Acquisition Announcement

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Acquisition Announcement: NOT My Superpower, a brilliantly funny middle grade series by Nathanael Lessore

Little Tiger has acquired Nathanael Lessore’s brilliantly funny young middle grade series, NOT My Superpower, illustrated by Simran Singh.

Senior Commissioning Editor Mattie Whitehead has acquired Nathanael Lessore’s NOT My Superpower series. The deal for world all language rights in two books was struck with Clare Wallace at Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency. Whitehead will be editing alongside Karelle Tobias, Junior Editor.

Charlie Moyler, Art Director, acquired illustrations by Simran Singh from Davinia Andrew-Lynch at Curtis Brown, and Kat Cassidy, Junior Designer, will be designing the books.

Controlling the wind, smelling fear, farting colours… The people of Walsham can do it all! The WHOLE TOWN has been granted powers by a mysterious treasure, except for Sara. She can’t even levitate a squirrel!

But the school football trophy (and her best friend Georgie’s lucky charm) has been stolen, and powers or no powers, it’s up to her to find it and catch the criminal. And who knows – maybe Sara will discover her super skills in the process… (She certainly hopes she will!).

Mattie Whitehead and Karelle Tobias said:

Anyone who has read Nate’s books or has met him will know that his humour is next level. That humour combined with great characters, a twisty mystery and a dollop of silly superpowers makes this series an absolute treat. We’ve loved and laughed working on the series with Nate and we can’t wait for readers to meet Sara and her friends (and nemeses…) and discover their own superpowers.

Nathanael Lessore said:

Having grown up as the biggest superhero nerd, consuming anything DC or Marvel, it’s a dreamΒ come true to write my own superhero story with such a talented and thoughtful publisher behind me. My editors are just as playful and whackyΒ with the ideas as I am, and Simran’s illustrations bring the characters and the world to life in a spectacularly fun way! Sara and her friends prove that being a hero is about more than just wearing a cape, and friendship is more effective than any superpower.Β 

Simran Singh said:

I’m so excited to work on this project and CAN’T WAIT ’til its release. I’ve loved designing the characters so far and I’m so looking forward to illustrating all their goofy scenes!

Little Tiger will be publishing Solving Crime is NOT my Superpower in March 2025, with book two, Time Travel is NOT my Superpower, to follow in Autumn 2025.

Nathanael Lessore was born in Camberwell, South East London, as one of eight children to French and Madagascan parents. Although he spent most of his life in Peckham, Nathanael has also lived in Paris, Strasbourg, and Singapore. Nathanael became a Marketing Executive after graduating from the University of East London, believing at the time that a Creative Writing degree destined him for a career in marketing. His debut Steady For ThisΒ published in 2023 and is currently longlisted for the Branford Boase and Jhalak Prize, and shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing. Writing it gave him the opportunity to show his Southeast London childhood as the funny, warm, adventurous world that wasn’t always represented as such.

Author social media handles

Twitter/X: @NateLessore

 

Simran Singh is an illustrator and character designer based in East London. She has always been in awe of everything creative, especially when it comes to world-building and bringing characters to life!

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Acquisition Announcement: Wintour’s Game, an action-packed new teen series from BrΓ­an Dungan.

Little Tiger has acquired Wintour’s Game, the first in an action-packed new teen series from BrΓ­an Dungan.

Karelle Tobias, Junior Editor at Little Tiger, acquired world all language rights from Helen Boyle at Pickled Ink in a three-book deal. Wintour’s Game will be published in August 2024, with book two and three to follow in Summer 2025 and Summer 2026 respectively.

Alex Wintour has only got this far in life by living off her wits. Well, that and an ability to see glimpses of the future. Then a robbery goes wrong, and her path is set on a collision course with the enigmatic teen millionaire Colman Reece, who needs her help for the heist of a lifetime.

But with high-speed car chases, a sinister sect on her tail and the hunt for a mysterious weapon underway, Alex soon learns that even being able to see the future doesn’t always give you the winning hand…

Perfect for fans of Artemis Fowl, Alex Rider and Lockwood & Co.

Karelle Tobias, Junior Editor said:

BrΓ­an’s writing hooked me from the very first chapter. Wintour’s Game is a pacy, cinematic thrill from start to finish, with compelling world building and a cast of dynamic characters that leap off the page. It’s been such a joy working with BrΓ­an to develop this incredible series, and I cannot wait for readers to meet Alex Wintour and explore the time bending society she’s drawn into.

BrΓ­an Dungan said:

Telling stories has always been something I’ve loved to do. But from the day I met Alex Wintour, it’s something I’ve had to do. Her vitality, vulnerability, audacity and rebellious teen spirit simply refused to be kept off the page. I couldn’t be happier to have found a home for her at Little Tiger and that we finally get to share the voice that’s been ringing so loudly in my head! Wintour. Is. Coming.

Little Tiger will publish Wintour’s Game in August 2024.

Born in Dublin, BrΓ­an splits his time between his family, his day job in film and television and his passion for writing. As a camera assistant, BrΓ­an has worked on projects as varied asΒ Game of Thrones,Β The Last Duel,Β Derry GirlsΒ andΒ Black Mirror. Now turning to novel-writing, BrΓ­an aims to be the latest in a long and distinguished line of published authors from his hometown of Skerries, where he lives with his long-suffering wife and three daughters.

Author social media handles:

Instagram: @briandungan1

 

 

 

 

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Acquisition Announcement: I’m Going to Make a Friend, the first ever picture book from Darren Chetty.

Little Tiger has acquired I’m Going to Make a Friend, the first ever picture book from Darren Chetty.

Maudie Powell Tuck, Senior Commissioning Editor at Little Tiger, acquired world rights from Rachel Mann at JULA (now at CAA) in a three-book deal. I’m Going to Make a Friend will publish in hardback in May 2025 and is illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat.

Sometimes it feels impossible to make a new friend. There are so many questions! Will they play how I want to play? Will they have other friends, or like me most of all? Will they hug me when I’m sad, or give me space? In the end, the only thing you can do is to dive in and give it a go.

Stephanie Stansbie, Editorial Director said:

We’re thrilled to be embarking on a relationship with philosopher and author Darren Chetty, who will offer young readers bold and refreshing new perspectives. In his first picture book, Darren cuts straight to the heart of the myriad of emotions – the vulnerability and courage – that it takes to form meaningful relationships. While Sandhya Prabhat’s bright, funny characters and magical illustrations illuminate this heart-warming, original take on the pursuit of friendship.

Darren Chetty said:

Friendships matter when we’re young – and they never stop mattering. I really wanted to write a story about moving house and making friends while also celebrating the power of the imagination. I hope that readers will find the space to enter into the world of the book.Β  I’m absolutely delighted to be working with Little Tiger on my first picture book!

Little Tiger will publish I’m Going to Make a Friend in May 2025.

Darren Chetty is a Welsh Indian South African Dutch Londoner. He teaches in primary schools and at university and writes for people of all ages. He loves football and music and collects children’s books, snow globes and toy robots.

Author social media handles: Instagram: @rapclassroom | Twitter/X: @rapclassroom

Sandhya Prabhat is an independent animator and illustrator based in the Bay Area, California, and is from Chennai, India. She holds an MFA Degree in Animation and Digital Arts from NYU Tisch School of the Arts Asia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Literature from Stella Maris College.

Illustrator social media handles: Instagram and Twitter/X: @sandhyaprabhatΒ 

 

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Acquisition Announcement: Eric Huang’s East Asian mythology-inspired series

Little Tiger has acquired Guardians of the New Moon – an adventurous young fiction series inspired by East Asian mythology from Eric Huang, illustrated by Quang and LiΓͺn.

Senior Commissioning Editor Mattie Whitehead acquired world rights for four books directly from the author. Whitehead will be working editorially with Charlotte Leung, Editorial Assistant. Kimberley Chen, Designer, acquired illustration rights from Doreen Thorogood at Good Illustration Agency.

Little Tiger will publish books one and two in January 2025, books three and four will follow.

The Jade Emperor is bored. Having just created the world, he wants something to pass the eternity of time! So, he comes up with a brilliant idea – a Great Race! All creatures on Earth will be invited to compete, from the tiny Rat to the great Water Dragon. And the first twelve to complete the race will have a year in the zodiac cycle named after them forevermore.

Temple cat Miaow finds himself (reluctantly) joining the race, where he meets Ming, a spirited and fiery nine-tailed fox determined to become his best friend. The reserved Miaow gradually warms to Ming but when Miaow begins to make other friends, Ming’s bubbling insecurity and impulsivity spill over, causing a series of accidents that disrupts the race and endangers the racers. Will the pair (and their friendship) make it to the finish line?

The first book tells the story of the Great Race – the twelve winners of which make up the Chinese zodiac – and introduces readers to the characters. The first two books will publish to coincide with Lunar New Year, and the series will see Ming and Miaow taking on their new roles as Guardians of the New Moon. Their job: to visit the titular animal at the start of each lunar new year and help ensure the success of that year.Β And so, the adventure continues…

Mattie Whitehead and Charlotte Leung said:

Packed with humour, magic and fun-filled adventure, we are so excited to be publishing the Guardians of the New Moon series. With Eric’s gorgeous writing and characters that bounce off the page, and beautifully illustrated by Quang and LiΓͺn, the series is a perfect celebration of East Asian mythology for younger readers. We can’t wait to join Ming and Miaow and see how the winners of the race cope with their newfound fame!

Eric Huang said:

When my sister and I were growing up in California, our dad told us bedtime stories based on East Asian legends his mother told him when he was a boy in China. He often made us the protagonists of these magical sagas, the ones saving the day after inadvertently wreaking havoc that shook heaven and earth. The Guardians of the New Moon series is inspired by these stories. They’re original adventures that mix the twelve animals of the Lunar Zodiac with magical creatures and unpredictable gods amidst the accidental chaos created by a young cat and nine-tailed fox.”

Quang and LiΓͺn said:

The story of the Great Race of Zodiac animals is popular in Asian culture – we grew up with it. It’s interesting to redraw them in a fun way. All of them – Miaow, Ming, Su, Tu Di Gong and the Jade Emperor – come alive in Eric Huang’s writing, we love reading their story. Their actions and expressions appear immediately to us when we read so we just move them onto the paper. And finally, through their story we learn that trying to achieve a goal is important, but the most important thing is finding true friends on the way.Β  Β Β 

Eric Huang has always been fascinated by legends and lore. As a boy, he was determined to find real-life dragons, so he studied palaeontology at university. Reality didn’t live up to his Jurassic Park dreams, though, and he found himself working as secretary at Disney Publishing, launching a career in children’s books. Since then, Eric has held editor and publisher positions on three continents, including at Penguin Australia and Penguin UK. Eric lives in London with his boyfriend Brian and cat McNulty. He’s a podcaster, writer, and lecturer at City University of London’s Masters in Publishing programme.

Author social media handles: Twitter/X: @dinoboy89 | Instagram: @EricHuangBooks

 

From their Saigon studio, Quang and LiΓͺn work seamlessly as a duo, creating their stunning artwork using a mix of watercolour, acrylic and digital. Inspired by the folk culture of Vietnam and Asia, this incredibly talented award-winning Vietnamese author-illustrator partnership produce the most beautifully vibrant and poignant stories. Select clients include: Google, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Scholastic, Macmillan, Lerner, Workman, Little Tiger Press, Templar/Bonnier, Charlesbridge, What on Earth Books.

Illustrator social media handles: Instagram: @kaaillustration | Website: https://www.kaaillustration.com/

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Acquisition Announcement: Desert Echoes, a propulsive YA novel from Stonewall Honor-winning author Abdi Nazemian.

Little Tiger has acquired Desert Echoes, a propulsive YA novel from Stonewall Honor-winning author Abdi Nazemian.

Mattie Whitehead, Senior Commissioning Editor at Little Tiger, acquired UK & Commonwealth rights from Charlotte Bodman at Rights People,Β on behalf ofΒ John Cusick and Chiara Panzeri at Folio Literary Management, for publication on 29th September 2024

Fifteen-year-old Kam is head over heels for Ash, the boy who swept him off his feet. But his family and best friend, Bodie, are worried. They struggle to understand Ash. He also has a habit of disappearing, at times for days. When Ash asks Kam to join him on a trip to Joshua Tree, the two of them walk off into the sunset … but only Kam returns.

Two years later, Kam is still left with a hole in his heart and too many unanswered questions. So it feels like fate when a school trip takes him back to Joshua Tree. On the trip, Kam wants to find closure about what happened to Ash, but instead finds himself in danger of facing a similar fate. In the desert, Kam must reckon with the truth of his past relationship – and the possibility of opening himself up to love once again.

Desert Echoes is a moving story about human resilience and connection from the author of Only This Beautiful Moment. Perfect for fans ofΒ Last Night at the Telegraph Club, The Great Godden andΒ If You Still Recognise Me.

Mattie Whitehead, Senior Commissioning Editor said:

We were so proud to publish Only This Beautiful Moment in the UK last year, and with Desert Echoes I was similarly drawn into the story. Abdi writes so perfectly for YA readers – combining the everyday lives of teenagers with really important themes in such a natural and nuanced way. With thoughtful characters, intrigue and heart, readers will be gripped by Kam, Ash and Bodie’s story.

Abdi Nazemian said:

Desert Echoes is a deeply personal novel that explores the mystery and power of one of my favorite places, Joshua Tree. It’s an honor that Mattie and the Little Tiger team are bringing the book to one of my other favorite places, the UK. I hope readers in the UK and Commonwealth connect with this story about lost love, found love, and the healing that awaits us when we take the time to listen.Β Β 

Little Tiger will publish Desert Echoes in September 2024.

Abdi NazemianΒ is the author of Only This Beautiful Moment (a Stonewall Award Winner), Like a Love Story (a Stonewall Honor book), The Chandler Legacies andΒ The Authentics. His novelΒ The Walk-In ClosetΒ won the Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Debut Fiction. His screenwriting credits include the filmsΒ The Artist’s Wife and The Quiet, and the television seriesΒ The VillageΒ andΒ Ordinary Joe.Β He has been an executive producer and associate producer on numerous films, includingΒ Call Me by Your Name, Little Woods,Β andΒ The House of Tomorrow.Β He lives in Los Angeles with his husband, their two children, and their dog, Disco. Find him online atΒ www.abdinazemian.com

Author social media handles: Instagram: @abdaddy and Twitter/X: @abdaddy

 

 

 

 

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Acquisition Announcement – Flash of Neon, a dazzling teen story from Carnegie shortlisted author Sophie Cameron. Β 

Little Tiger has acquired world rights to Flash of Neon, a dazzling teen story from Carnegie shortlisted author Sophie Cameron.

Mattie Whitehead, Senior Commissioning Editor at Little Tiger, acquired world all-language rights directly from Sophie Cameron for publication in paperback and eBook in May 2025.

Laurie loves stories. She loves reading them in her mums’ bookshop in their small Scottish town. She loves sharing them with new readers. She also loves telling stories about people she’s not yet met and places she’s not yet been. But when one of these people comes crashing into Laurie’s world, it turns her whole life upside down.

Neon is the boy Laurie’s been dreaming of for the last six months, and he’s exactly as she had created him – down to his ability to play any instrument he picks up. And when he steps off the train and into Laurie’s world, he teaches her what it means to be real.

Flash of Neon is a fantastical story about imagination and friendship from the author of Away with Words.

Mattie Whitehead, Senior Commissioning Editor said:

With each of Sophie’s books I’ve been instantly drawn in, falling in love with the characters, and Flash of Neon did just that. Sophie combines real world, fantasy and important relatable themes with beautiful writing, and the result is another super special story. We can’t wait for readers to meet Laurie, Neon and the whole creative cast of characters… 

Sophie Cameron said:

I’ve absolutely loved working with Mattie, Karelle and the rest of the Little Tiger team on my previous teen books and I feel very lucky to get to publish another story with them. Flash of Neon has been really fun to write and I can’t wait to introduce it to readers next year!

Little Tiger will publish Flash of Neon in May 2025.

Sophie Cameron is a YA and MG author from the Scottish Highlands. Her debut YA novel Out of the Blue was nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2019. Her debut MG novel Our Sister, Again won the Leeds Books Awards 2023 and her second MG novel Away with Words is on the shortlist for the Carnegie Medal 2024. She lives in Spain with her family.

Author social media handles

Instagram: @sophiecameronbooks

Twitter/X: @sophiemcameron

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Acquisition Announcement: How to Survive a Teen Horror Movie – a fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek twist on the classic teen horror.

Little Tiger has acquired a dynamic YA thriller from Scarlett Dunmore.

Publishing in Fall 2024, How to Survive a Teen Horror Movie is a fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek twist on the classic teen horror – perfect for Halloween reading!

Karelle Tobias, Junior Editor at Little Tiger, acquired world all-languages rights in How to Survive a Teen Horror Movie and its sequel from Silvia Molteni at Peter Fraser and Dunlop Literary Agents for publication in Fall 2024.

Horror enthusiast Charley is determined to put her past behind her and keep a low profile when she’s enrolled to a boarding school on a remote island. That is until a golden-masked killer begins terrorising the girls at her school, with its victims’ ghosts insistent that Charley avenge them.

Now Charley and her best (and only) friend Olive must use their horror knowledge to unmask the killer before they raise havoc at the Halloween Formal…

A fast-paced tongue in cheek novel about two friends trying to survive senior year – literally!

Perfect for fans of Fear Street, The Midnight Club and the Scream franchise.

Β Karelle Tobias, Junior Editor said:

As an avid horror fan, How to Survive makes brilliant use of the tropes we’ve come to expect and love, but with a great twist that will leave readers hooked right till the very end. Scarlett’s pacy writing, combined with the perfect dose of frightening thrills and humour, captivated me immediately. I cannot wait to work with Scarlett and develop this spooktacular series.

Scarlett Dunmore said:

How to Survive was a really fun book to write with Little Tiger. I enjoyed pulling from iconic horror directors like Wes Craven and John Carpenter to create some witty characters and entertaining jump-scares. I can’t wait to dive back into this storyworld for the next book!

Little Tiger will publish How to Survive a Teen Horror Movie in Fall 2024.

Scarlett studied English and Creative Writing, eventually finding a love for YA literature. When she’s not writing, she can often be found watching scary films or exploring abandoned abbeys, old cemeteries and ruined castles in Scotland for inspiration.

Instagram: @scarlett_dunmore

 

 

 

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Acquisition Announcement: Something to be Proud Of – a vibrant coming-of-age story from Anna Zoe Quirke

Little Tiger has acquired a vibrant coming-of-age story from debut author Anna Zoe Quirke – winner of the Northern Writer’s Debut Award for YA Fiction 2022 and shortlisted in the PFD Queer Fiction Prize 2022.

Publishing in June 2024, Something to Be Proud Of is a joyful celebration of queer friendship and finding community – the perfect read for Pride month and beyond!

Mattie Whitehead, Senior Commissioning Editor at Little Tiger, acquired world all-languages rights in Something to be Proud Of and a second standalone YA novel from Lucy Irvine at Peter Fraser and Dunlop Literary Agents for publication in June 2024. The second book will follow in June 2025. The cover for Something to be Proud Of is illustrated by LucΓ­a Gomez Alcaide. Sophie Bransby, Designer at Little Tiger, acquired cover illustration rights fromΒ Will Drayson, Advocate Art.

Imogenβ€―Quinn is a chaotic bisexual with dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian, crushing stereotypes about autistic people. When she decides to put on a pride festival that’s accessible for everyone, she enlists the help of the openly gay captain of the football team, Ollie Armstrong.

Dealing with the fallout from his parents’ divorce, Ollie is initially hesitant. But it doesn’t take long for him to be swept up by Imogen’s passion, and he’s not the only one. Joined by the (infuriatingly perfect) head girl, musicians, an artist and a star baker – a dream team soon assembles to help plan pride and tackle injustices in their school and beyond. You’d better listen out – they’re getting ready to make some noise.

Packed full of fun, forever friendships and fighting back, this YA debut is perfect for fans of I Kissed Shara Wheeler, Gwen and Art are Not in Love, Feel Good, Heartstopper and Not My Problem.

Mattie Whitehead, Senior Commissioning Editor said:

Something to be Proud Of truly is something to be proud of. Anna has written an authentic coming of age story with a strong voice, great characters and an insightful look into gender and sexual identity and neurodiversity, and how we could and should be more inclusive as a society. With friendship at the heart of the story, laugh-out-loud dialogue and a gorgeous slow-burn romance, readers are in for a treat.Β 

Β Anna Zoe Quirke said:

Β With all its hope, rage, and an entire cast of queer and disabled characters,β€―Something to be Proud Ofβ€―is the story I both really needed and wanted to write. Imogen and Ollie were excellent company and brought me so much joy while I was writing their story over the COVID lockdowns. I’m beyond grateful to Little Tiger and my agent, Lucy Irvine, for giving me the chance to hopefully pass some of that joy along to readers. I’m also so grateful to LucΓ­a for the beautiful cover that perfectly captures the Imogen and Ollie that have existed in my brain for years!

Lucy Irvine said:Β 

The title says it all, really – I could not be prouder of Anna and their incredible story of friendship, community and activism. Imogen and Ollie stole my heart from their very first chapters, and I hope that all readers will see themselves within this cast. Delighted thatΒ Something to be Proud OfΒ has found a home with Mattie and the brilliant Little Tiger team.

Little Tiger will publish Something to be Proud Of on 6th June 2024.

Anna Zoe Quirke (she/they) is a queer and neurodivergent writer and librarian from Lancashire. Her favourite thing to do is to write stories about chaotic queer people doing their darn best and finding the people who love them because of who they are and not in spite of it. Something to be Proud of is their first novel.

Author social media handles

Instagram: @annazoequirke

Twitter: @annazoequirke

 

 

 

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News: New Stitch Head Graphic Novel and feature film release

Little Tiger is working with the author and illustrator duo behind its bestselling STITCH HEAD series on at least two graphic novels featuring the much-loved hero. Guy Bass and Pete Williamson are bringing their unforgettable creation back to almost-life in glorious full-colour. World all language rights in Bass’s adaptation of the text were bought from Isobel Gahan at Curtis Brown by Associate Publisher Jane Harris. Art Director Charlie Moyler acquired World Rights in Williamson’s art from Alice Williams at Alice Williams Literary. The deal covers two volumes, adapting the first two novels in the original series.

The original STITCH HEAD novel was first published in 2011. Over 260,000 copies have been sold across the six books in the series in the UK alone. The books have been published in 16 languages and Little Tiger is relaunching the original novels in North America through their US-based Tiger Tales imprint, with the first two books publishing in April 2023.

An animated feature film adaptation of the first book is currently in production with Gringo Films. The voice cast is led by Asa Butterfield (Sex Education) as the eponymous hero. Butterfield is joined by a stellar line-up including, Joel Fry (Cruella) as the Creature, Rob Brydon (Gavin & Stacey) as Professor Erasmus, Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacey) as Nan, Tia Bannon as Arabella, and comedians Fern Brady and Jamali Maddix voicing members of Fulbert Freakfinder’s sideshow.

Deep in the maze-like dungeons of Castle Grotteskew, a young Professor Erasmus created Stitch Head, a small, almost-human creature. His experiments continued, filling the castle with creations so fabulously monstrous that Stitch Head was long cast aside. But loyal Stitch Head did not forget their promise to be friends forever, and thus spends his days wrangling a long line of the professor’s rampaging monsters, in an effort to protect both his home and his beloved master. Until a travelling circus ringmaster knocks at the castle door, promising to make Stitch Head a star. Is this Stitch Head’s chance to venture beyond the castle walls? Or could he be making a terrible mistake…?

Guy Bass said:

β€œAs a life-long fan of comic books, I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Little Tiger to give Stitch Head the graphic novel treatment. It could only have happened with Pete Williamson, who illustrated the novels, and I’m ecstatic that he’s on board to help bring Stitch Head to almost-life all over again. I can’t wait to introduce this adaptation of Stitch Head to readers old and new – and in full colour, no less!”

Pete Williamson said: β€œIt’s been wonderful to collaborate with Guy and the folk at Little Tiger once again, and it’s particularly exciting to apply our shared love for, and excitement about, the comics/graphic novel medium to Stitch Head. It’s a perfect fit – Guy’s brilliant storytelling and my artwork really open up the world of Stitch Head in a completely new way. This is the most fun I’ve ever had in illustration.”

Jane Harris said: β€œAfter welcoming Stitch Head to our list twelve years ago, I’m utterly delighted to see this best-selling creation step out of the shadows into a brand-new format. Guy and Pete have worked tirelessly to distil Stitch Head’s darkly comic world into a stunning full-colour graphic novel, and I couldn’t be prouder of the book they’ve created. It’s sure to delight Stitch Headfans and introduce his monstrous adventures to a whole new legion of readers.”

Little Tiger will publish Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel in February 2024 with Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye: A Graphic Novel following in February 2025.

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Acquisition Announcement: Becoming Brave – a heartfelt biographical picture book about love, grief and believing in yourself.

Little Tiger to publish Becoming Brave – a heartfelt biographical picture book about love, grief and believing in yourself from double debut Jennie Cashman Wilson and Tomekah George.

Managing Editor Nicola Edwards acquired world rights in all languages for Cashman’s lyrical text, working editorially on the title alongside Senior Editor Isabel Otter. Illustrator Tomekah George was brought on board by Art Director Emma Jennings.

Following Jennie and her relationship with her late husband, critically acclaimed jazz musician Abram Wilson, Becoming BraveΒ is both an exploration of grief and a celebration of courage. Jennie Cashman Wilson is the founder of The Abram Wilson charity – an organisation that works to open doors to minoritised young talent in the music industry. You can read more about their aims here.

If you want to try new things, you have to be brave. But you can’t be brave without also being scared.

While Jennie grew up wanting to please other people, Abram followed his heart from an early age. The two couldn’t have been more different, and yet when they met Jennie fell in love with Abram’s fearlessness.

But when life takes a turn for the worse and Abram is no longer by Jennie’s side, will she find her own courage?Β 

This poignant and heartfelt picture book explores themes of love, grief and believing in yourself in a gentle and uplifting way. With a contemporary setting and characters that many readers will relate to, this book is great for inspiring children and starting important conversations.Β 

Cashman Wilson says: β€œThe first time I told the Becoming Brave story was to an audience of about 1,000 primary-school children at Birmingham Symphony Hall. It was my sixth and final year of getting up on stage and telling these bright young things stories about courage and fear, me and Abram. When I got off stage someone suggested I turn the story into a children’s book. This turned out to be the spark of an idea that quickly snowballed into what eventually became an actual, real-life children’s book. Becoming Brave has been a journey in itself, weathering the formal withdrawal of the UK from the EU, a global pandemic, a war in Ukraine and a cost-of-living crisis. It feels like if ever there were a time for courage it is now. I feel deeply privileged to have had the opportunity to share mine and Abram’s story in such a beautiful and creative way and I’m so grateful to Little Tiger for involving me in the process in the way they did. I’m also indebted to Tomekah George who worked so hard on making mine and Abram’s story come to life, I couldn’t have asked for a better illustrator. Her involvement in this book has been a crucial part of the Becoming Brave journey and I’m extremely thankful to Little Tiger for investing the time and resources that are so necessary to develop emerging talent. I hope you enjoy reading Becoming Brave as much as we enjoyed making it.”

Edwards commented: You know some manuscripts are special the moment they cross your desk, and that was unquestionably the case with Jennie’s deeply moving story of love and loss. It explores not only grief but the way that fear and bravery are inextricably linked and that our hard times can be the catalyst for real and positive change. Jennie’s passion for helping young people find their power really shines through in this inspirational story of what it means to face our fears and live boldly, no matter what life throws at us along the way.

Jennings added: We knew we needed to find a very special illustrator to bring this true story of love, loss and hope to life. As soon as we saw Tomekah’s portfolio we fell in love with her striking, dynamic artwork and knew that she would be able to visually explore the nature of fear and bravery. Her emotive illustrations perfectly captured the different energies of Abram and Jennie’s characters and evoked the spirit of jazz music that infuses the story. She was a joy to work with!

George commented: β€œI’m honoured to be a part of sharing such a beautiful story, I can’t wait to see it in the wild!”

Little Tiger will publish Becoming Brave in August 2023.

About the Abram Wilson charity: Abram Wilson was a critically acclaimed and award-winning jazz trumpeter musician from New Orleans, who made London his home and forged a name for himself on the UK jazz scene. By 2012 he was at the height of his creative abilities and in the middle of a UK tour with his band when he became increasingly unwell. Abram died a few weeks later on Saturday 9th June from cancer. He was 38.

www.abramwilson.com

His wife and manager Jennie Cashman Wilson founded the Abram Wilson charity in his memory. She says:

β€œThroughout his career, Abram touched thousands of lives with his music, workshops and projects. He was a creative spirit but he knew that building a career as a freelance musician was really tough.Β  Someone of his ability and stature could have played with anybody, yet time and time again he would take on much younger, less experienced musicians and mentor, educate and encourage them. When Abram died, the kernel of an idea to somehow continue the work that we had begun together was formed.”

That idea has since grown into the Abram Wilson charity today. Abram’s experiences have influenced how the charity’s programmes happen, as part of an exciting and thriving UK jazz scene. The Abram Wilson charity continues to work hard to inspire a new generation of talent that is representative of the society we live in.

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