
Because debut author Evelien Mentink truly
returns, all sorts of things start happening.
surprised us with this manuscript. After
Nina, his neighbor and old friend, suddenly
years of writing courses led by some of the
has a boyfriend. A friendly homeless
best in the field, she delivered this gripping
‘This debut will undoubtedly find its way to readers, because it’s exactly the kind of book the target audience devours. A bonus that it’s also well-written.’ - jaapleest.nl
man named Oscar occasionally sleeps
detective story for children. Beneath the
in their old treehouse. And during the
well-drawn characters and tight plot lies
neighborhood street party, someone
a powerful message about setting aside
is suddenly murdered. David and Nina
your prejudices. We’re proud that Evelien
become completely caught up in the
Mentink chose Blauw Gras, and take note:
thrilling search for the culprit…
this is only the first in a whole series of exciting children’s books.
David and Nina are vividly portrayed – they could be in any sixth-grade
Start of a series! David and Nina, as the ‘Ruthless Detectives’, will experience many more adventures.
classroom. At the same time, this book is a true page-turner, leading to a surprising conclusion just when you thought you had everything figured out. Just like a good detective story should!
Evelien Mentink (1969) is a judge and now a debut author, writing thrilling stories for children.
Foto: Cathelijne Beckand Verwée
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SARA’S MYSTERIES Sara de Monchy investigates real-life questions, together with the children who asked them: Why are the neighbors acting so secretive? How can you find out if your ancestors were enslaved? Are there stolen
Sara de Monchy & Saskia Halfmouw
goods in that abandoned shed? Was a wildcat really spotted in the forest? What happened to the puppy that suddenly
children’s narrative non-fiction
had to move away? Where is your family’s
hardcover, 17 x 23
traditional sword? What does the song your
illustrations in full coulour
dad always sang actually mean? And why
144 pages
has your favorite vacation friend stopped
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writing back? Sara de Monchy (1994) is a podcast creator, theatre maker, and program developer.
The eight best stories from Sara de Monchy’s popular, award-winning true-crime podcast for children were transformed into eight suspenseful, richly illustrated tales. Saskia Halfmouw created
Foto: Benning en Gladkova
Saskia Halfmouw (1968) has illustrated a wide range of children’s books and also creates her own picture books.
truly stunning artwork that expands on the podcast stories and gives them a vibrant backdrop. Sara de Monchy was awarded the Hotze de Roos Prize 2025 for this book, recognizing the best debut children’s book of the year.
Foto: Benning en Gladkova
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IN THE NIGHT Ramses Shaffy & Jet Parent picture book hardcover, 28 x 22 illustrations in full colour 32 pages 4+ One night a year – and parents don’t know this – all children quietly get out of bed. They sneak off to the forest, where a wonderful party of sweets and games begins. They make sure they’re back in bed just in time. And in the morning? Mom says: ‘Honey… you look a bit tired.’
Ramses Shaffy (1933–2009) was one of the most iconic Dutch singers and actors.
Foto: Jac de Nijs Nationaal Archief CCO
Jet Parent (1995) made her picture book debut in 2023 This is her second book.
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FOREIGN TITLES Blauw Gras is proud to publish international authors in translation, such as:
ADULT FICTION Kim Ae-ran (South-Korea)
CHILDREN’S FICTION
Jakob Martin Strid (Denmark)
Chukwuebuka Ibeh (Nigeria)
Patrick Ness & Tim Miller (United Kingdom)
Sophie Souid & Thomas Hjorthaab (Denmark)
Rán Flygenring (Iceland)
YR E E N R ICK M c INT YRE D AVID A . P OULSEN
Vertaald door Bibi Dumon Tak
Arne Svingen (Norway)
Ben Adams & Martin Aas (Norway)
John McIntyre & David A. Poulsen (Canada)
Katarina Kieri & Stina Wirsén (Sweden)
Saynab Farah Dahir
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
& 'Dit boek grijpt je vanaf de eerste pagina. Als iemand die zelf geworsteld heeft met angst, raakt het me recht in mijn hart. Een must-read.' Alwin Ritstier (@vetgezellig)
Alexander Kielland Krag (Norway)
Mats Strandberg (Sweden)
Saynab Farah Dahir (Denmark)
Sara de Martino (Italy) 15
COMING (SPRING 2026) BEAUTIFUL BOOK ABOUT UKRAINE
Grandma Aleksandra watches the invasion of her
Lisa Weeda & Olesia Sekeresh
sighs: ‘Everything and nothing has changed.’ She
children’s narrative non-fiction
tells how, earlier in her life, when she was taken
hardcover, 13 x 27
away from her homeland, she invented a game
Illustrations in full colour
called Little Secret — a game where you bury
144 pages 10+
country, Ukraine, with her granddaughter. She
everything valuable deep inside yourself so you can always keep it with you. ‘Come,’ she says to her granddaughter, ‘let’s gather up all the beautiful things of Ukraine again. I’ve collected many...’ What follows is a beautiful, imaginative journey that grandmother and grandchild embark on to reclaim all the beauty of Ukraine. In a captivating blend of storytelling and information, Lisa Weeda takes us through the treasures of this extraordinary country — from past to present, from culture to technology. Illustrator Olesia Sekeresh brings it all to life with vibrant, colorful images on every page.
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COLOFON BLAUW GRAS PUBLISHING Weteringschans 259 1017 XJ Amsterdam The Netherlands
What is Blauw Gras? Blauw Gras is a publishing house that creates books for and about young people. We focus on three age groups: children, teenagers, and people in their twenties and thirties. Most of our books are connected in some way to today’s society.
PUBLISHER: Edward van de Vendel e.van.de.vendel@uitgeverijblauwgras.nl
Why was Blauw Gras founded? In 2024, author Edward van de Vendel was given the opportunity by Singel Publishers to start his own imprint. For years, he had mentored emerging writing talents and initiated successful book series such as Tijgerlezen, Slash, and Querido Glow. With Blauw Gras, he aims to publish books that emphasize attention, clarity, and optimism—values that our confusing times are in need of.
For information on translation rights of our books or reading copies, please contact us here: For children’s and young adult books Luciënne van der Leije Rights manager l.van.der.leije@singeluitgeverijen.nl
For books for adults Martijn Prins Rights manager m.prins@singeluitgeverijen.nl
What kinds of books does Blauw Gras publish? Both fiction and non-fiction, both translated and originally written in Dutch—but always: light and relevant, fresh and meaningful. That sounds a bit broad. Fair enough: we definitely want to publish books that engage with the world without leaving you hopeless. And we definitely want to offer books that are accessible, yet full of nuance.
Blauw Gras Publishing is part of Singel Publishers.
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www.uitgeverijblauwgras.nl @uitgeverijblauwgras