Exploring the magic of translation

With thanks to Catherine Ward for suggesting this feature piece from Daniela Schneider, Publisher at Five Quills, on books in translation. Thanks too to Daniela Schneider for taking the time to share her thoughts with us. The piece is absolutely fascinating and very insightful, I have always loved discovering books in translation, books from other countries and cultures, I hope this will encourage you to start exploring too ~ a world of rich stories awaits! Louise, Armadillo Editor

Daniela Schneider has worked in publishing and early childhood education for over 20 years. In 2017 she purposely founded Five Quills to create picture books and young fiction titles that inspire children to become life-long readers. Daniela publishes books that not only fire up children’s creativity and imagination, but also enrich their literacy skills and knowledge of the world around them. She has worked as an independent educational consultant in the UK, and for large publishers in the US and Italy. Here she talks to us about the considerations, process and benefits of acquiring and publishing books in translation.

Where do you find the titles you want to translate into English?

Every year, I attend the Bologna Children’s Book Fair with my publishing company, Five Quills. Our aim is to sell foreign rights to other publishers, but while I’m there, I also wear my editor hat and always keep a look out for new children’s book titles by foreign authors and illustrators. I am rather fortunate as I am a fluent Italian, German and French reader, making it very easy for me to read a book published in any of these languages. Reading a book in its original language allows me to hear the voice of the narrator and characters, and sometimes while I’m reading I’ll translate the book in my head into English.  

In the past, Five Quills has acquired the UK rights for a few picture books by well-known Belgian children’s author/illustrators Guido Van Genechten and Magnus Weightman.  A couple of years ago, I was interested in finding a gripping adventure series for slightly older readers.

Why choose a series?

A series will always appeal to young readers, especially a series that features a touch of mythology, fantasy and adventure. The idea that when you finish one book, which usually ends on a cliff hanger, you can then continue onto a new adventure with the same gang of engaging characters gives a young reader a real sense of satisfaction and joy.  Readers feel they are part of the story and for a few moments they inhabit the same world as their favourite characters. This sense of excitement and curiosity will also encourage and guide young readers to discover new books.

Have you found other countries publish more books in translation for children than the UK?

I do not have official numbers to answer this question specifically. However, from personal experience, I find that if you go into a bookstore in Italy, France, Germany or Spain, you will find many English and American children’s book classics and UK/US tv tie-in titles translated into the country’s native languages. On the other hand, in the UK and the US you will struggle to find popular children’s books by non-English language authors. The reality is that the world of international publishing is vast, and introducing foreign authors and illustrators into the UK, with different storytelling styles and perspectives, can only be beneficial and widen a child’s horizon and view of the world.

What appealed in particular about the My Cat is Called Odin Series?

Andreina Speciale from Castoro Editore (Italy) introduced me to this wonderfully exciting and entertaining new series My Cat Is Called Odin by Francesco Bedini, a universal story of good vs evil told with an original plot and a clever use of mythological legends.

The book immediately caught my interest after reading only the first line of the prologue, “My cat is called Odin and he has only one eye…”. I instantly wanted to know who the narrator was, why his cat was called Odin like the Norse god, where did Odin lose his other eye, and what was going to happen next? I continued reading and sure enough this wonderful prologue developed into a fast-paced fantasy-adventure. How could I resist?!

The series is about a funny, self-deprecating and slightly anxious young boy called Aldo, who dreams of performing heroic deeds and saving the world from evil. Lo and behold, one dark and stormy night his dream comes true when a small black cat appears on his doorstep. This cat is called Odin, just like the real Norse god of poetry and war…and here Aldo’s adventures begin.

Once I finished reading My Cat is Called Odin, I knew

I had to introduce these stories to the UK. The books are humorous, gripping and pacey, and filled with heroic and mythological plots that will hook even the most reluctant readers. Themes of grit, friendship and finding confidence through adversity make this a series with huge potential for the classroom, as well as the home library.

The book is written in the first-person and narrated by the main character, Aldo. This technical device makes Aldo’s quest to save the world far more personal and emotional. The reader bonds with Aldo’s witty and self-effacing humour, and cheers him on when he conquers his fears and defeats his terrible enemies.

Furthermore, the battle scene descriptions are so vivid and fast-paced that they definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. But most importantly, the series is about a young boy who knows he is fearful and shy, yet he slowly overcomes his anxieties in order to protect his family, friends, and ultimately save the world from complete devastation.

What I also enjoy about the series is that it shows children it’s alright to still enjoy make-believe and use your imagination when playing with your friends. Sometimes make-believe can help children process emotions they can’t really explain.

What are some of the challenges when publishing a book in translation?

One of the greatest challenges when acquiring the rights to a foreign language book is the translation process. Having been a translator and holding a MSc in Psychology of Education, with a specialisation in language acquisition in bilingual children, I know, many things can get lost in translation! One of the most important and difficult aspects is staying true to the author’s voice. The other challenge is to keep the vocabulary and writing style relevant to a young English language reader, especially when translating fiction. For example, when translating dialogue, each language has a distinct jargon when spoken or when describing specific situations. You may also come across cultural references that have no meaning to an English reader. Some other challenges are idioms, exclamations, proverbs, metaphors, similes…these are all expressions for which we need to find a suitable translation.

Sometimes it’s easy and you can translate like for like, but when it doesn’t work the experienced translator will always find the appropriate solution. In written Italian, as is the case for My Cat is Called Odin, some of the sentences are longer and written in the passive form. This grammatical structure does not always work for a younger audience. Therefore, when necessary, sentences are translated into shorter and active passages, making sure to always maintain the same meaning, humour and voice of the original text.

We work with brilliant translators. Translators have a challenging job and the passion for their profession usually derives from a love for languages, which I fully understand and respect. With the My Cat is Called Odin series we worked with two talented translators,  Sara Benjamin and Sylvia Notini. Sylvia Notini has translated our second, third and fourth titles in the series. I thoroughly enjoy talking to Sylvia about the Odin translations.  We both love the books and characters!

Will you continue to publish books in translation?

The books Five Quills translates into English have to fit our demanding editorial standards, which include excellent quality of writing, appealing execution of illustrations and captivating storytelling. Our aim is to make every book we publish accessible to all children, including reluctant readers. Great, gripping storytelling needs to be accompanied by vivid and appealing illustrations, engaging all readers. Be it picture books or chapter books, we always pay additional attention to the illustrations that accompany our stories. Our books are filled with interesting pictorial details and images which follow the storyline – this allows for a pleasurable reading experience for both the independent and emerging reader. Stefano Tambellini’s stunning and energetic black and white illustrations for the Odin books are a marvellous addition to the series’ active pace and sense of adventure. Children will enjoy poring over Stefano’s brilliant work while reading the series, letting their imagination run free.

The English translation of the My Cat is Called Odin series allows us to introduce Francesco Bedini’s stories to a new and growing audience, who will thoroughly enjoy the bravery and companionship between Aldo and his stubborn and irascible warrior cat Odin. Over the next few years Five Quills will introduce an increasing number of children’s books in translation, which will sit perfectly alongside our own English language titles. I don’t see foreign titles as a competition to UK based authors; rather they enrich the world of literature, inspiring both young readers and future writers.

The My Cat is Called Odin series, written by Francesco Bedini, illustrated by Stefano Tambellini:

My Cat is Called Odin (1) – available now

Rise of the Goblin Queen (2) - available now

My Fish is Called Poseidon (3) – coming October 2026

Book (4) - to be announced...