For German Translation Rights on Pierdomenico Baccalario´s Century Book Series

Atlantyca Entertainment, a leading multi-faceted Italian media company, has completed a licensing deal granting Germany’s Baumhaus Verlag the German-language translation rights to Edizioni Piemme’s, and renowned Italian author Pierdomenico Baccalario’s, Century book series. The deal was announced by Claudia Mazzucco, CEO, Atlantyca Entertainment and Bodo Horn-Rumold CEO, Baumhaus Verlag.

The Century book series is among a number of literary properties from leading Italian publishing house Edizioni Piemme which are represented by Atlantyca Entertainment’s foreign rights division. The deal with Baumhaus also includes audio and electronic rights. The company plans to publish the first two books in the early fall, in conjunction with the 2009 Frankfurt Book Fair.

This agreement marks the newest translation rights deal by Atlantyca for the Century books, following the October 2008 announcement of Random House as the US publisher for the book series. Random House will also introduce the first English tomes this fall. Baumhaus is also planning an extensive marketing campaign for the book series, including a dedicated website to accompany each volume.

“These unique and mysterious novels are meant for kids everywhere,” said Atlantyca’s Mazzucco. “We are also comforted by the enthusiastic responses from international publishers thus far. We are honored to be working in Germany with the prestigious Baumhaus and of course, Mr. Horn Rumold’s publishing group, in developing these stories which are certain to excite Germany’s young readers.”

The Century books tell stories about the incredible challenges of four young children, "the chosen ones," who, according to old prophecies, are specially selected to complete a test mission every 100 years. The mission usually involves uncovering a number of hidden and mysterious objects to settle an important legendary and vital pact between man and nature.

To date, Century’s publishing rights have been sold in Australia, Belgium Brazil, Korea, France, Holland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa. Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey and the UK.

“When we were introduced to the Century book series initially in Bologna (2008) and read the books, we immediately saw their enormous potential for success,” said Horn-Rumold of Baumhaus. “These books are a reflection of Mr. Baccalario’s talented and immensely creative writing style. Set to a backdrop of international locations the Century series provides young readers with an opportunity to learn about some of the greatest places in the world. Baumhaus is committed to making these books a hit throughout the region and look forward to working with Atlantyca on bringing these stories to children in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.”

Baumhaus is ready to do everything to make this a great success in the German speaking countries.

Pierdomenico Baccalario is editor-in chief at Atlantyca Entertainment, overseeing the development of many of the company’s publishing properties, including the Code Lyoko book series. His credits include Il Principe della Citta Di Sabbia (written with the Italian director Enzo D’Alò); La Strada del Guerriero and L’Ombra del Corvo His other famous series are Ulysses Moore (Scholastic Inc) and Candy Circle.