Month: October 2025

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Acquisition Announcement: The Elementals by Love Ssega and Erika Meza

Little Tiger has acquired The Elementals – an adventure-filled young fiction series from Love Ssega, illustrated by Erika Meza.

Senior Commissioning Editor Mattie Whitehead acquired world rights for four books directly from the author. Pip Johnson, Senior Designer, acquired illustration rights from Claire Cartey at Holroyde Cartey.

Moana meets the Famous Five – The Elementals is perfect for readers in search of adventure!

Wanzu and his friends will do whatever it takes to keep Sealand – their island home – safe. They all have magical powers connected to the four elements: Air, Water, Earth and Fire. But curious and playful Wanzu hasn’t discovered what his power is yet…

When storms threaten to flood the island, Wanzu leads his friends on a rescue mission. Their quest takes them to magical places, where they learn how to stop the water taking over their home. But will they be able to make it back to Sealand and save the day in time? And will Wanzu ever discover his power?

Mattie Whitehead said: “It has been an extremely special process working with Ssega on The Elementals. With his creative talent and environmental knowledge, paired with passion and care, Ssega has created a magical world full of kindness, adventure (and some fun melodies!) in which children can take the lead. Perfectly brought to life in Erika Meza’s beautiful artwork, Wanzu and the Elementals will be ready to set sail in 2026!”

Love Ssega said: “It is a dream to have this work put out, so I want to thank Mattie Whitehead and the Little Tiger team for believing in this. We need stories of positivity, the marvels of nature and the power of young minds working together, fuelled by imagination. The Elementals would not come to life without stunning illustrations from Erika Meza, which bring the playfulness, joy and humour to the world. So I can’t wait for readers to join us on this first journey!”

 Erika Meza said: “Collaborating with Ssega in bringing his world and characters to life has been a gust of fresh air, and to do so with the Little Tiger team has turned it into an exhilarating experience. The text is fun, intriguing and empowering, and it is my hope that readers of all ages will find themselves reflected in these characters, whether it’s a water baby, our hero – or a Beaver Queen.”

Little Tiger will publish book 1, The Elementals: Wanzu Sets Sail, in April 2026, with book 2 to follow in August 2026, and books 3 and 4 to publish in 2027.

 

©Emma WA Jones

Love Ssega (Ssegawa-Ssekintu Kiwanuka) is an award-winning musician, performing artist and storyteller who has received international recognition for his work. It is this storytelling that brings him to write his debut fiction series THE ELEMENTALS. Love Ssega was the founding songwriter and frontman of Clean Bandit.

 His life and writing draws on East African Ganda and Bantu stories from his parents, to wide-ranging life experiences from sugarcane research in Haiti to cultural collaborations in Guangxi, China. Love Ssega was selected to host for the official culture talk at United Nations COP26 Climate Conference. He is proudly the founder of the arts-led clean air movement LIVE + BREATHE, has featured in The New York Times Climate Forward. Love Ssega has creative relationships with the National Gallery (UK) and Philharmonia Orchestra and is currently Associate Artist of Southbank Centre.

Instagram: @lovessega

 

Erika Meza was born in Mexico and, after learning to draw, travelled across the sea to find a nest of her own in South London, where she now lives with her partner, her cat and her little puffling. She’s brought to life books like My Two Border Towns, Stop! That’s not my Story! and Seven Sisters, and is the author and illustrator of To The Other Side.

Instagram: @ErikaDraws

 

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Acquisition Announcement: The Forest Is a Part of Me by Elizabeth Wathuti and Michelle Pereira

Little Tiger has acquired The Forest Is a Part of Me, an inspiring picture book from climate activist Elizabeth Wathuti, illustrated by Michelle Pereira. Managing Editor Isabel Otter acquired world rights for the book directly from the author.

This is a thought-provoking and enchanting biographical picture book that tells the powerful story of Elizabeth Wathuti’s lifelong work to protect her homeland from deforestation. It is also the story of a relationship between a little girl and the forest – a moving love letter and an inspiring call to action.

Isabel Otter said:

Elizabeth Wathuti is a remarkable woman – at the age of 20 she founded the Green Generation Initiative, which is responsible for planting and managing over 6.5 million trees. The Forest Is a Part of Me is a powerful, inspirational tale of hope, showing that no one is too small to make a difference. We are very proud to be publishing Elizabeth’s debut picture book.

Elizabeth Wathuti’s said:

The Forest Is Part of Me was inspired by my own story of planting my first tree at the age of seven; a moment that awakened my lifelong connection to nature and my passion to make a difference for people, our planet and for prosperity. Today, I continue to grow millions of trees across Kenya through my organization, Green Generation Initiative, while inspiring young people in Kenya, across the African continent and worldwide. Through this book, I hope children everywhere can rediscover that same sense of wonder, empathy and responsibility for the natural world while they are still young. Our future depends on how we nurture that bond today, because when we protect the forest – when we protect nature – we are really protecting a part of ourselves.

Michelle Pereira said:

I was drawn to this project because I have fond memories of my childhood in Kenya. We lived in an apartment block near the Nairobi National Park, and from the rooftop you could see the savannah stretch into the horizon. Sometimes there’d be moving silhouettes in the distance of elephants or giraffes that came close to graze. I find nature inspiring and I was very moved by Elizabeth’s words, which reflect her deep love and connection to the natural world around us. I’ve used digital tools to draw these illustrations, but I like to mimic how I’d normally draw with traditional mediums, such as pencils.

 Little Tiger will publish The Forest Is a Part of Me in September 2026.

© Green Generation Initiative

Elizabeth Wathuti O.G.W is a multi-award-winning Kenyan environmentalist and globally recognized young climate leader with a Head of State Commendation in the order of the Grand Warrior for her work and leadership in environmental conservation (O.G.W).

She is the visionary Founder and CEO of the Green Generation Initiative, an action-driven organization nurturing an environmentally conscious citizenry through locally led environmental restoration – growing millions of trees in 605 schools across Kenya and with communities, climate education and community resilience projects.

She is a TIME100 Impact Award honouree, and one of the Commissioners on the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. Elizabeth has been named Africa Green Person of the year as well as one of Africa’s Most influential young people. She also leads the African Youth Climate Assembly (AYCA). Her leadership and advocacy continue to inspire action on climate, environmental conservation and restoration, youth-led climate innovation and locally driven action, and sustainable development, making her one of the most influential voices of her generation.

Green Generation Initiative website: www.greengenerationinitiative.org

 Twitter: @lizwathuti

Michelle Pereira grew up in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, and now lives in Melbourne, Australia. Her children’s book illustrations include texture and bold geometric design, with a focus on women and inclusivity.

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Acquisition Announcement: Frankenkitty by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Mini Grey

Little Tiger has acquired the hilarious gothic tale Frankenkitty, a new picture book from Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Kate Greenaway Medal winner Mini Grey.

Editorial Director Stephanie Stansbie acquired world rights for two books from Jessica Hare at The Agency.

Born of stitches and lightning, Frankenkitty wanders the halls of the darketty dark castle. Everyone trembles at the sight of him. But is he really such a foul and loathsome creature? And can anyone save him before it’s too late? This is a wickedly illustrated gothic tale: equal parts giggles and goosebumps.

Stephanie Stansbie said:

I’ve been a huge admirer of Mini Grey’s work for many years and am beyond thrilled to have her on the Little Tiger list. The humour and detail she brings to every inch of her illustrations are off the charts, making her the perfect pairing for Maudie Powell-Tuck’s exquisitely dramatic Frankenkitty. And we’re excited to be working with Mini on another brilliant book for Frankfurt 2026.

Mini Grey said:

As a child, I was a massive fan of all things cheesy-horror, from The Munsters to Carry On Screaming to Young Frankenstein – I loved them all. So when I had a chance to help make a funny horror-zone picture book, I had to take it! 

Maudie Powell-Tuck said:

Frankenkitty is a love letter to Gothic parody – camp, silly, mischievous and just a little bit scary. It’s been an utterly magical experience to pair up with the incredible Mini Grey, and the fabulous Little Tiger Team, to work on this book together.

Little Tiger will publish Frankenkitty in September 2026, with a second book from Mini Grey to follow in September 2027.

 

Born in a Mini in a car park in South Wales, Mini worked as a theatre designer, then a primary school teacher, before she began making children’s picture books, some of which have won awards. Mini lives in Oxford UK with her partner, Tony, and son Herbie. She likes running along the river and down corridors, and playing with her food.

 

Instagram: @mini3grey

 

 

 

Maudie Powell-Tuck has been writing, editing and dreaming about picture books for over 12 years. She has worked in a children’s bookshop and as an editor for a children’s publisher, so she can enthuse about kids books ’til the cows come home. When not writing or editing, Maudie can be found pootling around charity shops with her kids, reading, and watching embarrassingly trashy reality tv. She is forever losing her hearing aids and has dropped her phone 1,345,566 times. Miraculously it still works.

 

Instagram: @maudiepowelltuck

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Acquisition Announcement: We Wait for the Stars, a YA novel in verse from Bridget Hamilton

Little Tiger has acquired We Wait for the Stars, a stunning YA novel in verse from debut author Bridget Hamilton – winner of the Northern Writer’s Debut Award for YA Fiction 2023.

Mattie Whitehead, Senior Commissioning Editor at Little Tiger, acquired world English languages rights from Lucy Irvine at Peter Fraser and Dunlop Literary Agents for publication in July 2026.

After losing her dad, Celeste’s life feels like it’s splintering. ​Then she makes a new friend in Katie, who shares her love of the beach, and meets Reuben, a fellow photographer. Maybe a new friendship group is just what she needs – as long as she keeps her growing attraction to Reuben out of the equation.​​ But Celeste soon finds that emotions can’t be bottled up…

A powerful and poignant novel in verse, perfect for fans of Sarah Crossan, Elizabeth Acevedo, Dean Atta and Tia Fisher. ​

Mattie Whitehead, Senior Commissioning Editor said:

I have always loved novels in verse, and when I first read We Wait for the Stars I couldn’t put it down. Bridget’s writing is stunning, with gorgeous and (sometimes painfully!) relatable characters. She has captured the different nuances of grief, while also threading hope, love and laughter through her story. This book means so much to me, and I know will to many others.

Bridget Hamilton said:

 I’m thrilled that We Wait for the Stars has found its home with Little Tiger! Mattie and the team have been fantastic at helping bring the story to life and really championing the poetry element of it, which I’m so glad I found in a publisher (and in my brilliant agent, Lucy). Many of my favourite authors write in verse and I’m very lucky to be joining the ranks. I can’t wait for readers to meet Celeste and follow her journey!

Little Tiger will publish We Wait for the Stars in July 2026.

Bridget Hamilton (she/her) is a writer, podcaster, and creative practitioner. Originally from Kent, she headed to the North East of England for university, fell in love with the region and forgot to leave! She now lives in Newcastle upon Tyne with her husband and baby boy. Bridget believes that everyone should have the opportunity to read and write stories. Her job sees her travel to schools, youth groups, community centres and even inside prisons to teach creative writing. Meanwhile, her own writing centres around home, family, and identity; she has created work for organisations such as the Hexham Book Festival, Kielder Observatory, Poet in the City and BBC Radio Three.

Instagram: @bridgetwriting | Website: www.bridgethamilton.co.uk

 

 

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Stitch Head Returns to Almost-Life on the Big Screen in Early 2026

The first book in the beloved Stitch Head series, written by Guy Bass and illustrated by Pete Williamson, has been adapted for feature-length animation by Gringo Films in co-production with Fabrique D’Images, Senator Film Produktion and Traumhaus Studios in Association with GFM Animation and will hit cinemas across the UK in early 2026, distributed by Kazoo Films.

Stitch Head, the first, but now long-forgotten, creation of the eccentric Professor Erasmus works to keep his master’s monstrous creatures safe inside the walls of Castle Grotteskew. Until a travelling circus ringmaster knocks at the castle door, promising to make Stitch Head a star. Stitch Head’s story is heart-warming, often hilarious, but ultimately an ode to the often overlooked who might just have what it takes to be a hero, if only they can believe in themselves.

Starring Asa Butterfield as the eponymous Stitch Head, the stellar voice cast is rounded out by Joel Fry, Alison Steadman, Rob Brydon, Tia Bannon, Fern Brady and Jamali Maddix. The film, adapted and directed by Steve Hudson, premiered in June at the prestigious Annecy Animation Film Festival where it was part of the official selection. Briarcliff Entertainment are handling North American theatrical distribution with the film receiving a wide release from 29th October 2025.

Stitch Head was first published in the UK by Little Tiger (then under the Stripes imprint) in 2011 and has been a much-loved series ever since. There are six titles in the original chapter book series and the graphic novel adaptation of the first book was published in February 2024, with the second following this year and the third currently in development. The chapter books are published by Little Tiger’s US imprint, Tiger Tales, in North America and the first graphic novel was published by Random Graphic in July this year. Little Tiger will publish a film tie-in edition of the first novel featuring animation stills on 8th January 2026.

GFM Animation has achieved a wide global release for the film across multiple territories, which has regenerated interest in the books with international publishers, resulting in many translation licenses being renewed ahead of the film’s release in these territories.

Guy Bass said:

What a monstrous treat to see Stitch Head be brought to almost-life on screen. It’s action-packed, funny, touching and creepily comedic, and filled with more twists, turns and dark corners than I ever imagined. Stitch Head and the other monsters behave, speak and move like they do in my head – seeing the film is like running into old friends! PRESS RELEASE

Lauren Ace, Editorial Director for Fiction at Little Tiger said:

At a time when children reading for pleasure is of critical concern, films can be a wonderful entry point to bring children back to the original source material of their favourite on-screen characters. Steve Hudson’s masterful adaptation is so faithful to Guy and Pete’s wonderful creations that I know young readers, and their parents, will delight in discovering there are more adventures waiting for them in the pages of the books that inspired this cinematic triumph.

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