Chicken House Spring Rights Guide 2023

SPRING RIGHTS GUIDE

NEW YOUNG ADULT

YA

Iris is obsessed with star YouTube ghosthunting duo, Zach and Lucas, who disappeared at an undisclosed location several months ago. Alongside her friend Byron and his girlfriend Molly, Iris has been searching for the location ever since. When they find it, a horrifying truth emerges: whatever came for Zach and Lucas is coming for them too…

A horror/thriller with a fresh angle by Lisa Richardson, a mesmerizing new voice for YA readers.

The Haunting of Hill House x The Blair Witch Project with a social media spin and breathtaking twists. Spooky found footage, chilling ghost stories, serious jump scares, a love triangle, and a girl so obsessed by fame she’ll put herself and her friends in danger – this is unmissable!

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (exc. FILM)

£8.99, 14+, PB, pub

date: 14th September

2023, 80,000 (words approx.)

YA

Twin sisters, Icari and Sephie, live in a world where magical gifts are bestowed on a chosen few. Sephie discovers she has two powers – a crime punishable by death. Then, winged demons steal her to the underworld. Only a pair of wings can bring Icari to save her twin … But can a gentle healer learn to fight – and fly?

Anna Waterworth, critically acclaimed author, lives in the north-east of England and works as a clinical psychologist.

A thrilling romantasy adventure loosely inspired by Greek mythology.

A tale of love, sisterhood, magic and the triumph of life and truth overdeath and deception in a desert world of oases and citadels.

£8.99, 14+, PB, pub date: 6th July 2023, 100,000 (words approx.)

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (inc. FILM)

Ned works as a gravekeeper with his grandfather. Ned’s odd life is disrupted when graves are disturbed and an attractive young woman, Obedience Wellrest (Bede), starts visiting the cemetery. A mystery of science and magic unravels – and no-one is quite as they seem ...

Nicholas Bowling is an author, stand-up comic, musician and Latin teacher from London. A new direction for Costa-shortlisted Nicholas Bowling in this dark gothic mystery for teen readers.

A mesmerising tale of magic, death and science. A dual narrative with historical grounding but highly original fantastical touches, think Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell for younger readers.

£8.99, 14+, PB, pub date: 14th

September 2023, 70,000 (words approx.)

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (exc FILM)

YA MORE FROM NICHOLAS BOWLING

PRAISE FOR NICHOLAS BOWLING

‘a beautifully written tale which really inspires the reader to think about how important music is and the impact it can have on our lives … Bowling has a way of writing which brings the settings to life in your mind. I loved the imagery this book created. If you want a book to curl up with and read in one sitting, this one is for you!’ THE TEACHER BOOKWORM

‘an incredible concept, especially as you are made to believe that its you on the adventure, and has such a fantastic depth to the story that means you become so immersed and invested in the story.’ BOOKBOUND

‘an enchanting fantasy’ GOLDEN BOOKS GIRL

‘ … this is a wonderfully twisty and atmospheric fantasy … One not to miss, I was completely hooked by the sampler.’

FIONA NOBLE, THE BOOKSELLER

Nicholas Bowling is a thrilling writer, who keeps the reader permanently on edge.’

TELEGRAPH

‘ … a fine, brainy debut … [Bowling] is a talented and assured writer.’ LITERARY REVIEW

RECENT YOUNG ADULT

YA

£7.99, 14+, PB, pub date: 3rd March 2022, 90,000 (words approx.)

When Khadija’s father arranges a match, she leaps at a chance to escape – a hot air balloon fighting its ropes for the sky. Soon, she is flying over the desert sands of her world, swept up in an adventure of black magic, jinn and revolution beyond her wildest dreams …

RIGHTS SOLD: North American Audio (Scholastic), UK Audio (Ulverscroft), Canada and USA (Scholastic), France (Hugo)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (EX. FILM)

Aneesa Marufu lives in Manchester. The Balloon Thief, her debut novel, was the winner of the Kimberley Chambers Kickstart Prize in 2019.

''Highly relevant yet utterly original, I was utterly entranced by this world of jinn, peril and hot air balloons that ache for the skies.' LAUREN JAMES

'a dynamic debut from an exciting new British literary voice, who introduces herself with unique storytelling.' EASTERN EYE

'Aneesa Marufu's debut, The Balloon Thief, sees Khadija escape her destiny of arranged marriage and boredom by fleeing in a hot air balloon, along with unlikely accomplice Jacob, one of the oppressed hari people. As they race across a vividly realised desert kingdom, the duo are swept into an exhilarating adventure of black magic, djinns and revolution, with powerful themes of racism and oppression woven into the action.'

OBSERVER

YA

£8.99, 14+, PB, pub date: 9th November 2023, 90,000 (words approx.)

Khadija’s sister, Talia, has been kidnapped and stolen into the magical realm of Al-Ghaib. Khadija embarks on a quest to rescue her. But AlGhaib, where the sky is emerald green, is a place of trickery: she will have to have all her wits about her if she’s to outfox her sister’s captor…

A dual narrative split between Khadija’s magical quest to rescue her sister, and Jacob’s embroilment in a political mystery –the two strands thrillingly combine at the end.

Explores love, politics, equality and racism in a highly original South Asian inspired fantasy world.

RIGHTS OPTIONED: North American Audio (Scholastic), UK Audio (Ulverscroft), Canada and USA (Scholastic), France (Hugo)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (EX. FILM)

YA

Humanoid Echo is a lonely teenage boy in a post-apocalyptic city of robots … Then, a space-pod crashes from the sky with a girl on board. Pandora. Can they find answers in their ended world – and new beginnings in each other?

Melissa Welliver’s international debut. A highly original and uplifting YA love story/science fiction mash-up – a postapocalyptic rom-com with a gorgeous slow-burn romance.

A thrilling adventure with plenty of unexpected twists and turns – and a dash of darkness.YA readers will love Echo’s vintage 90s-00s culture obsession!

£8.99, 14+, PB, pub date: 13th April

2023, 50,000 (words approx.)

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (exc. FILM)

YA

Sal lives in a haunted house, but as he grows closer to neighbourhood newcomer Pax – fellow outcast and fan of all things spooky – the true nature of the hauntings is gradually revealed. Will Sal find the courage to conquer his ghosts?

Fran Hart is a graphic designer from West Yorkshire.

A cosy contemporary romance and ghost story with spooky Gilmore Girls vibes. LGBTQ representation – a romance between two very different boys, whom readers quickly root for and grow to love.

£8.99, 13+, PB, pub date: 13th October 2022, 60,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS SOLD: France (Bayard), Italy (Garzanti), USA (Scholastic)

WORLD RIGHTS (INC. FILM)

Winner of The Times/Chicken House Chairman's Prize 2020

When Lola's selected to test the VR game Better Than Life at her posh new boarding school, she's soon skipping lessons to play. All she has to do to live her perfect VR life is keep her secrets buried. But this is a game she can't win ...

An original, high-concept psychological thriller – Holly Jackson meets VR horror – from the acclaimed author of Every Line of You, Naomi Gibson.

Set in an exclusive boarding school, this rollercoaster ride of a story involves an unreliable narrator, an immersive VR game, a dark secret and a huge twist.

£8.99, 14+, PB, pub date: 5th January 2023, 50,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS OPTIONED: China (CCPPG), Denmark (Bolden), Romania (Trei), Russia (Kachelly)

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (EX.

YA

Ever since the sudden deaths of his parents, seventeen-year-old Hugh has developed a serious preoccupation with endings. And when he discovers that high-school outcast Olivia Moon can’t die, things start to get a little complicated ...

Molly Morris is a California native with a penchant for the bizarre, but it was here in the UK that her love for writing and reading magical realism. An unforgettable contemporary debut with important life messages about two teens trying to find their story, by a major new talent in YA fiction. Part road-trip drama, part comedy and part romance, This is Not the End packs huge popculture punch and has a unique speculative fiction twist.

£7.99, 14+, PB, pub date: 2nd June 2022, 80,000

(words approx.)

RIGHTS SOLD:

Germany (Hanser)

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (EX. FILM)

NEW MIDDLE GRADE

Winner of The Times/Chicken House Competition 2021

Autumn sees dead people, much to her annoyance… but when her father drowns, he’s the one ghost that doesn’t appear.

Then, a clause in his will sends her to the remote isle of Imber. Can Autumn uncover Imber’s dark past before it comes hurtling into the present?

Emily Randall - Jones is the winner of both the Mslexia Children’s and YA Novel prize and the Times/Chicken House award.

A gripping, chilling tale which offers an original new spin on a traditional ghost story –elements of a children’s The Wicker Man.

Emily’s lyrical, atmospheric writing is perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge.

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 7th September

2023, 50,000 (words approx.)

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (inc. FILM)

RIGHTS SOLD: UK

Audio (Ulverscroft)

Winner of The IET 150 Award in The Times/Chicken House Competition 2021

At her dull Victorian finishing school, fourteen-year-old Winnie dreams of becoming a top inventor like her father. Then, she’s recruited into a league of young women guarding Her Majesty the Queen. Soon, Winnie is not only serving royalty but learning what she needs to save her papa.

Ali Stegert has three daughters and now focuses on her writing, while residing in Australia.

Plots, spies, inventors and a celebration of girls in STEM – and the hurdles they overcome – in an epic adventure set between London and Paris.

Despite the fictional league, the novel draws on real-life historical inventions and events.

£7.99, 10+, pub date: 3rd August

2023, 60,000 (words approx.)

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (INC. FILM)

Deliah, Sam and Claude follow little sister Amity inside a mysterious mansion. But no sooner have they found her than the floor beneath their feet starts to twist and turn: the house rearranges itself like a giant Rubik’s cube. To escape, they must solve the puzzle – and the century-old mystery of a girl who disappeared …

Milton the Mighty was Emma Read's first novel, and was shortlisted for the 2017 Bath Children’s Novel Award.

A fabulous twist on a timeless haunted house adventure.

The middle-grade debut from the acclaimed author of the Milton the Mighty series. Scooby-Doo meets The Mysterious Benedict Society via Escape Room.

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 6th July 2023, 54,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS OPTIONED: China (CCPPG), Holland (Billy Bones), Iran (Houpaa), UK Audio (W F Howes)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (INC. FILM)

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 6th July 2023, 50,000 (words approx.)

Jomi’s Mum left him to find their destiny in Lagos. Now, Jomi and his friendly bush baby follow her – but their only starting place is a TV dance competition his mum used to love. If Jomi and his new Lagos friends can get on that TV show, then maybe Jomi’s mum will see him and they can find their destiny together ...

WORLD RIGHTS

Efua Traoré is a Nigerian- German writer who had a never-boring childhood in a small town in Nigeria.

The third standalone middle-grade novel by author of Waterstones Prize-shortlisted Children of the Quicksands, Efua Traoré.

A contemporary adventure of destiny, friendship and dance set in the vibrant city of Lagos.

AVAILABLE (exc. FILM)

RIGHTS SOLD: Holland

(Leopold), Nigeria

(Masobe), UK Audio (Ulverscroft)

RIGHTS OPTIONED:

Canada & USA

(Scholastic), China

(CCPPG), France (Michel

Lafon, Germany (Edel)

MG MORE FROM EFUA TRAORE

2019

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 7th July 2022, 55,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS SOLD: Audio UK (Ulverscroft), Germany (Edel), Holland (Leopold), Nigeria (Masobe Books)

RIGHTS OPTIONED: Canada (Scholastic), USA (Scholastic), China (CCPPG ), France (Michel Lafon)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (exc. film)

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 3rd June 2021, 55,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS SOLD: Audio UK (Ulverscroft), Audio USA (Scholastic), Canada (Scholastic), China (CCPPG), France (Michel Lafon), Germany (Edel), Netherlands (Leopold), Nigeria (Masobe Books), USA (Scholastic)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (inc. FILM)

PRAISE FOR CHILDREN OF THE QUICKSANDS

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE 2022

‘I was swept away by this fast-paced magical-realist debut.' THE BOOKSELLER

'Children of the Quicksands is full of secrets and myths that we discover alongside Simi, whose mother raised her far from the old-fashioned reach of her own mother, priestess of the Yoruba deity Oshun. Drawn by a power greater than her own will, Simi discovers a forbidden lake of quicksand, what lies beneath it and what it means to her broken family.’ THE OBSERVER

'[Children of the Quicksands] is the beautifully evoked story of a girl sent to stay with her grand-mother in a remote Nigerian village. When Simi suspects her grandmother is hiding family secrets, she sets out across the forbidden quicksands to discover the truth.' THE TELEGRAPH

Winner of The Times/Chicken House Competition

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 8th June 2023, 50,000 (words approx.)

Xanthe loves visiting her Nani in her tower block flat. Then, Nani is diagnosed with dementia. Xanthe is determined to help but to help but doesn't know how - until a mysterious cat leads the way to the truth about Nani's refugee past ...

Sid is proud to be working on the Titanic, while Clara’s a stowaway on a much smaller boat, Carpathia, with a dog called Rigel. When disaster strikes it will take all their courage – and the help of a remarkable sea creature – to answer the call of a sinking ship.

The third middle-grade historical adventure by hugely successful and critically acclaimed Lindsay Galvin.

A new spin on the enduringly fascinating tragedy, offering an uplifting alternate history of real-life survivor, Sid Daniels.

A touching animal friendship lies at the heart of the story, as well as hints of mythology linked to reported historical sightings of sea serpents.

RIGHTS SOLD: Audio UK (Ulverscroft), Hungary (Mano Books)

RIGHTS OPTIONED: China (CCPPG), Japan (Shogakukan), Romania (RAO), Vietnam (Kim Dong

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (EX.

PRAISE FOR LINDSAY GALVIN

‘Galvin is a thrilling storyteller, untangling a dense plot in brief, suspenseful chapters, her prose almost trance-like’ TELEGRAPH

‘Breathtakingly daring and imaginative’ BOOKTRUST

‘Real science is used to create mind-blowing magic’ LAUREN JAMES

A gripping mystery with a touching connection between a young girl and an octopus at its heart.

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 2nd June 2022, 40,000 (words approx.)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (EX. FILM)

RIGHTS SOLD: Audio UK (Ulverscroft), Lira (Hungary).

RIGHTS OPTIONED: China (CCPPG), Greece (Metaichmio), Japan (Shogakukan), Romania (RAO), Vietnam (Kim Dong).

Robinson Crusoe meets How to Train Your Dragon –with extra science! – in the middle-grade debut from science teacher Lindsay Galvin.

£7.99, 9+, pub date: 7th January 2021, 40,000 (words approx.)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (EX. FILM)

RIGHTS SOLD: Audio UK (Ulverscroft), Audio US (Scholastic), Canada (Scholastic), China (CCPPG), Greece (Metaichmio), Hungary (Lira), Japan (Shogakukan), Romania (RAO), USA (Scholastic), Vietnam (Kim Dong).

Berlin 1961. Anja and Monika are best friends – they even share a cat called Otto. But a huge barbed wire fence is built between their apartment blocks – dividing the whole city: the Berlin Wall. Then, Anja discovers that Otto has found a way across. And if he can reach Monika, so can she …

Carnegie-nominated author Dan Smith returns with an emotional, atmospheric story set during the Cold War.

A high-stakes adventure centred on two cousins separated when the Berlin Wall is built in 1961.

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 8th June 2023, 60,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS OPTIONED: Canada & USA (Scholastic), UK Audio (Ulverscroft)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (EXC. FILM)

MG MORE FROM DAN SMITH

‘The original premise and the slick pacing makes this a gripping read, but it is Smith’s quick writing which really grabs the reader … She Wolf is defined by its masterly prose as much as by its thrilling story.’ OBSERVER

‘This is a page-turning story: the desolate landscape is beautifully described throughout and Ylva is a strong and brave heroine’ BOOKS FOR KEEPS

'Powerful storytelling: a bewitching blend of ghost story and devastating history. A new, hauntingly good, wartime classic.’ LUCY STRANGE

‘A spine-chilling and unnerving story … The presence and influence of Nisha’s ghosts are so convincing that if you think you don’t believe in ghosts, this might just be the book to change your mind.’

BOOKTRUST, BEST BOOKS IN FEBRUARY

Meet the brand-new Gods Squad led by Vesper, the bossy, football-mad adopted daughter of Elliot Hooper. Along with Virgo’s son, Aster, she heads to ancient Meso-America to save the world from Mayan immortals messing with astronomy, chocolate and human sacrifice ...

Superstar author Maz Evans’ epic new adventure is a welcome return to the bestselling world of the Who Let the Gods Out? series.

Maz is also the founder of Story Stew, a creative writing programme that visits primary schools and literary festivals around the UK. In this new trilogy, each novel focuses on a different group of mythical villains inadvertently freed from captivity.

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 14th September 2023, 60,000 (words approx.)

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (EXC. FILM)

RIGHTS SOLD: World

English Audio (W F

Howes)

WHO LET THE GODS OUT MG

Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month February 2017

Shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Readers Awards 2018

Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2018

PRAISE FOR VI SPY

‘This book is AMAZING. I read it in one sitting, it is hilarious. Another triumph for the genius that is Maz Evans’ ANNA THE BOOKWORM

‘Wildly hilarious, full of bum jokes and acutely observed family’ GUARDIAN

A low-fantasy, low-tech world with a vintage feel and a trio of characters you’ll long to be friends with.

As a child, Holly Rivers was a lead actress in ITV’s original Worst Witch series.

The Shalloo siblings accept a summer job from eccentric Grandy, who has collected a menagerie of furry and feathered posties known as animails. But when homing pelican, Geronimo, fails to return from a delivery, the three children post themselves to New York City to find him in this daring first-class adventure …

£7.99, 9+, pub date: 3rd March 2022, 60,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS SOLD: UK Audio (Ulverscroft) WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (exc. FILM)

‘energetic, lively and charming … This classic theme of bold, plucky children defeating and outsmarting wicked but blundering villains, is told here in a delightfully fresh style and is completely enchanting escapism for the reader.’ READING ZONE

‘a brilliant adventure with a stellar cast of characters!’

ERIN LYN HAMILTON

‘an utterly charming adventure/ fantasy story to get swept up into’ JO BOWERS

When a family of ice cream makers arrive in Orinthia’s village –including daughter Jemima – they announce they’re entering their ice cream into the prestigious Golden Udder Awards in Norway. Orinthia and Jemima train a pair of cows to deliver a true showstopper during the competition. But someone is determined to sabotage their efforts …

A warm and funny mystery adventure with bags of vintage charm.

The sequel to The Boy in the Post – but can easily be read as a standalone adventure.

RIGHTS SOLD: UK

Audio (Ulverscroft)

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (exc. FILM)

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 6th July 2023, 50,000 (words approx.)

Silvia’s dad loves re-enacting Roman battles on Hadrian’s Wall – unfortunately, he’s stumbled through a one-way portal back to ancient Rome and dragged the whole family along for the ride. Now, the fate of the world rests on Silvia’s shoulders ...

The funny high-concept second novel from critically acclaimed Marie Basting. Marie lives in Manchester with her husband, son and a giant, hairy woo-dog called Polly.

Shades of Who Let the Gods Out? with a LARPing twist as Silvia and her family are catapulted back to ancient Rome.

Themes of family, belonging and building confidence.

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 8th June 2023, 40,000 (words approx.)

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (EXC. FILM)

RECENT MIDDLE GRADE

When high-born Vita’s father is murdered in Roman Londinium, Vita is forced to disguise herself as a slave at the gladiator’s arena. Here she forges an unlikely bond with Brea, a native Briton gladiatrix. Together, they resolve to bring the killer to justice before Vita is discovered …

Ally Sherrick has a BA in Medieval History and French from Newcastle University and an MA in Writing for Children at the University of Winchester.

A rip-roaring adventure set in Roman London from the rising queen of middle-grade historical fiction, Ally Sherrick – winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award.

£7.99, 9+, pub date: 2nd February 2023, 50,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS SOLD: World English Audio (Ulverscroft)

WORLD RIGHTS

AVAILABLE (INC. FILM)

PRAISE FOR ALLY SHERRICK MG BLACK POWDER

'This historical tale is steeped in intrigue, mystery and danger.' BOOKTRUST

'The action is non-stop and exciting ... the Jacobean world is convincingly conveyed and this adds depth to a tale that will be appreciated by able readers who enjoy historical fiction.' THE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN

'Sherrick's exciting novel provides a fascinating English history lesson while exploring important themes like faith, family, loyalty and trust in times of persecution and suffering. A brilliant adventure guaranteed to set alight young imaginations ...' LANCASHIRE EVENING POST

THE BURIED CROWN

'History, runes, ravens and lost treasures abound as this skillfully woven tale of reality and fiction ultimately delivers a very satisfying conclusion. A highly recommended read.'

HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY

'This fast-paced adventure zips along, with chapters that often end on exciting cliffhangers. The book draws on real-life history yet mixes up the facts with tantalising mythical and magical elements ...' BOOKTRUST

'Excitement all the way in this historical story tinged with fantasy.' IRISH EXAMINER

THE QUEEN'S FOOL

'A historical adventure set in the court of Henry VIII, the action follows Cat Sparrow on the trail of her sister Meg, who was torn from their convent home and sent into London. A compelling story of bravery and sisterly love.' BIG ISSUE NORTH

'This is an exciting adventure ... There is a real sense of history and of place within the story' BOOKS FOR KEEPS

'The Queen's Fool is a gripping, page-turning adventure which explores the powerful bands of siblings, the imperative to be yourself and forge your own destiny wherever that may lead you, and historical attitudes to learning disability.' LANCASHIRE EVENING POST

Worrying things are happening on Joya, Isabella’s once-beautiful island. When Isa’s best friend, Lupe, disappears, Isa is determined to help look for her. As the daughter of a map-maker, she has the knowledge needed to navigate the dark heart of the island.

£25, 9+, HB, pub date: 10th

November 2022, 50,000

(words approx.)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (EX. FILM)

Illustrated by Olia Muza

PB RIGHTS SOLD

Albania (Bota), Audio UK and British Commonwealth (Oakhill), Australia (Scholastic Australia), Brazil (Jangada), China (Beijing Yutian Hangfeng Books), Czech Republic (Albatros Media), France (Michel Lafon), Galicia (Rinoceronte Editora), Germany (suhrkamp), Hungary (Főnix Könyműhely), Indonesia (PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama), Iran (Houpaa Books), Italy (Mondadori), Japan (Iwanami Shoten), Lithuania (Terra Publica), New Zealand (Scholastic New Zealand), Poland (Wydawnictwo Literackie Sp z o.o.), Romania (RAO), Russia (Exmo), Serbia (Propolis), Slovakia (Albatros Media), Sweden (Lind), Turkey (Penguen Kitap Basim Yayin), Ukraine (Nebo BookLab), USA (Penguin Random House), Vietnam (YOLO), World Spanish (Atico des los Libros)

MG

ILLUSTRATIONS

KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE

Kiran Millwood Hargrave is an award-winning poet, playwright, and bestselling author. Her works for children have variously won the overall Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2017, the British Book Award’s Children’s Book of the Year, the Blackwell's Children's Book of the Year, and been short- and long-listed for numerous awards including the Jhalak Prize, the Branford Boase Award, the Little Rebels Prize, the Blue Peter Award, the Costa Children’s Book Award, the Diverse Book Awards, the YA Book Prize, and the CILIP Carnegie Medal. Her debut novel for adults, The Mercies, became an instant Sunday Times Bestseller. Kiran lives by the river in Oxford with her husband and their cat.

OLIA MUZA

Olia Muza was born in Uman, Ukraine. After studying graphics design, she decided to try her hand at illustration. She was living and working on The Girl of Ink and Stars in Kyiv when the war with Russia broke out. Forced to flee her homeland, she has since found a place of refuge in Austria.

Hen dreams of becoming a spell tailor, stitching spells into clothing. But when he stumbles upon a new kind of stitch, he’s banned from sewing. What is the power of the stitch that can sew memories into clothes – and could it be the very thing to save the family business?

£7.99, 8+, PB, pub date: 1st September 2022, 60,000

(words approx.)

RIGHTS SOLD: Audio World (Bolinda), Germany (Magellen), Holland (Leopold), Italy (Garzanti), Poland (Kobiece), Turkey (Ithaki)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (EX. FILM)

Explores the real magic of clothes as Hen, a spell tailor’s apprentice, struggles to master his family craft – and discovers a new kind of stitch in the process.

Combines James Nicol’s trademark cosy fantasy with an enchanting mystery.

A warm hug of a book one to curl up with in your favourite old jumper!

MORE FROM JAMES NICOL

RIGHTS SOLD (The Apprentice Witch): Audio UK (Bolinda), Audio USA (Scholastic USA), Australia (Scholastic Australia), Canada (Scholastic Canada), Catalan (La Galera), Czech Republic (Fragment Albatros), film (Lime Pictures), (France (Gallimard), Germany (Chicken House Deutschland), Iran (Houpaa), New Zealand (Scholastic New Zealand), Romania (RAO), Russia (Eksmo), Spain (La Galera), USA (Scholastic USA).

PRAISE FOR THE APPRENTICE WITCH

'Nicol’s debut offers a fresh take on the genre … Infused with mystery, adventure and bundles of charm.' THE BOOKSELLER

'A brilliant book for fans of The Worst Witch, with a perfect balance of humour and tension … a great book for young readers that will keep them enthralled until the last page.' RICKARO BOOKS

'It delivers mystery and action in a whirlwind of cinematic, magical adventure which is all fuelled by adrenaline, friendship and bravery. Finally, it all climaxes in a brilliant and vivid ending.' MR RIPLEY'S ENCHANTED BOOKS

Lonely after their family moves to London, Ben and Hattie are delighted to find a new friend in the park. But Mr Dandy Paws is a highway lion - and with a P.I. on his tail, his latest scheme could get Ben and Hattie into far more trouble than they bargained for ...

A delightfully old-fashioned debut adventure by Stephanie Sorrell for modern children aged 7-11, full of friendship, daring and fun. Set in an off-the-wall 1920s London complete with talking animals. Strong animal welfare and ecological themes with a funny and fantastical twist.

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 2nd March 2023, 50,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS OPTIONED: Canada & USA (Scholastic)

RIGHTS SOLD: UK Audio (Bolinda), Holland (Unieboek), Hungary (Mano Konyvek Publishing)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (INC. FILM)

Illustrated by Roxana de Rond

Ajay is a Mumbai railway kid, a newspaper seller, but his great dream is to be a journalist. His dream comes true when he and a gang of friends create their own newspaper – but what is the cost of uncovering the truth?

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 7th April 2022, 42,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS SOLD: USA (Scholastic), World English Audio (W.F Howes), Germany (Atrium)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (INC. FILM)

PRAISE FOR AJAY AND THE MUMBAI SUN

'Utterly charming, inspiring and gripping. I loved following Ajay and his courageous friends as they battled against the odds. An absolute must-read!'

KEIRAN LARWOOD

'This high-stakes adventure is full of characters you will love to root for, told with bundles of energy and heart.' THE BOOKSELLER

'Never glossing over the realities of life for Mumbai's slum children, Shah's compelling debut is an addictively lively and heartfelt story for 9+'

THE GUARDIAN

'Shah warmly evokes Ajay's love for the written word ... Short chapters give the book an urgency that ensures Ajay and the Mumbai Sun is as compelling as the scandal that Ajay and his friends uncover. '

MG ILLUSTRATIONS

Ajay’s wish has come true – he’s a news reporter for the paper he and his friends set up, The Mumbai Sun. But money is tight, so when he learns of a cash prize for the first person to find a crashed meteor, the race is on …

Varsha Shah was a former solicitor, she is now an English Language and Literature teacher.

The sequel to the critically acclaimed Times/Chicken House Competition winner, Ajay and the Mumbai Sun. A tale of truth, friendship and determination set in modern-day India.

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 13th April 2023, 39,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS OPTIONED: Canada and USA (Scholastic), Germany (Atrium)

RIGHTS SOLD: World English Audio (W F Howes)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (INC. FILM)

Illustrated by Sònia Albert

£6.99, 8+, PB, pub date: 6th January 2022, 50,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS SOLD: World English Audio (Audible), Nigeria (Masobe) WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (INC. FILM)

Jummy has won a place at the River School, the finest girls’ boarding school in Southern Nigeria. It’s everything she could wish for, until her less fortunate best friend from home, Caro, arrives unexpectedly at the school ... to work, not to learn.

PRAISE FOR JUMMY AT THE RIVER SCHOOL

'Exploring class, poverty and the right to education, this story is beautifully told, with powerful and emotive writing. Filled with passionate characters, this is a joyous read filled with hope.' THE SCOTSMAN

'This is a lively, joyous book with a likeable, empathetic central character who grows in confidence, understanding and self-awareness throughout ...'

BOOKS FOR KEEPS

'A sumptuous adventure ... Fans of Mallory Towers will find plenty of midnight feasts and 'giggling late into the dorms', but there are also serious themes of poverty and inequality.' THE OLDIE

'Such a fab book! Encompassing friendship, boarding school and standing up for what you believe in.'

EWA JOZEFKOVICZ

Welcome to a new term at the River School! Best friends Jummy and Caro are attending together and they’re thrilled to discover that they both get to work on Nile House’s agricultural project. But the Shine-Shine River is running low and Jummy will have to step up if she wants to save it …

Sabine Adeyinka was born in England to a Nigerian dad and Jamaican mum. She lives in London with her husband and two children. A characterful own-voices story and the second novel in the trilogy, following the critically acclaimed Jummy at the River School.

Irrepressible Jummy investigates a mystery full of laughter, environmentalism and friendship with a message of empowerment

£7.99, 9+, PB, pub date: 13th April 2023, 50,000 (words approx.)

RIGHTS SOLD: Nigeria (Masobe),

RIGHTS OPTIONED: World English Audio (Audible)

WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE (INC. FILM)