Children's books rights guide Spring 2018
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
united agents
children’s books
rights guide
Spring 2018
All enquiries about translation rights unless otherwise stated to:
Jane Willis (Email jwillis@unitedagents.co.uk Direct line + 44 20 3214 0892)
Jane is assisted by Hannah Beer and Alex Stephens
Email hbeer@unitedagents.co.uk Direct line + 44 20 3214 0773
Email astephens@unitedagents.co.uk Direct Line + 44 20 3214 0990
United Agents, 12-26 Lexington Street, London, W1F 0LE, UK
Telephone + 44 20 3214 0800, www.unitedagents.co.uk
2
CONTENTS
FRONTLIST
Adult/Crossover
DAEMON VOICES by Philip Pullman 4
Young Adult
LOUIS THE LUCID DREAMER by Georgia Byng 5
SING (Like No One’s Listening) by Vanessa Jones 6
LUNE by Christina Wheeler 7
DARK GIFTS trilogy by Vic James 8
11+
BIG BONES by Laura Dockrill 9
THE GOOSE ROAD by Rowena House 10
YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES 9: WILD HUNT by Andy Lane 11
THE OTHER SIDE OF LOST by Nick Lake 12
Children’s
SONG WEAVER by Jamie Littler 13
BIG IDEAS FOR CURIOUS MINDS by The School of Life 14
MOLLY THOMPSON AND THE GHOULS OF HOWFAIR by Nick Tomlinson 15
MAB MCCOOL AND THE SEA FIENDS by Jason Cockcroft and Olivia Hope 16
HAMISH AND THE BABY BOOM by Danny Wallace 17
WILL YOU CATCH ME? By Jane Elson 18
SATSUMA BRIDESMAID by L A Craig 19
MARINA’S STORY by Sheridan Winn 20
BACKLIST HIGHLIGHTS
Young Adult and Crossover 21
THE CELLAR by Natasha Preston 22
SATELLITE by Nick Lake
Children’s 23
BOOK OF DUST: LA BELLE SAUVAGE by Philip Pullman 24
HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy by Philip Pullman 25
FREDERICK THE GREAT DETECTIVE by Philip Kerr 26
FENN HALFLIN AND THE SEABORN by Francesca Amour-Chelu 27
KRINDLEKRAX by Philip Ridley 28
THE MATILDA EFFECT by Ellie Irving 29
MOLLY MOON series by Georgia Byng 30
THE MARSH ROAD MYSTERIES series by Elen Caldecott 31
DARCY BURDOCK series by Laura Dockrill 32
JUST WILLIAM by Richmal Crompton 33
THE SPRITES SISTERS series by Sheridan Winn 34
DICK KING-SMITH 35
THE BIG GREEN BOOK by Robert Graves, illustrated by Maurice Sendak 36
United Agents—Children’s Authors 37
United Agents—Children’s Illustrators 38
International Sub-Agents 39
3
DAEMON VOICES: ESSAYS
ON STORYTELLING
by Philip Pullman
‘One of the supreme literary dreamers and magicians of our time’ Guardian
Main Agent:
Caradoc King Synopsis
Rights sold: In over 30 essays, written over 20 years, one of the world's great
UK (David Fickling) story-tellers meditates on story-telling. Warm, funny, generous,
US (Knopf/Random entertaining and, above all, deeply considered, they offer thoughts
House—Dan Frank) on a wide variety of topics, including the origin and composition of
Complex Chinese (Rye Philip's own stories, the craft of writing and the story-tellers who
Field) have meant the most to Philip. The art of story-telling is
Italian (Salani) everywhere present in the essays themselves, in the instantly
Russian (AST) engaging tone, the vivid imagery and striking phrases, the resonant
Turkish (Ithaki) anecdotes, the humour and learnedness. Together, they are greater
Option publishers can be than the sum of their parts: a single, sustained engagement with
supplied on request. story and story-telling.
Material available: pdf
Extent: 480 pp
Readership: adult
UK publication: Nov 2017 Key Points
Useful websites:
www.philip-pullman.com His first non-fiction book, this is a unique collection of Philip Pull-
man’s essays brought together for the first time by Simon Mason,
Other books by the working closely with Philip.
author include:
THE BOOK OF DUST Reflecting on a lifetime of writing, each carefully curated story is a
HIS DARK MATERIALS meditation on the power and importance of storytelling.
GRIMM’ TALES: FOR
YOUNG AND OLD
THE GOOD MAN JESUS
AND THE SCOUNDREL Sample reviews
CHRIST
THE SALLY LOCKHART Exploring themes as diverse as art, politics, science and faith, Pull-
quartet: man is eloquent on the craft and power of storytelling and the folk
THE NEW CUT GANG tales and fairytales that are his personal touchstones. Guardian
series:
The Gas-fitter’s Ball Humane, wise and immensely readable, Daemon Voices is a fascinat-
Thunderbolt’s Wax Works ing tour of Pullman’s teeming imagination and an inestimable illu-
COUNT KARLSTEIN mination of the writing life. Financial Times
I WAS A RAT!
THE BROKEN BRIDGE . . .incisive, witty and essential reading. Boundless
THE SCARECROW AND
HIS SERVANT
4
LOUIS THE LUCID DREAMER
by Georgia Byng
The creator of MOLLY MOON pens her first YA novel.
Main Agent: Synopsis
Caradoc King
By the age of fourteen, orphan Louis has already mastered some
Rights sold:
unorthodox skills. Thanks to her eccentric grandfather; she can
On submission
drive a car, gamble at the races and shoot down a seagull. But the
arrival of the mysterious Django and his hippie father in their
Film: United Agents
caravan brings her one more: lucid dreaming. Just as she gets her
head around controlling her dreams, she is forced to put her new
Useful websites:
talent to the test. Strange goings on are taking over Brighton, with
www.meetmollymoon.co.uk
dangerous accidents on the pier and unexplained thefts. More and
more local business are failing by the day. Can Louis track down
the mastermind behind it all? And, in putting a stop to it, will she,
Other books by the
too, risk losing something of value?
author:
MOLLY MOON series
THE GIRL WITH NO Key points
NOSE
PANCAKE FACE
A fast-paced, ‘high concept’ thriller from the creator of MOLLY
MOON.
About the author: A very real and poignant glimpse at the life of a young carer.
Georgia Byng originally
trained as an actor, then A vivid depiction of present day Brighton.
found her way to children’s
books, by writing and il- Georgia Byng is the author the bestselling MOLLY MOON series
lustrating comic strip sto- which has been translated into 38 languages so far.
ries. She is the bestseller au-
thor of the much-loved
MOLLY MOON series, now
adapted into a film that she Sample reviews for the MOLLY MOON series
co-wrote.
Byng creates a lively symphony of hilarious escapades and madcap
chases by adding some unexpected nuances to the time-proven
theme of the mistreated orphan… In the tradition of a Roald
Dahl novel, this bigger-than-life tale offers delightfully dastardly
villains, a sympathetic heroine who lives out every child’s dream
and plenty of fast-paced action. Publishers Weekly
A sparkling and funny adventure story. Publishing News
5
SING
. . . LIKE NO ONE’S LISTENING
by Vanessa Jones
Quality commercial YA debut about the first year in a performing arts college.
Main Agent:
Synopsis
Jane Willis
With a place at the most prestigious performing arts college in the
Rights sold:
country and a bright career as a singer ahead of her, 18-year-old
On submission
Nettie has everything to look forward to. Except for one problem:
Nettie can’t sing any more. Since her Mum died seven months ago,
Film: United Agents
she hasn’t been able to get a single note out.
Readership: 12+
Material available: ms
On top of this, Nettie falls head-over-heels in love with a gorgeous
Extent: tbc
second-year called Fletch, but soon realises that Jade Upton, the
UK publication: tbc
college mean girl, has already got her claws into him. Throw in
fearsome principal Cecile Duke, who threatens to expel Nettie if
she doesn’t start singing soon; a ballet teacher with a grudge; and a
shocking discovery about Nettie’s mother’s past—and things are
not looking great.
About the author: With the help of her fabulous best friend Alec and a kind vocal
Vanessa Jones trained at coach called Steph, Nettie discovers more about her Mum’s
Laine Theatre Arts and spent strange connection with Miss Duke and starts to find her voice
ten years performing in West again. But can she do it before Cecile Duke throws her out of
End shows including Sister college forever? And after a huge showdown with Fletch, will he
Act and Grease. She now lives ever be hers? With Jade Upton blackmailing her and the summer
in East Sussex with her show looming close, Nettie’s got a lot of work to do if she wants
young family, where she runs to keep her place at Duke’s and get her leading man.
her own theatre school for
children and teenagers. She
also teaches Tap and Musical Key points
Theatre in colleges in
London. THE GHOST
SINGER is her first novel Fabulous, page-turning fun and frolics with a mystery thrown in set
about a world she knows and in the world of a London performing arts school.
loves. You can find her on
twitter at @WestEndWitch. While definitely light in touch, with some fantastically funny scenes
and a love story to die for, it also deals with some issues that will be
hugely relatable to teenage girls.
Most of the characters and events are based on the author’s own
experiences.
It will appeal to girls who enjoy films like Pitch Perfect and Strictly
Ballroom, TV shows like Glee, and enjoy novels like FAN GIRL by
Rainbow Rowell.
6
LUNE
by Christina Wheeler
1984 meets THE HUNGER GAMES in this compelling YA debut.
Main Agent: Synopsis
Jane Willis
Lune lives in Manna, a world of stability and plenty, floating above
Rights sold: the devastated Earth. She bears the Stigma of the Traitor – a
On submission punishment tattoo genetically inherited from a grandfather she has
never met.
Audio: United Agents
Film: United Agents Lune’s life becomes entangled with three fugitives who have
Readership: 12+ disconnected their compulsory implants, a transgression with
Material available: ms extreme consequences – ‘If u remove ur Imp,
UK publication: TBC ur let-go, put on a one-way chute to the
Extent: 70,000 words quaking, flooding, burning Earth.’
But when Lune discovers social media archive of
her grandparents as a young couple on the
savage but beautiful Earth, Lune must decide
About the author: whose reality she believes and what it really
After her Media Studies means to be a traitor.
degree, Christina worked
as a documentary film
maker, travelling the Key points
world, recording the real-
life stories of the people
Lune, begins to question the man-made, seeming uptopian world
she met. Now a mother of
she has been born into. ‘If ten thousand people believe a lie, it’s
three teenagers, her work
still a lie’.
has included storytelling
with children at craft
This fast-paced adventure imagines how language, technology and
camps, and as a radio
society might evolve, as well as wondering how much of our lives
production and creative
future generations will be able to discover from the social media
writing tutor with young
and data trail we are leaving behind.
women in prison. She
graduated with distinction
Christina graduated with distinction from the Bath Spa’s MA in
from Bath Spa’s MA in
Creative Writing. Her influences for LUNE include MT
Creative Writing for Chil-
Anderson’s FEED, Patrick Ness’s CHAOS WALKING and David
dren and Young People in
Mitchell’s CLOUD ATLAS.
2016.
7
DARK GIFTS trilogy
by Vic James
Game of Thrones meets Downton Abbey, in a world where Voldemort won.
Main Agent:
Robert Kirby
Synopsis for GILDED CAGE (Book 1)
Rights sold: A modern Britain
UK (Macmillan—Bella Pagan) An age-old cruelty
US (Del Rey—Tricia Narwani) Britain's magically skilled aristocracy compels all commoners to
Bulgaria (Riva) serve them for ten years - and now it's the Hadleys' turn. Abi
Catalan (La Galera) Hadley is assigned to England's most ruthless noble family. The
Czech (Fragment/Albatros) secrets she uncovers could win her freedom - or break her heart.
France (Nathan) Her brother Luke is enslaved in a brutal factory town, where new
Germany (S Fischer)
friends' ideals might cost him everything.
Hungary (Konyvmolykepzo)
Portuguese in Brazil (Record)
Spanish, ex US (La Galera) Then while the elite vie for power, a young aristocrat plots to re-
Russian (Azbooka) make the world with his dark gifts. As Britain moves from anger
Turkey (Pegasus) to defiance, all three must take sides. And the consequences of
Film: United Agents their choices will change everything, forever.
Readership: 12+
Material available: fc
UK publication:
GILDED CAGE—Jan 2017
TARNISHED CITY—Sept Key points
2017
BRIGHT RUIN—July 2018
A thrilling Orwellian vision of Britain, with a rebellious ‘Hunger
Website:
Games’ heart.
www.vicjames.co.uk
GILDED CAGE was #1 on the Amazon Teen Dystopian Chart
and a BBC Radio 2 Book Club Choice of 2017.
About the author:
Vic James is a current affairs
TV director who loves
stories in all their forms. Reviews
Gilded Cage is her debut
novel. She has twice judged
Brisk plotting, sympathetic characters and plenty of intrigue, will
the Guardian’s Not the
keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for the next book in
Booker Prize, has made films
a very promising series. PW starred review
for BBC1, BBC2 and
Channel 4 News, and is a
A dazzling addition to the growing genre of alternative historical
huge Wattpad.com success
fiction, James’s first novel has the added bonus of compelling
story. She lives and works in
page-turnability… Daily Mail
London.
8
BIG BONES
by Laura Dockrill
Introducing Bluebelle, and her moving, hilarious take on food, body image and
how we look after ourselves and others.
Main Agent: Synopsis
Jodie Hodges
It's a food diary. I have to tell the truth. That's the point.
Rights sold:
UK (Hot Key—Emma Bluebelle, aka BB, aka Big Bones - is a sixteen-year-old girl encour-
Matthewson) aged to tackle her weight even though she's perfectly happy, thank
US (Delacorte/Random you, and getting on with her life and in love with food. Then a trag-
House—Beverly Horowitz) edy in the family forces BB to find a new relationship with her body
French (Robert Laffont) and herself. . .
Film: United Agents
Readership: 11+
Extent: TBC
UK publication: TBC Key points
Useful websites:
writinglorali.tumblr.com
BB is the glorious, joyful, warm and unique creation of Laura
www.lauradockrill.co.uk
Dockrill and we could all do well to inject a bit of BB into our
Other books by the
lives.
author:
DARCY BURDOCK series
BB sits alongside Geek Girl, Girl Online and other ‘clean teen’
LORALI novels, but has, unapologetically, a bit more bite.
AURABEL
Funny, real, true and full to the brim of some of the very best
About the author: dialogue you will have read for teenagers (or anyone!) in a long
Named one of the top ten time.
literary talents by The
Times and one of the top
twenty hot faces to watch
by Elle magazine, Laura is a
Sample reviews
young, talented writer/
illustrator and a graduate of Stuffed with lashings of laugh-out-loud loveliness, relatable real-life
the Brits School of truths and love in all its complicated, dizzying forms (food-love,
Performing Arts. Her Darcy friend-love, sisterly-love, boy-love, self-love), this is, quite simp-
Burdock series has been ly, the best YA book about self-esteem and body image I've ever
translated into 10 lan- read. Lovereading
guages. New projects in-
clude a poetry collection Big Bones is the book I wish I'd had as a teenager and Bluebelle is
and a picture book. a friend I wish I had today. Laura has written a beautiful love
letter to some of the most important things in life: friends, family
and food. Linsdey Kelk
9
THE GOOSE ROAD
by Rowena House
Private Peaceful meets The Lie Tree in a vivid tale of courage & endurance, love &
forgiveness.
Main Agent: Synopsis
Jane Willis
Rights sold: France, 1916. Fourteen-year-old peasant Angélique Lacroix is bat-
UK (Walker—Mara tling to save her family’s farm as a sanctuary for her troubled sol-
Bergman) dier-brother to come home to after World War I. But when the
army requisitions her livestock, they also bankrupt the farm. With
Film: United Agents
Readership: 11+ bailiffs on their way to throw them off their land, Angélique
Material available: ms seizes one last chance to mend the past and protect her family’s
UK pub: April 2018 future by herding her flock of Toulouse geese across war-torn
Extent: 384 pp France to sell them at a Christmas market near the Front.
Key points
About the author:
Rowena House is a A deeply moving story which lives with you from the first page,
journalist as well as a writer. until the very last and lingers long after you’ve put it down.
She has lived and worked in
France, Africa and Belgium Immaculately researched it has an incredibly authentic feel of time
as a Reuter’s foreign and place, alongside gorgeous writing.
correspondent, and covered
the fall of Addis Ababa at A fascinating glimpse at the impact of the First World War from
the end of Ethiopia’s 30 the French point of view’
year civil war. More recently
she has settled in Devon
with her husband and son,
but continues to work as a
freelance journalist. In 2013,
she won a short story com-
petition run by Andersen Sample reviews
Press, which published her
winning entry, The Marshal-
ling of Angélique’s Geese, in
WAR GIRLS. This is her A gorgeous historical novel … with a tenacious heroine The
novelisation of that story. Bookseller
An unusual and gripping First World War novel … thoughtful
and intelligent. Adele Geras
10YOUNG SHERLOCK 9: WILD
HUNT
by Andy Lane
The latest dark, page-turning adventure in the best-selling detective series.
Main Agent:
Robert Kirby Synopsis
Rights sold: Sherlock and his friend, Matty, arrive in Bombay, India, looking for
UK (tbc) Sherlock’s father. While there they are dragged into investigating the
German (FJB/Fischer) strange behaviour of Lord Elmwood, who suddenly went mad and
Greek (Metaichmio) started waving his sword around in a British Army church. As
Italian (Agostini/Planeta) Sherlock and Matty check further they discover that other members
of the British nobility have also been acting strangely, and that this
might be connected to the disappearance of British soldiers in the
Film: United Agents area. Investigating these disappearances, Sherlock and Matty first
Readership: 9+ find indications of strange, werewolf-like creatures in the hills, then
Material available: proposal become involved with a bizarre and dark travelling carnival, and
Extent: tbc finally find themselves on an island off the coast where bored
UK publication: tbc female members of the English aristocracy secretly hunt down
running men (the disappeared soldiers) on horseback, in a twisted
version of foxhunting. They also find Sherlock’s father, who had
About the author: also been looking for his missing men. Together they have to escape
Andrew Lane is an author, the island while being hunted down like animals before they expose
journalist and lifelong this horrific and lethal game…
Sherlock Holmes fan. This is
his first series for young
adults. He lives in Hampshire
Key points
with his wife and son.
Andrew's passion for the
original novels of Sir Arthur Another fast-paced, brilliantly plotted adventure in Andrew Lane's
Conan Doyle and his deter- Young Sherlock series as the teenage Sherlock Holmes investigates
mination to create an a new crime and comes up against a fresh crop of sinister, clever
authentic teenage Sherlock crooks.
Holmes made him the
perfect choice to work with Continuing the bestselling series, translated into 24 languages,
the Conan Doyle Estate to which loyally re-imagines Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective
reinvent the worlds most fa- as a brilliant, troubled and engaging teenager.
mous detective.
Sample reviews
Lane's command of what will one day become Holmes's signature
methods is remarkable. . . . NY Times Book Review
A menacing villain and an unexpected twist make for a thoroughly
engaging read that will keep readers turning pages. School
Library Journal Starred Review
11THE OTHER SIDE OF LOST
by Nick Lake
You don’t always get to choose who finds you.
Main Agent: Synopsis
Caradoc King
This is the story of a teenage girl and her little brother, lost in the
Rights sold: Alaskan wilderness. When the small plane they are travelling on
UK (Hodder—Emma crashes, they manage to find shelter and warmth - at first.
Goldhawk)
But then the men arrive, men searching for something, and
Film: United Agents [**********REDACTED
Material available: ms **********REDACTED **********REDACTED **********RE
Extent: 45,000 words DACTED **********REDACTED]
Readership: 9+
UK publication: tbc
*For official use only.
Other books by the No copying.
author: Clearance level 5.*
BLOOD NINJA series
IN DARKNESS
HOSTAGE THREE Key points
THERE WILL BE LIES
WHISPER TO ME
SATELLITE An edge of your seat mystery story by a master of the genre—
Nick’s first children’s novel for several years.
A literary version of ET for the current generation which asks
important questions about the concept of ‘belonging’.
Nick Lake won the prestigious Printz Medal 2013 for IN
About the author: DARKNESS. THERE WILL BE LIES was short-listed for the
Nick Lake was born in Carnegie Medal.
Britain but grew up in
Luxembourg, where his
father worked for the Samples reviews
European Parliament. Nick
works in publishing by day
and writes in every spare I love Nick Lake's writing. I would read anything he wrote - grocery
moment he can find. He list, email etc., because his writing, always, is so real and so brave.
lives near Oxford with his He takes on subjects other writers might avoid, and he writes the
wife and family, and his long hell out of them. Jennifer Niven
commute to work gives his
imagination time to explore Every scene is awesome in the most reverent sense of the word.
places he's never visited. Bursts with wonder and love. Kirkus on SATELLITE
12SONG WEAVER
by Jamie Littler
Game of Thrones for kids meets The Edge Chronicles in this epic fantasy
adventure for the 8-12 market.
Main Agent:
Synopsis
Jodie Hodges
Rights sold: Ash has always known of the threats lurking in his world, but it’s
UK (PRH Children’s Books) not until one snowy afternoon whilst out playing with his friends
US (PRH/Viking) that he really comes to understand what faces him and his tribe.
Dutch (Luitingh Sijthoff) When a clan of deadly Leviathans entrap the young group, Ash,
French (Nathan) fearing for his life, is gripped by a sudden urge to sing and it’s not
German (Oetinger) long before he realises he can control the evil leviathans with his
Spanish World (RBA) song’s power. However his gift soon becomes a curse as his home
Turkish (Dogan Egmont) tribe, The Firaa, grow wary of Ash’s new skill and banish him to
the mountains. Out casted with only Tobu the yeti as his guide,
Film: United Agents Ash learns how to fend for himself in a harsh world that doesn’t
Readership: 8+ seem to have a place for him. It’s not until a motley crew called
Material available: ms The Pathfinders stumble upon Ash and welcome him in that he
truly has to learn what being a Song Weaver means, as he faces a
decision that could threaten the lives of the only friends he
About the author:
knows…
Jamie Littler is an author and
illustrator, living in London
and specialising in children's
books and comics. A gradu-
ate of the Arts Institute at Key points
Bournemouth he won a High
Commendation Award at the
Macmillan Children's Book
Awards in 2008. His debut SONG WEAVER is the first title in Jamie’s debut middle grade
children's picture book was fantasy series (both writing and illustrating) which was subject to a 7
MUM’S THE WORD by way auction in the UK, and several other multi-way auctions around
Timothy Knapman (Hodder, the world.
2013). He is particularly
known for illustrating chil- An action packed fantasy feast full of masterful world building and
dren’s fiction including the edge of your seat drama
FAMOUS FIVE series.
HAMISH AND THE A fresh and original premise with characters at the very heart who
WORLDSTOPPERS by positively sing with fresh and vivid storytelling.
Danny Wallace, won the
Sainsbury's Children's Book
Prize in 2016. He is also the
creator, writer and illustrator
of the comic series 'Cogg and
Sprokit' which was serialised
in the Phoenix Comic.
13BIG IDEAS FOR CURIOUS MINDS
by The School of Life
illustrated by Anne Doherty
Simple ideas from great thinkers to help children improve their lives.
Main Agent:
Caroline Dawnay Synopsis
Children are, in many ways, born philosophers. Without prompt-
Rights sold: ing, they ask some of the largest questions: about time, mortality,
UK (TSOL) happiness and the meaning of it all. Yet sadly, too often, this in-
born curiosity is not developed and with age the questions fall
Film: United Agents away.
Readership: 9+
Material available: ms BIG IDEAS FOR CURIOUS MINDS is designed to harness
Extent: tbc childrens’ spontaneous philosophical instinct and to develop it
UK publication: June 2018 through introductions to some of the most vibrant and essential
philosophical ideas of history. The book takes us to meet leading
figures of philosophy from around the world and from all eras -
and shows us how their ideas continue to matter. The book
functions as an ideal introduction to philosophy as well as a
charming way to open up conversations between adult and
children about the biggest questions we all face.
About the author:
The School of Life is a ground- Key points
breaking enterprise which of-
fers good ideas for everyday
The first book aimed directly at children from the organisation
living. It addresses such issues
aimed at teaching us how to grow into happier, calmer, more
as how to find fulfilling work,
successful people.
how to master the art of rela-
tionships and how better to
Fresh approach, focussed on real-world, actionable takeaways for
understand, and as necessary
life today.
change, the world - through
classes, therapies, books and
Fast growing brand, some similarities to TED Talks but more
films. It is headquartered in
carefully curated; over 1m Youtube subscribers to date.
London, with campuses in
Melbourne, Paris, Amsterdam, The 25 chosen thinkers include Socrates, Seneca, Zera Yacob,
Sao Paulo, Istanbul, Belgrade, Wittgenstein, Ibn Sina, Simone de Beauvoir, Matsuo Basho,
Antwerp, Seoul and Tel Aviv. Camus, Confucius, Descartes, Rousseau among many others.
The School of Life Press
publishes books on the most
important issues of cultural and
emotional life. Its titles are
designed to entertain, educate,
14MOLLY THOMPSON AND THE
GHOULS OF HOWFAIR
by Nick Tomlinson
Page-turning, funny, scary adventure with series potential.
Main Agent:
Jane Willis Synopsis
Rights sold: Molly is an accident-prone, but rather brilliant, young historian
UK and US (Walker/ who notices that some of the creepy legends about her town have
Candlewick) started coming true. She finds that she’s the only person in the
tourist town of Howfair who can prevent the creatures from it’s
Film: United Agents scariest legends from coming to life. However there is one
Readership: 9+ problem: Molly has been banned from investigating local legends.
Material available: ms The man who’s secretly trying to summon Howfair’s mythical
Extent: tbc monsters is a respected philanthropist who’s also about to become
the town’s new mayor and he doesn’t want Molly ruining his plans.
About the author:
Nick has been a singing
waiter, admin clerk, English, Key points
Drama & Special Needs
teacher, and Learning
Mentor. He has performed A page-turning, funny, scary adventure story with series potential.
in a sell-out show at the
Edinburgh Fringe, acci- It has a lovely underlying warmth to it which you find at the heart
dentally camped on a of the very best children’s books.
military target range in West
Africa, and somehow A fantastic, clumsy, weird and definitely unstoppable heroine at it’s
managed to pass his karate heart who has the potential to become a household name.
black belt grading despite
choking on his gum It will appeal to readers of Abi Elphinstone or younger fans of
shield. A lifelong book- Jonathan Stroud’s LOCKWOOD AND CO series and has a little
worm, he’s been writing bit of Jessica Townsend’s NEVERMOOR about it.
stories, many of them terri-
ble (his words!) since he was
five, and had a novel pub-
lished in 2004 by the adult Samples reviews for SAINT VALENTINE
division of Transworld,
SAINT VALENTINE.
I loved Saint Valentine - it takes you straight back to being thir-
teen. [Protagonist] Neil knows he's not a romantic good-looking
loner - he's shy, sweet, and achingly self-conscious, and therefore
a delightful literary hero. I wish I'd invented him.’ Jacqueline
Wilson
A splendidly funny debut. Publishing News
15MAB MCCOOL AND THE SEA
FIENDS
by Jason Cockcroft and Olivia Hope
A mad, irreverent, rollicking adventure with a nod to Reeves and McIntyre.
Main Agent:
Synopsis
Jodie Hodges
Rights sold: Mab McCool, daughter of a former chieftain of Ballybegone, Fog-
On submission gett ‘The Fridge’ McCool, reluctantly takes part in a mud-flinging
contest on the annual Ballybegone Flinging Day. When her throw
Film: United Agents inadvertently leads to her discovering the lost and magical
Readership: 8+ hammer, Skypuncher, it draws the attention of the fearsome sea-
Material available: ms fiends, The Fomorians, who claim ownership of the hammer.
Extent: tbc They kidnap Mab’s mother, Maude, as revenge and it’s up to Mab
UK publication: tbc to save her.
Accompanied by a raggle-taggle team including Conan Finklestein,
About the author: a grumpy toad called Graham, Eamonn Everheart O’Handsome,
Jason Cockcroft has and the feared pirate Herod Quarterpig, Mab sets about on a dan-
produced over twenty-five gerous rescue mission. But in order to succeed she’ll have to de-
picture books and has illus- feat their new master, the Diabolical Squid of Trivia!
trated countless fiction titles
including, most notably, the
cover artwork for three of the
first editions of the Harry Key points
Potter series. He has been
nominated for the Kate
Greenaway Award and he Mad-cap adventure with series potential—part Irish Myth, part
won the Blue Peter Book slapstick comedy with a powerhouse female protagonist,
A w a r d f o r G e ra ld i ne
McCaughrean’s retelling of Full of sublime wordplay and completely bonkers jokes that will
The Pilgrim’s Progress. For have you crying with laughter.
Olivia Hope, a childhood
spent outdoors turned her Illustrated throughout with Jason Cockcroft’s wonderful black and
towards athletics, where she white illustrations.
became a record breaker, as
one of Ireland’s first interna-
tional women hammer throw-
ers (although, unfortunately,
never a magic one, like
Skypuncher). Outgoing and
bright, like Mab, Olivia’s
stories are told through
capable adventurous girls,
such as ‘Be Wild’ & ‘Little
Lion Girl’ (both
Bloomsbury).
16HAMISH AND THE
BABY BOOM
by Danny Wallace, illustrated by Jamie Littler
A fourth mad cap adventure featuring Hamish from the bestselling series—
HAMISH AND THE WORLDSTOPPERS.
Main Agent: Synopsis
Robert Kirby/Ariella Feiner
Rights sold/under option: Beware the Babies ... they CRY ... they POO ... they ATTACK!
UK (Simon & Schuster)
Simplied Chinese (FLTRP) Hamish and the PDF have been left in charge of Starkley while his
Czech (Argo) dad and the rest of the Belasko agents are off hunting down the
France (Gallimard) universe's second-most dangerous villain - Axel Scarmarsh!
Germany (Heyne) But nothing bad will happen while he's gone, right? WRONG!
Hungary (Mano Konyvek)
Italy (Rizzoli) Suddenly the babies of Starkley are on the rampage and causing
Lithuanian (Nieko Rimto) chaos - but only Hamish and his friends seem to be worried about
The Netherlands (Veltman) the odd behaviour.
Portugal (Jacaranda)
Spain (Ediciones SM)
Catalan (Group SM) What’s behind the baby uprising and can the mini mutiny be
The Netherlands (Veltman) stopped before EVERY BABY ON EARTH rises up?!
Turkey (Epsilon)
Film: United Agents
Readership: 9-99 Key points
Extent: 320 pp
UK publication: March 2018
Other books in the series:
HAMISH AND THE
Another hilarious adventure - perfect for fans of David Walliams,
WORLDSTOPPERS Roald Dahl, David Baddiel and David Solomons.
HAMISH AND THE
NEVERPEOPLE Hamish and the Worldstoppers (Book 1) was the second bestselling
HAMISH AND THE children’s debut of 2015. It won the 9+ category in the
GRAVITY BURP Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award and was a Sunday Times
Book of the Week.
About the author:
Danny Wallace is
a bestselling author who
lives in London. His column Sample Reviews
in ShortList magazine
reaches more than 1.3 A joy. A hugely entertaining, child friendly read with characters
million readers. He was you’ll want to root for, despicable villains, a satisfying adventure
the PPA Columnist of the and a really big heart. Bookseller (Editor’s Choice)
Year 2011 and the Arqiva
Radio Presenter of the Original, quirky and super silly, Wallace has written a great book
Year 2012. And kids will really enjoy. The Sun
GQ magazine has called
him: 'One of Britain's great Danny Wallace and Jamie Littler's books contain all the wit and
writing talents'. warmth of Dahl and Blake at their best. Irresistible. Phil Earle
17WILL YOU CATCH ME?
by Jane Elson
A heart-warming story about identity and courage.
Main Agent: Synopsis
Jodie Hodges
Nell Hobson lives with a tortoise called Bob Marley, guinea pigs
Rights sold/under option: Asbo and Chaos, goldfish Beyoncé and Destiny, gerbils Fizz and
UK (Hodder—Naomi Tyrone, Aunty Lou the Hamster ... and her mum, who drinks too
Greenwood) much. Nell does everything she can to be a good daughter so that
Film: United Agents her mum will stop. But when things get really hard, Nell stands on
Readership: 8+, mainly girls her head. Everything looks better upside down, don't you know?
Extent: tbc
UK publication: Nell wishes she knew who her dad was. When new teacher Mr
August 2018 Samuels makes history come alive and tells the class the story of
Useful websites: Nell Gwynn, the Orange Girl who became one of the first ac-
www.janeelson.com tresses on the London stage, Nell is captivated and is determined
to dress up as an Orange Girl for the Costume Parade. She hatch-
Other books by the es a plan with her best friend Michael: a way to make her dad step
author: forward and claim her. Will she succeed?
A ROOM FULL OF
CHOCOLATE
HOW TO FLY WITH Key points
BROKEN WINGS
SWIMMING TO THE A charming story with a strong, positive message that celebrates
MOON community and friendship.
Jane is a multi-award winning author who doesn't shy away from
About the author: difficult issues. She writes with such warmth and love—her books
Jane is an experienced drama clearly have huge meaning to the children that read them.
and writing workshop leader,
writing award-winning plays
for young people. She works Reviews
at Italia Conti teaching
d r a m a ; w i t h y o u n g I love Jane Elson’s stories. They’re magical, fun and heart-
offenders; with young people warming at the same time. I always finish a Jane Elson book with
with learning difficulties and a smile on my face. Chrissi reads
is one of the Soho Theatre’s
hub writers. She could not be Jane Elson has crafted a truly special story about overcoming
l e s s p h a s e d b y t h e fears, dealing with grief and the power of friendship. A
prospect of getting out in wonderfully empathetic and moving read . . .It feels so honest
front of young people to and real you find yourself totally wrapped up in the characters and
promote her novels! She lives completely enthralled in this story. bookloverjo
in North London.
18SATSUMA BRIDESMAID
by L A Craig
A stunning new writing talent mixes weddings and austerity in a funny and
heart-warming package.
Main Agent: Synopsis
Jane Willis
Tess’s sister is getting married. It’s nine weeks until blast off.
Rights sold:
Bridezilla’s big day. It’s all she witters on about. Ever since Meathead
New submission
proposed (real name Brian, but he calls me Noodle Legs so he gets what he
deserves) a year ago, she hasn’t given it a rest. We get weddings with our
Audio: United Agents
Weetabix, weddings on toast, spaghetti bolognese with grated wedding on top. .
Film: United Agents
. .It’s like she has this obsessive-compulsive wedding disorder. Her to-do list is
Readership: 8+
as long as a motorway and is concertinaed into a trillion folds in the front cover
Material available: ms
of what I call her Wedding Bible. The Wedding Bible, like everything else to
UK publication: TBC do with this circus, is a colour she calls dusky cerise. Bridezilla says it’s not as
Extent: 31,500 words brash as scarlet, more refined than pink. She’s off her head.
To get away from the fuss and to earn some money, Tess finds a
job doing a newspaper round at the local newsagents shop and
About the author: enters the world of the eccentric, elderly owner, Winnie. When
This is Lisa’s first full-length Trevor, a homeless man, tries to steal from the shop Tess is
novel, for which she received shocked to find him the next day standing behind the counter.
a New Fiction Bursary at the Winnie has given him a job. Tess feels she must protect Winnie at
Northern Writers’ Awards. all costs and thus begins an adventure with a surprise twist where
Her short fiction for adults is everyone learns something about what it is to be homeless.
published online and in the
anthologies Jawbreakers, Scraps
and An Earthless Melting Pot.
Among many prize listings
she was a finalist in the
Key points
Words with Jam Bigger Short
Story Competition and the Funny and heart warming in turns SATSUMA BRIDESMAID
National Flash Fiction Day has such a powerful voice it packs a big punch in 30,000 words.
Competition. She was also a
finalist for BBC Radio 4’s It also looks at issues of austerity and homeless in a very real and
Opening Lines and her short accessible way.
story Flour Baby was broad-
cast in August 2015. She is L A Craig was picked out of over a thousand entries to United
currently working on a Agents’ recent Open House initiative.
second MG novel.
19MARINA’S STORY
by Sheridan Winn
The second of 3 prequels to the bestselling SPRITES SISTERS series.
Main Agent: Synopsis
Jane Willis
Thirteen months after Flame gains her power of Fire, Marina
Rights sold: celebrates her 9th birthday and gains her power of Water. It has
Germany (S Fischer) been a long, lonely year for Flame and she is delighted to able to
Readership: 7+ talk to her sister about her magic, at last.
Material: edited ms
Extent: 35,000 words Marina is bowled over – quite literally – by her power of Water and
German publication: March her ability to create huge waves. Like her older sister, Marina finds
2018 the sudden need for secrecy difficult. Various mishaps ensure, not
Useful websites: least when an eagle-eyed-visitor to Sprite Towers sees her using her
www.sheridanwinn.com power and threatens to expose her.
The other prequels:
FLAME’S STORY—
publication November 2017
MARINA’S STORY—
publication Spring 2018
FLORA’S STORY—
publication Autumn 2018
Key points
The second of three prequels to the SPRITE SISTERS series—
About the author: charming, family-centred adventures with a magical twist.
For 25 years Sheridan
worked with author and Over 550,000 copies of the original series sold in Germany alone.
illustrator, Chris Winn, as his
business and creative Film/TV rights under option to Story House Productions.
manager. Together they
produced a number of
children’s picture books, Sample reviews
along with the ‘Mad Gadget’
cartoon – the most popular The Circle of Power . . .manages to feel up to date and appealing
strip in the Daily Telegraph’s whilst at the same time retaining an old-fashioned, comfort-reading
Young Telegraph for over style. . .as soon as I finished this volume I immediately wanted to
seven years. More recently know what happens next. Sarah Skinner, Children’s Manager,
she has worked as a Waterstone’s Norwich 4 stars
journalist.
A robust and exciting introduction to a promising series – the age
spread of the four sisters will offer a wide appeal … promising and
interesting. Carousel
20BACKLIST
HIGHLIGHTS
21THE CELLAR
by Natasha Preston
A gripping, high stakes thriller and a New York Times Bestseller.
Main Agent: Synopsis
Jon Elek
Rights sold: For months Summer is trapped in a cellar with the man who took
US (Sourcebooks) her―and three other girls: Rose, Poppy, and Violet.
French (Hachette Jeunesse)
Italy (Piemme) His perfect, pure flowers.
Mexico (Selector)
Poland (JK) His family.
Russia (AST)
Spain (Planeta) But flowers can't survive long cut off from the sun, and time is
Turkey (Dogan Egmont) running out...
Audio: United Agents
Film: United Agents
US publication: Key points
March 2014
Extent: 347 pp
Readership: 14+ A page-turning romantic thriller with a psychopath thrown in.
Useful websites:
www.natashapreston.com THE CELLAR was on the NY Times YA paperback bestseller list
continuously for 18 weeks reaching No 4. It also reached No 1 on
the NYT Young Adult Ebook Bestseller list. It is currently short-
About the author: listed for YA Book of the Year in Poland.
Natasha Preston is based in
the UK and grew up in Natasha is a Wattpad sensation.
small villages and towns. She
discovered her love of writ- Sample reviews
ing when she stumbled
a c ro s s W a t t pa d a n d A well-written, completely absorbing nail-biter of a book…[with]
uploaded her first story. She a powerful, suffocating atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.
hasn’t looked back since. Bookish
Now published by
Sourcebooks in the US Like watching an episode of Law & Order: SVU… I honestly,
THE CELLAR and THE
could not tear myself away. Chapter by Chapter blog
CABIN have been NYT
Bestsellers.
A real treat for avid mystery and thriller fans; the story line pulls
you inside the world of a madman and the women he preys on…
never a dull moment. Teen Reads blog
22SATELLITE
by Nick Lake
Gripping space adventure about growing up in and out of gravity.
Main Agent: Synopsis
Caradoc King
SATELLITE is a gripping adventure story set mostly in outer
Rights sold: space about three 15 year olds. Leo, Orion and Libra, thanks to a
UK (Hodder—Emma NASA experiment into reproduction were conceived, born and
Goldhawk) have always lived on the Moon 2 Space Station. Part of the
US (Knopf/Random experiment is to examine how they will react to life on Earth and
House—Melanie Cecka) now, aged 15 the time has come for them to return. Although
China (Jieli) through video contact and TV they are familiar with life on earth
Italy (Mondadori—Claudia and their own families this ‘journey home’ will test their physical
Scheu) and emotional response to the real life experience.
Korea (Mirae Media)
Taiwan (Sun Color)
Film: United Agents Key points
Material available: ms
Extent: 90,000 words A gripping space adventure story, a discovery of life on earth, and a
Readership: teenage scientific and medical story about growing up in and out of gravity.
UK publication: Oct 2017
Other books by the Unlike anything Nick has written, though embracing all his talents
author: as an author of fantasy, adventure and thrillers.
BLOOD NINJA series
IN DARKNESS Nick Lake won the prestigious Printz Medal 2013 for IN
HOSTAGE THREE DARKNESS. THERE WILL BE LIES was short-listed for the
THERE WILL BE LIES Carnegie Medal.
WHISPER TO ME
Reviews
About the author:
Nick Lake was born in
Britain but grew up in I love Nick Lake's writing. I would read anything he wrote -
Luxembourg, where his grocery list, email etc., because his writing, always, is so real and so
father worked for the brave. He takes on subjects other writers might avoid, and he
European Parliament. Nick writes the hell out of them. Jennifer Niven
works in publishing by day
and writes in every spare Every scene is awesome in the most reverent sense of the word.
moment he can find. He Bursts with wonder and love. Kirkus
lives near Oxford with his
wife and family, and his long An epic space story based around real science, it’s a truly gripping
commute to work gives his thriller, imbued with raw emotion. Lake’s best book since his
imagination time to explore debut, In Darkness. The Bookseller
places he's never visited.
23THE BOOK OF DUST:
LA BELLE SAUVAGE
by Philip Pullman
Philip Pullman has returned children’s fiction to its glorious heritage of innocents
pursued by evil… Brilliant and disturbing. The I
Main Agent: Synopsis
Caradoc King
Rights sold: Eleven-year-old Malcolm Polstead and his dæmon, Asta, live with
his parents at the Trout Inn near Oxford. Across the River Thames
UK and US—PRH in con-
(which Malcolm navigates often using his beloved canoe, a boat by
junction with David Fickling
the name of La Belle Sauvage) is the Godstow Priory where the nuns
Books
live. Malcolm learns they have a guest with them; a baby by the
Translation rights are sold in
name of Lyra Belacqua . . .
37 languages.
Film/TV: United Agents
UK and US publication: 19 Key points
October 2017
A UK No 1 bestseller with 350,000 hardback copies sold to date.
About the author:
Philip Pullman was born in Waterstone’s Book of the Year it was the first ever children’s book
Norwich, UK, in 1946 and to reach No 1 on the Ebook chart.
educated in England,
Zimbabwe, Australia and Translation rights have been sold in 37 languages so far.
Wales. He studied English at
Exeter College, Oxford. His The Book of Dust is a story in three parts. The first part, La Belle
most famous work is the His Sauvage, is set 10 years before the events of His Dark Materials,
Dark Materials trilogy: and the rest of the story takes place 20 years after that: in fact, 10
NORTHERN LIGHTS, years after Lyra comes home to Jordan College after her adventure
THE SUBTLE KNIFE and in the Arctic at the end of The Amber Spyglass.
THE AMBER SPYGLASS.
A multi-award winning
trilogy prizes include the
Carnegie Medal (and the Sample reviews
Carnegie of Carnegies—
chosen as the best winner
over the last 70 years), the Worth the wait… thrilling… Philip Pullman is the living heir of
Guardian Children's Book Lewis Carroll and George MacDonald and, yes, CS Lewis… Pull-
Award, a ‘Nibbie’ for Best man’s immense powers of kinaesthetic visualisation keep the story
Book of the Year and the pulsing on an epic scale Guardian (Book of the Week)
Whitbread (now the Costa) -
the first time in the history of This superb instalment was worth the wait […] Pullman is an ease-
that prize that it was given ful storyteller and an intricate and inventive world-builder, and
to a children's book. everything he has to write is worth reading. Sunday Telegraph
(5 star review)
24PHILIP PULLMAN
A dark powerhouse of subtlety, energy and mythos. My daughter and I read it
till the spine cracked. Does a book receive a greater compliment? Independent
Main Agent: Synopsis
Caradoc King
Philip Pullman is one of the most well-loved children’s writers of all
Useful websites: time. He has published nearly 20 books. His most well-known
www.philip-pullman.com work is the trilogy HIS DARK MATERIALS, beginning with
NORTHERN LIGHTS (THE GOLDEN COMPASS in the USA)
Some children’s books by in 1995, continuing with THE SUBTLE KNIFE in 1997, and con-
the author: cluding with THE AMBER SPYGLASS in 2000. These books
HIS DARK MATERIALS have been translated into 45 languages and have won numerous
trilogy: prizes, including the Carnegie Medal, The Guardian Children’s
Northern Lights Book Award, and the Whitbread Book of the Year Award—the first
The Subtle Knife time in history of that prize that it was given to a children’s book.
The Amber Spyglass In 2006, NORTHERN LIGHTS was awarded the Carnegie of
THE SALLY LOCKHART Carnegies, chosen by readers from all the books that have won this
quartet: medal in the 70 years since it was first awarded. In 2002 Philip
The Ruby in the Smoke Pullman received the Eleanor Farjeon Award for children’s litera-
The Shadow in the North ture and in 2005 he won the Astrid Lindgren Award, along with the
The Tiger in the Well Japanese illustrator Ryoji Arai. In October 2017 he will publish LA
The Tin Princess BELLE SAUVAGE, the first volume of the long awaited BOOK
THE NEW CUT GANG OF DUST. He is currently working on the second volume. BBC
series: One have commissioned a major new drama series of HIS DARK
The Gas-fitter’s Ball MATERIALS trilogy.
Thunderbolt’s Wax Works
COUNT KARLSTEIN
I WAS A RAT! Sample reviews
THE BROKEN BRIDGE
THE SCARECROW AND Pullman combines impeccable characterisations and seamless plot-
HIS SERVANT ting, maintaining a crackling pace to create almost unbearable ten-
sion. Publisher’s Weekly (about Northern Lights)
This is a stunning, dense and deep novel set in a universe which is
ours but not, and which jumbles the cabbalism, intricate scholarly
debates and dirt of the late sixteenth century with the spooky
quantum physics and apocalyptic fears of a possible future. It
has fierce 12-year-old heroine, a host of fantastical characters, a
narrative that is quest-propelled, funny, and unquenchably
imaginative, and an intellectual vigour that treats children’s curios-
ity with proper adult respect. Observer (about Northern
Lights)
25FREDERICK THE GREAT
DETECTIVE
by Philip Kerr
A mystery story for children set in 1930s Berlin by the master of the genre.
Main Agent:
Caradoc King Synopsis
Rights sold:
UK/US on submission Frederick Kissel is a 13 year old Berlin schoolboy. Until 1933 the
Germany (Rowohlt) most exciting thing that his ever happened to him is being
Greek (Kedros) invited to the film premiere of Emil and the Detectives, his favourite
Film: United Agents book. His father is a friend of the author, Erich Kastner.
Readership: 9+ Inspired, Fred resolves to become a detective with the Berlin
Material available: ms Kripo when he’s older. Until then he and his friends form their
Extent: 40,000 words own private detective agency, recording car number plates and
Geraman pub: Oct 2017 generally spying on people.
Other children’s books:
THE CHILDREN OF THE Things begin to change in Berlin. One day Fred sees some SS
LAMP series. men painting over a wonderful mural by the illustrator of EMIL,
THE WINTER HORSES Walter Trier. Then Fred’s brother Rolf announces a burning of
THE MOST FRIGHTEN- books considered un-German. Fred is horrified to find that his
ING STORY EVER TOLD favourite book is on the list. Despite these events the friends
still manage to do a bit of detecting. Trouble is there’s usually
not much crime around. Then one day one of the real detectives
asks them to go and keep an eye on someone he suspects is an
evil Russian spy. Fred is shocked when he gives them Erich
About the author: Kastner’s address, someone he knows very well is not a spy. In-
Philip Kerr is a best-selling stead of protesting he keeps his mouth shut and agrees. The
author. He has published friends start their first proper detecting job. A job that will turn
many adult thrillers, though is out to be more dangerous than they ever imagined.
best known for his private-eye
Bernie Gunther series of
which the latest, The Other Side Key Points
of Silence, was published in
2016. He is also a children’s
An important and prescient book, inspired by the German
author of the seven volume
classic EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES and true events.
Children of the Lamp series
(2004-2011). His works have
A page turning adventure story and deeply moving, it gives a
been translated into 36 lan-
fascinating glimpse at the architecture, rich culture and life in
guages and many have been
1930s Berlin from the point of view of a 13 year old boy.
sold for film.
The bestselling author combines his masterly skills as a mystery
writer and his unparalleled knowledge of Nazi Germany.
26FENN HALFLIN AND THE
SEABORN
by Francesca Armour-Chelu
The thrilling sequel to FENN HALFLIN AND THE FEARZERO.
Main Agent:
Ariella Feiner Synopsis
Rights sold: The thrilling conclusion to the epic Fenn Halflin series. Fenn
UK (Walker—Jane Halflin is on the run from the brutal Terra Firma. His survival
Winterbotham) depends on finding the last of the Resistance, said to be hiding in
an ancient, flooded forest. Accompanied by his faithful mongoose,
Film: United Agents Tikki, Fenn must embark on a journey that will take him deep into
Readership: 9 + the treacherous marsh and closer to the secrets of his past. But as
Material: fc the water levels continue to rise, his mission to unite the Seaborn
Extent: 304 pp people has never been more desperate.
UK publication: July 2017
Other books in the series:
FENN HALFIN AND THE
FEARZERO Key points
About the author: The final part to a chilling adventure about a sinking world,
Francesca Armour-Chelu wonderfully vivid and beautifully written.
grew up by the Suffolk
Coast. She studied English Perfect for readers of Percy Jackson and Artemis Fowl.
and Drama at Goldsmiths
and went on to work in FENN HALFIN AND THE FEARZERO was longlisted for the
museum education and the Branford Boase Award, the New Angle Prize and the
p u bl i c l i br a r ie s H e r Little Rebels Award. It was also shortlisted for the Mslexia
experience of living on water Children's Novel Competition and the 2016 East Anglian
meadows in an abandoned Children’s Book Award.
Edwardian railway carriage
inspired her novel, FENN
HALFIN AND THE Reviews
FEARZERO. Her novel
LEMON INK OVER I LOVED this book and am desperate to read the second instal-
FLAME was short-listed for ment [...] Issues of the environment, discrimination, refugees and
the Tibor Jones Pageturn- migration make this book pertinent to the current world order. The
er Prize 2013 and her short prose style is rich and engaging and worthy of study in any upper
story The Starving Ghost won key stage literacy lesson. The School Librarian (on FENN
the Myslexia Short Story HALFIN AND THE FEARZERO)
Competition 2013.
Clever, intriguing and wonderful – a brilliant adventure. Really
superb. Sue & Pakka’s blog (on FENN HALFIN AND THE
FEARZERO)
27KRINDLEKRAX
by Philip Ridley
The Smarties Prize winner returns in a wonderful new edition.
Main Agent:
Synopsis
Caradoc King
Rights sold: It was the day for choosing a hero.
UK (PRH Children’s Books)
Film: United Agents Ruskin Splinter is small and thin, with knock-knees, thick glasses
Readership: 9+ and a squeaky voice, and the idea of him taming a dragon makes
Material available: fc the whole class laugh. Big, strong Elvis is stupid but he looks like a
Extent: 240 pp hero. So who is more likely to get the big part in the school play?
UK publication: 1991, 2017 But when the mysterious beast, Krindlekrax, threatens Lizard
Street and everyone who lives there, it is Ruskin who saves the day
and proves he is the stuff that heros are made of after all.
Key points
About the author:
PHILIP RIDLEY was born
in the East End of London, A very funny school story full of weird and wonderful characters.
where he still lives and
works. He studied painting Winner of the Smarties Prize and the WH Smith, Mind-Boggling
at St Martin's School of Art Books Award.
and by the time he graduated
had exhibited widely Philip has also been nominated for the Whitbread Prize (for
throughout Europe and KASPER IN THE GLITTER, 1994) and shortlisted for the Car-
written his first novel. As negie Medal (for SCRIBBLEBOY, 1997).
well as books and plays for
adults, Philip has written Philip’s books have been translated in 17 languages.
many other books for
children includ-
ing Krindlekrax (1991), win- Sample reviews
ner of the Smarties Prize and
the WH Smith, Mind- Fizzes with life and humour ... outstanding Sunday Times
Boggling Books
Award, Kasper in the Ridley's surreal plots and invigorating characters are shockingly
Glitter (1994), nominated for enjoyable The Times
the Whitbread Prize,
and Scribbleboy (1997), Outrageous imagination and fun . . weird and wonderful
shortlisted for the Carnegie Guardian
Medal.
28THE MATILDA EFFECT
by Ellie Irving
The race to reclaim Granny's Nobel Prize will take them on the adventure of a
lifetime. (And for an 80 year old, that's a lot of life)
Main Agent:
Jodie Hodges
Synopsis
Matilda loves science and inventing, so when she doesn’t win the
Rights sold:
school science fair, she’s devastated – especially as the judges
UK (Random House—
didn’t believe she'd come up with her entry on her own. Because
Natalie Doherty)
she's a girl. When Matilda shares her woes with her grandma,
China (Citic Press)
she's astonished to learn that Grandma Joss was once a scientist
France (Bragelonne)
herself – an astrophysicist, who discovered her very own planet.
Korea (Mirae)
Trouble is, Grandma Joss was also overlooked – her boss,
Turkey (Marti) Professor Smocks, stole her discovery for himself. And he's about
Ukraine (Nebo Booklab) to be presented with a Nobel Prize. Matilda concocts a plan.
Film: United Agents They'll crash the award ceremony and tell everyone the truth! So
UK publication: July 2017 begins a race against time - and against Matilda's strict mum and
Extent: 256 pages dad! - on a journey through Paris, Hamburg and Stockholm, and
Readership: on which they encounter a famous film star, a circus, and a wanted
8+ boys and girls diamond thief...
Useful websites:
www.ellieirving.com
Other books by the author: Key points
THE MUTE BUTTON
FLEECED
A brilliant, funny adventure that subtly highlights the importance
of STEM subjects for girls.
About the author: Perfect for fans of David Walliams, Phil Earle, David Solomons
Ellie was born into a family and Julian Clary.
of avid readers. After
studying a 4 year Includes Matilda's fun and sparky guide to her scientific heroes.
Broadcasting degree at the
University of Leeds, Ellie
realised there were too few Reviews
home makeover shows in
the world, and worked on a
number of DIY and Garden Warm-hearted and funny, this is a marvellous mix of righteous
programmes for UK Style. indignation and madcap race against time, deftly illustrated
Ellie returned to studying by Matthew Jones. The Guardian
and graduated from an MA
in Screenwriting course at The Matilda Effect is a lovely book that promotes all the things
the London College of you might want the young girls in your life to be – inquisitive, out-
Communication in 2008. going, spunky, rambunctious. . . .Marvellous. The Bookbag
29You can also read
