Help us crowdfund the reprint of 'Maia and What Matters'

Here at Book Island we're so excited that the day has finally come that we are launching the Kickstarter for the reprint of Tine Mortier's outstanding picture book Maia and What Matters.

Maia and What Matters is an incredibly unique picture book illustrated by Kaatje Vermeire, translated from the Dutch by David Colmer and first published by us, Book Island, in 2013.

This book tackles many cultural taboos, including ageing and loss in a profoundly meaningful way. However, due to its popularity, it has now been out of print for several years.

This is no ordinary bedtime story. Maia and What Matters is about the deep and enduring friendship between a strong-willed young girl and her cheeky grandmother. They are best friends and get up to all kinds of mischief together; running, playing and eating all the treats they can get their greedy hands on! All is well until one day they find Grandma lying on the floor and everything changes.

Many of us have experienced illness or loss of somebody close to us, yet it is still such a difficult subject to discuss. It is very rare to see a picture book tackle such tricky subjects, and that’s why we hold it so dear. This picture book is a testament to the power that friendship has in transcending illness and grief when our words fail us.

Maia and What Matters encapsulates our bold and uncompromising spirit. With stunning and evocative illustrations from award-winning illustrator, Kaatje Vermeire, the story is guaranteed to touch adults and children alike and in doing so affirms those most fundamental and universal of themes; friendship, family and love. 

This is where we ask you, the community, to help us at Book Island. After holding two previous successful Kickstarter campaigns, for Mum’s Jumper and The Golden Cage, we think it is time to ensure Maia is not forgotten and launch a Kickstarter to fund the reprint of this incredibly important picture book.

Our goal is to reach £6000 by the 18th March. This money will cover the cost of production, royalties for the author, illustrator and translator of the book, and shipping of the book from our printers in Latvia to the UK.

So, please become a backer! Pledges begin at just £1 and can be up to over £80, with a range of exclusive rewards from greeting cards to our beautiful giclée prints.

Like, share, retweet, talk to your friends about it. We can’t wait to see how it goes!

Click here to watch our Kickstarter video for 'Maia'.