Our newest release is now available! STRANGE CREATURES. Do you dare to discover this monstrously fun book? An ideal gift for Father's Day, a birthday, or simply to dream away with together before bedtime.


Welcome to RhymeWise

At RhymeWise, we believe that children's books are more than just words on paper. They are mirrors in which children discover themselves and windows through which they look at the world with wonder.

 

Our Philosophy


The Power of Perspective

What makes our books unique is the way we look at the world. Whether we highlight the tough yet loving side of a father or a fox who would rather eat vegetables than hunt, we challenge established patterns with a wink.

 

  • Imagination with meaning: We write stories that let the imagination run wild, but always with a heart of gold.
  • Emotions are allowed: From great fear to exuberant joy; our characters experience it all, teaching children that every emotion has a place.
  • Learning by doing: We encourage children to make mistakes, be honest, and grow at their own pace.

For the Little Big Heroes


Our books, such as the adventurous *Strange Creatures*, are written in rhyme and feature colorful, hand-drawn illustrations that spark the imagination. We combine humor with depth, making reading aloud a joy for both the child and the parent.

 

Creativity Without Borders


At RhymeWise, the story doesn't end on the last page. We invite children to pick up the pen or brush themselves. You will often find interactive elements in our publications, because we believe that every child is a storyteller in their own right.

 

Step into the world of RhymeWise and discover stories that stick, long after the lights have gone out.

 

About the Makers


RhymeWise is the creative platform of OQTOO IM Publishers with Josja Willems and Marret Jansen. Together with talented makers, we are working on a growing collection of picture books and other children's books, each of which is 'monstrously sweet' and unique.

 

Curious about our latest releases? Check out our webshop and let yourself be surprised!



Do you dare to discover this monstrously fun book? An ideal gift for Father's Day, a birthday,

or simply to dream away together before going to sleep.

 

Strange Creatures is a beautifully illustrated picture book by Josja Willems and Marret Jansen. It takes children into an imaginative world where the 'monsters' around us are actually our greatest protectors. Whether it is chasing away scary things in the dark, comforting after a fall, or imparting wise lessons about honesty: with this creature, you are always safe.

 

Why this book should not be missing from your bookshelf:

  • Relatable & Funny: A humorous look at the daily habits of 'grown-ups' through the eyes of a child.
  • Educational: The book is a great tool for discussing 'monstrous activities' in a gentle way.
  • Touching ending: An ode to all the 'monstrously sweet' dads in the world.
  • Beautiful illustrations: Colorful, hand-drawn pictures that stimulate the imagination of young and old.
  • Interactive: With a special page at the back where children can draw their own 'Strange Creature'!


Behind the pages


In sunny Portugal, surrounded by nature, two completely different women share their love for stories and art. Marret and Josja have embarked on a sparkling adventure that will enchant both children and adults.

 Marret (1970) is a true artist at heart. After studying at the art academy in Tilburg, she worked passionately as an animation artist and visual artist. With a colorful palette of experiences in the festival and theater world, she released her children's book 'Eigenwijsreis' in 2016. Now, in her studio in the mountains of Portugal, she enjoys a beautiful view while working on new projects. Here, at a local school, she met Josja, and their adventure began.

 Josja (1988) has taken a different path. As a registered nurse specializing in asthma and COPD, she cared for people with great love for many years. After the birth of her third son, she decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam behind and move to Portugal with her family. There, surrounded by nature and inspired by her three children, she begins writing stories that always contain a valuable message, for children, but secretly for adults too.


 Josja (1988) has taken a different path. As a registered nurse specializing in asthma and COPD, she cared for people with great love for many years. After the birth of her third son, she decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam behind and move to Portugal with her family. There, surrounded by nature and inspired by her three children, she begins writing stories that always contain a valuable message, for children, but secretly for adults too.


In the meantime, quite a few stories have emerged that they are working on together. Above all, they have a lot of fun together; there is teasing and, most importantly, a lot of laughter. For instance, the 'Rhyme Rabbit' has struck again at night (when the madhouse is asleep), and the 'Art Gnome' is being set to sketching once more.

With the first edition of the book 'De Vegetarische Vos', 'Rijmkonijn' and 'Kunstkabouter' embarked on a publication of a series of colorful children's stories for the young and also a little bit for the 'old'. Now their second artwork is available: 'Vreemde Wezens', which deals with the different roles of a father, emotions, imagination, and the special bond between father and child.

Come and let yourself be enchanted by the magical world of Marret and Josja! Discover 'The Vegetarian Fox' and 'Strange Creatures'. Experience a colorful adventure with them. Their stories are waiting for you, ready to be read and to inspire.


Experiences

What others say:

Mariska

primary school teacher

These are wonderful books to read and read aloud. Because they rhyme, it is a joy of recognition. The repetition of sounds and words makes the book so fun and educational to use in primary school!


Ans Hillen


Both The Vegetarian Fox and Strange Creatures are fantastic (read-aloud) books that not only entertain children but also impart important life lessons about fatherhood and dealing with change.

The colorful illustrations and the captivating stories make it a must-have in every children's book collection.


Nathalie Nicolaas


The books are such a joy to read because they rhyme! This makes it nice to read them aloud again and again. My son thinks they are super fun stories. It is so unique and a little bit exciting; children love that.


Gijs Huijs


These are wonderful read-aloud books, with beautiful illustrations that offer plenty to see and exciting, well-paced stories. There is a fun twist that keeps them enjoyable to read aloud multiple times. Highly recommended, even for slightly older children!


Alana Huijs


I really enjoyed reading the books. Because the rhymes are so nice, they read very smoothly, and I thought the illustrations were beautiful to look at. You can really see a lot in them. They are exciting stories that I like to read to myself, because then I can do all the different voices myself.