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Magic Cat Autumn 2026 catalogue

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Welcome to our autumn catalogue!

As the days turn golden, we’re delighted to share a season rich with wonder, imagination and unforgettable storytelling.

Storytelling is at the heart of Under the Olive Moon, a luminous collection of Palestinian fables from Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, creator of the Little People, Big Dreams series, co-authored with Nour Ferwana, a mother from Gaza. Overflowing with warmth and hope, this remarkable anthology crosses time and place to bring joy to readers of all ages.

That sense of joy continues with Catherine Doyle’s first illustrated children’s book: Believe. Together with bestselling artist Freya Hartas, she uncovers the origins of the world’s most magical creatures. . . if only you believe.

Believe it or not, we’re marking a publishing first with Song of the Cedars – a book that recognises a natural ecosystem as a legal creative partner. Co-authored with Robert Macfarlane, the title also sees the welcome return of one of our most celebrated voices.

This season also welcomes back many of our most beloved contributors. Annie Atkins invites readers into spellbinding correspondence with Letters from the Witch; Benjamin Zephaniah and Emily Sutton share Rewild, a hopeful call to rewild our future; Luke Adam Hawker encourages readers to unearth their Celtic tree sign in The Tree Zodiac; Raksha Dave explores tactile treasures in The Archaeologist’s Discoveries; and Jamie Oliver brings sensory fun with Love Veggies, launching a new strand of embossed lift-flap board books.

And that’s not all! Brace for a prehistoric spectacle in 3D Dino Rumble; set off on a paper-packed interactive journey with The Time-Tourist’s Guide to Ancient Egypt; and laugh your way through science in Newton Is Floating, where you’ll find out what happens if you switch off gravity.

So, stay in your seats, settle in and enjoy!

Jenny and Rachel

Publishing 29 th October 2026

Written by Maria Isabel Sánchez

Vegara and Nour Ferwana

Illustrated by Raahat Kaduji

Ages 5+, £16.99

Hardback, 270 x 210, 64pp

Case with quarter binding and foil

Vegara, creator of the best-selling Little People, Big Dreams series, comes a beautifully illustrated collection of Palestinian fables, which she has co-authored with Nour Ferwana, a mum from Gaza.

When Maria Isabel began exchanging messages with Nour, she learned how she kept her daughters’ spirits alive at bedtime from her tent in Gaza.

Under the Olive Moon ten palestinian fables as told by a mum in gaza

“My name is Nour, and the stories in this book are the ones that my husband Majed and I tell to our little girls - Malak and Joud - from our tent in Gaza. Some are old fables that have been told for many years. Others I have gathered and saved for them. They are gifts passed from one generation to the next, like treasures carried in our pockets - treasures that can turn our little tent into a palace, a garden, or a ship. We share with you because every child, everywhere, deserves to grow up with these stories.”

This remarkable book overflows with joy, crossing time and place to bring love and hope to readers of all ages.

of the CEDARS Song

9781911766056

Illustrated by Paula Terán Ospina Ages 4+, £14.99

Hardback, 235 x 200mm, 16pp

Concertina bound pages, case with graining and foil

First book ever published in which nature has its copyright asserted

A groundbreaking celebration of the natural world from bestselling writer Robert Macfarlane.

Unfold a lush forest scene, illustrated by Ecuadorian artist Paula Terán Ospina, to discover how every living thing is connected.

Marking a publishing first, this book credits Los Cedros Cloud Forest as a co-author— recognizing a natural ecosystem as a legal creative partner for the first time.

Proceeds support the forest’s protection.

Publishing 3 rd September 2026

Written and art directed by

Illustrated by Taryn Knight

Ages 5+, £17.99

Hardback, 210 x 270mm, 48pp + 5 envelopes containing pull-out letters and postcards

Case with foil and graining

Lackaday, lackaday, knelling of bell, hand me the pup and I’ll cast ye a spell.

Lackaday, lackaday, shimmering moon... Cackles and crackles and suddenly BOOM!

Follow five witches from across the globe as they prepare for showtime at the annual Big Witch Convention. This read-aloud gi ft book includes letters and spells straight from the witches’ homes.

Written and art directed by acclaimed designer for film and television, whose work includes The Grand Budapest Hotel and Isle of Dogs

Packed with ephemera and featuring beautiful illustrations by

Discover five letters & SPELL CARDS from PRACTISING WITCHES in the arts of tricks, potion-making , and levitation. MAGIC IS REAL at the BIG WITCH CONVENTION!

9781915569981

Publishing 20 th August 2026

Written by Catherine Doyle

Illustrated by Freya Hartas

Ages 5+, £16.99

Hardback, 290 x 235mm, 64pp

Case with uncoated paper and foil

Discover the origins of the world’s most magical creatures with bestselling fantasy author, Catherine Doyle

Illustrated by Freya Hartas , the artist behind bestselling series Slow Down and Brown Bear Wood.

In the beginning, the world was wild and magic called to every child. But when grownups learn to question and doubt, That sparkling wonder begins to wink out.

As more and more humans forgot to believe, Our magical creatures decided to leave. But I am Sage Brightwing , your fairy tour guide, and I know the places where magic still hides. . .

The Tree Zodiac

13 Trees for 13 Moons

Publishing 17 th September 2026

Written and illustrated by Luke Adam Hawker

Ages 7+, £18.99

Hardback, 210 x 150mm, 64pp

Case with imitlin, embossing and foil

Unearth your Celtic tree sign and embark on a journey of selfdiscovery with Sunday Times bestselling artist Luke Adam Hawker.

This cycle of thirteen trees – one for each new moon of the year – offers readers the chance to discover their own tree sign and reflect on their character traits, while discovering the folklore and natural history woven through our forests.

An irresistible blend of science, culture, mythology, history and nature – seen through the eyes of a master of his craft.

From Sunday Times bestselling author and artist Luke Adam Hawker

9781917768634

Publishing 17 th September 2026

Written by Benjamin Zephaniah

Illustrated by Emily Sutton Ages 3+, £12.99

Hardback, 280 x 240mm, 32pp

Case with uncoated paper and embossing

From legendary writer Benjamin Zephaniah and bestselling illustrator Emily Sutton comes a book that asks us all to breathe in, look again and rewild the world –together .

An urgent, hopeful call to restore our relationship with Earth and rewild our future .

From b e l o ved poet

Benja m i n Zephaniah

Discover 20 new vegetables with textured skins for little fingers to touch and feel, then lift the flaps to see what’s inside!

9781917768368

Publishing 21 st July 2026

Written by Jamie

Illustrated by Adrian Johnson Ages 1+, £9.99

Board book, 230 x 230mm, 16pp Case with matt lam and spot UV, with embossing and lift flaps

JAMIE’ S Little Food Library

Publishing 13 th October 2026

Written by Jamie Oliver

Illustrated by Adrian Johnson Ages 1+, £7.99

Every page of this sturdy board book is packed with sensory fun. Includes a healthy recipe from Jamie Oliver at the back!

Board book, 189 x 167mm, 14pp Case with matt lam and spot UV, with gatefold lift flaps throughout This recipe in a book is perfect for preschoolers, with all the ingredients for happy, healthy little cooks everywhere.

A revolutionary new series that builds nutritional literacy from the youngest age.

Learn about food with JAMIE OLIVER!

9781917768221

Publishing 23 rd July 2026

Illustrated by Freya Hartas Ages 2+, £16.99

Hardback, 310 x 256mm, 16pp Case with gold foil and flaps throughout

Little ones will love lifting the flaps on every page to uncover delightful surprises while short, read-aloud poems celebrate the changing seasons.

over 60 sturdy flaps for tiny hands

Join Bear on a year in Brown Bear Wood in this sumptuous lift-the-flap gift book.

Who’s been hiding Easter eggs among the spring flowers?

What treats are tucked inside the summer picnic basket?

What’s beneath the autumnal branches at the harvest festival?

9781917768276

Publishing 20 th August 2026

Illustrated by Amy Adele Ages 3+, £20.00

Hardback, 256 x 310mm, 24pp

Case with graining and gold foil plus 8x10-second sound chips (press-activated)

Listen to eight songs as you read!

Follow the Mouse Family as they rehearse their ballet moves, choose their costumes and put on a spectacular performance in The Ballet Music Book.

Simply press the stars on the pages to hear the songs in this interactive sound book, which also includes simple musical notation for budding musicians.

WITH MUSIC FROM ALL YOUR FAVOURITE BALLETS, INCLUDING. . .

‘The Nutcracker‘ • ‘Swan Lake’ ‘Sleeping Beauty’ • ‘Boléro’ • ‘Scheherazade’ ‘Coppélia’ • ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

POP-OUT SOUND SERIES!

9781917768726

Publishing 3 rd September 2026

Illustrated by Ella Beech

Ages 3+, £20.00

Hardback, 310 x 256mm, 24pp + pop

Case with graining and foil, 8x10second sound chips (press-activated)

ALL T H E WORLD’S A STAGE

Relive the drama of the world’s best-loved stories, set to classical music.

Be swept away with one of the world’s best-loved stories, set to classical music, with a POP-OUT STAGE to discover at the end.

Join Cinderella, her Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming in this sound book adventure. Press the musical note on every page to hear classical music that will transport you to this magical world of glass slippers and pumpkins that turn into coaches.

With 8 classical masterpieces to listen to and enjoy

9781917768290

Publishing 3 rd September 2026

Illustrated by Ben Newman Ages 5+, £14.99

Hardback with 2 pairs of 3D glasses

290 x 235mm, 40pp Case with emboss and graining

Get ready for a prehistoric showdown like no other!

This book pits the toughest, fastest and most fearsome dinosaurs against each other in all-out combat – brought to life with JAW-DROPPING 3D ACTION.

9 epic battles. 1 ultimate winner.

Told in comic strip form, it’s packed with REAL SCIENCE from children’s author Anne Brusatte and New York Times

bestselling palaeontologist Steve Brusatte. Who will rise? Who will fall? STRAP ON YOUR 3D GLASSES AND WATCH WHO WINS!

INCLUDES TWO PAIRS OF 3D GLASSES HOUSED IN THE FRONT CASE

THE START OF AN EXCITING NEW SERIES — 3D SHARK CLASH COMING IN 2027

The Time-Tourist's Guide to

ancient egypt

9781917366571

Publishing 17 th September 2026

Illustrated by Ilya Milstein Ages 7+, £16.99

Hardback, 270 x 210mm, 24pp

Paper novelties on every page Case with matt lam, spot UV and foil

Step back in time with this paperpacked guide to Ancient Egypt. Sail down the Nile, stop off at the pyramids, meet Gods and Goddesses, witness a royal burial. . . and more. This interactive travel guide takes readers on a journey to the sights and sounds of history’s most unreachable destinations.

with booklets, maps, pop-ups & more!

ARCHAEOLOGIST’S

Publishing 15 th October 2026

Illustrated by Natalia Cardozo Ages 5+, £16.99

Hardback with embossing throughout, 240 x 280mm, 24pp

Case with matt lam, foil and embossing

Discover 10 artefacts from key ancient civilizations to touch on every page,

.”

— Sandi Toksvig Every archaeological discovery tells a story.

Adraww i n n ing authorandbroadcaster, RakshaDave “A glorious trove of touchable treasures

With 10 embossed treasures to touch!

...OUTDOORS

Be ready, stay safe and enjoy the journey that unfolds with easy-tofollow steps that open up a world of timeless, outdoor adventures.

9781917044806

Publishing 6 th August 2026

Written by Iron Tazz

Illustrated by Deborah Hocking Ages 7+, £17.99

Hardback, 270 x 210mm, 112pp

Case with graining and gold foil

4. Leave what you find. Rocks, flowers, feathers – let them stay where nature put them. Take photos instead of souvenirs so the next explorer gets the same wild experience you did.

5. Minimize campfire impacts. Fires are awesome, but they can scar the land for years. Check if fires are allowed. Keep them small and only in fire rings or existing pits. Never cut live trees, and make sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving.

6. Respect wildlife. Watch animals from a distance and give them space to be wild. Stay about 20 metres back from most wildlife and 90 metres back from bigger animals. Never feed them – human food can hurt them and make them rely on people.

Get out and explore over 20 classic wilderness and survival skills with outdoors expert and TikTok sensation Iron Tazz.

Fully-illustrated chapters feature timeless fun in the wild, including:

à Purifying Wild Water

à Setting Up Camp

à Telling Time Without a Clock

à Whittling and Knife Safety

à Identifying Animal Tracks and Scat

à Reading a River

à Building a Campfire

à Pocket Fishing Kit

à Building a Natural Shelter

à What to Do if You Get Lost

à Making Natural Cordage

à Using a Compass And much more!

Viewing Thumb

Reading

OUTDOORS

Words of praise for The Handbook of Forgotten Skills:

“This lavishly illustrated and inspiring book will help readers step away from the frenzy of modern life and learn a new craft” - The Bookseller

A The Week Junior book of the week!

Trick

Publishing 17 th September 2026

Written by Philip Parker

Illustrated by Bill Bragg

Ages 7+, £14.99

Hardback, 235 x 305mm, 32pp

Case with imitlin and debossing

Discover the history of humankind in 10 maps, from north to south.

Explore how great ideas spread around the globe from the earliest civilisations through to the industrial revolution, and understand how different climates have impacted people from the equator to the poles in this unique map book like no other.

9781917768238

Publishing 17th September 2026 Illustrated by Annelies Draws Ages 3+, £9.99

Christmas just got pocket-sized.

Instagram star Annelies Draws takes children on a joyful journey through 80 festive activities, traditions and customs from around the world.

The perfect stocking filler to gift or keep!

9781917044493

Publishing 17 th September 2026

Written and illustrated by Birgitta Sif

Ages 5+, £16.99

Hardback, 270 x 210mm, 112pp

Case with matt lam and gold foil

Let’s find a tree, you and me. The perfect tree for us…

In this beautiful Christmas anthology, Little Bear and Mum decorate a tree, go sledging and bake biscuits before the big day arrives.

With stories, recipes and craft activities, this book celebrates the true magic of Christmas: spending time with the ones you love.

A cosy countdown with stories to share

More than 100,000 copies sold around the world!

DIPLO

wants a friend

9781917768399

Publishing 6 th August 2026

Illustrated by Yiting Lee Ages 5+, £7.99

Paperback, 228 x 152mm, 80pp

Cover with matt lam and holo foil

Meet diplo and his best pals, spike and mina , as they navigate dinosaur-sized firsts and all the big emotions and questions that come along their way.

Diplo is a small dinosaur with very big feelings . He’s feeling as jolly as a Gorgosaurus after a perfect morning.

But when a new dinosaur joins the school and makes friends with Mina, Diplo’s perfect morning turns into the worst day ever . Luckily, a mindfulness exercise helps him to appreciate his old friend . . . and even make a brand new one.

a ne W S er I es for young readers!

9781917768818

Publishing 12 th November 2026

Written and illustrated by Kristyna Litten

Ages 5+, £7.99

Paperback, 228 x 152mm, 80pp

Cover with flaps; matt lam and raised spot UV

When a ferocious storm hits Polar Pier, and famed meteorologist Misty Grayson GOES MISSING without a trace, it’s up to SUPER-SLEUTH IVY and her brilliant grandpa BEARLOCK HOLMES to investigate the SECRET OF THE WILD WEATHER.

10 CHAPTERS, levelled text.

The third title in our FULL-COLOUR COSY CRIME chapter book series!

Praise for the series:

‘Absorbing and beautifully designed ‘ – The Guardian

Play detective with 15 PUZZLES to solve in each book.

Blends fiction with subjects that are curriculum-linked: NATURE, EVOLUTION and WEATHER.

Featuring charming illustrations and a heartwarming cast, this series combines COSY MYSTERY WITH STEMperfect for junior sleuths moving from picture books to independent reading.

From the pen of award-winning author and illustrator, KRISTYNA LITTEN.

Publishing 23 rd July 2026

Written and illustrated by Ana Duna

Ages 3+, £7.99

Paperback, 280 x 240mm, 32pp

Cover with matt lam and spot UV

Ru is a brave explorer who loves animals – big ones, small ones, sneaky ones, tall ones. She can speak to any wild creature. Any except one: humans. She desperately wants to talk to the other children, but it is too scary!

So when Ru discovers a lonely hyena, she finally has a friend. But then disaster strikes and Ru must find help. Will she be able to overcome her fear?

A FUNNY, QUIRKY AND EMPOWERING PREHISTORIC STORY ABOUT FINDING YOUR OWN VOICE FROM DEBUT AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR ANA DUNA.

Publishing 6 th August 2026

Written by Eoin McLaughlin

Illustrated by Matt Hunt Ages 3+, £12.99

Hardback, 280 x 240mm, 40pp

Cover with matt lam + spot UV

new series of picturescience-themed books from funny pair eoin mclaughlin and matt hunt!

What would happen if you could SWITCH OFF GRAVITY?

Find out in this hilarious story where you’ll encounter mums and dads on the ceiling, sticks being thrown into the sun and WHALES IN SPACE.

Back section that explains and explores the REAL SCIENCE behind the story.

ePublishing 20 th August 2026

Illustrated by Stefano Martinuz

Ages 5+, £7.99

Paperback, 280 x 240, 32pp

Cover with matt lam and spot UV

The next book in the international hit series, Stories from the Swamp.

Ogre is part of a gang, and the gang are CRUEL. But Ogre is different. He wonders if maybe, just maybe, there is more to life for him than this. . .

When Ogre encounter’s a bird everything changes. Will he stay true to his path?

What will happen to the other ogres?

A moving story about the importance of caring for the environment.

Praise for Troll:

‘Playful and perceptive. . . This is one troll definitely worth unblocking’

– The Times Children’s Book of the Week

‘A funny introduction to internet trolling for children’

– The Bookseller

An animal alphabet

Publishing 17 th September 2026

Illustrated by Sara Boccaccini Meadows

Ages 3+, £14.99

Hardback, 310 x 256mm, 40pp

Case with graining and deboss

A seek and find alphabet!

An animal alphabet

Go on an adventure through the animal kingdom from A to Z in this brand new bestiary from the inimitable Sara Boccaccini Meadows , part of the bestselling In Our Nature series.

With gorgeous hand-lettering and water colour illustrations from SARA BOCCACCINI MEADOWS

home is wh er e the Reindeer are

Publishing 15 th October 2026

Illustrated by Chuck Groenink

Ages 5+, £12.99

Hardback, 230 x 270mm, 40pp

Case with graining and foil

Witness the year of a Sámi reindeer herder in northern Sweden through the eyes of a six-year-old child. From herding reindeer onto frozen rivers using snowmobiles to gathering in the mountains for the calf-marking festival, this book celebrates a traditional way of life for the Sámi people, and their struggle to keep these traditions alive in a world battling climate change. 9781917768214

Written by Sámi reindeer herder, M arja S ku M

With artwork from award-winning illustrator C hu C k G roenink

9781911766032

Publishing 1 st October 2026

by A J Wood Illustrated by Jo Rioux

WIZARD’S THE EXPERIMENTS

Packed with fun,experiments,age-appropriate this enchanting deck is perfect for curious minds and budding wizards alike.

Discover 25 experimentsamazing that make science feel like magic!

Join first-class wizard A. J. Wood and learn how to make rainbow eggs, grow a stalactite and even bend a chicken bone without breaking it.

Dinosaurs

@magiccatpublishing

From July, Magic Cat are represented in the UK by the Walker Books sales force: Walker Books

87 Vauxhall Walk

London SE11 5HJ

+44 (0)20 7793 0909

UK Sales enquiries: sales@walker.co.uk

Export enquiries: enquiries_export@walker.co.uk

For all other sales enquiries please contact: sales@magiccatpublishing.co.uk

OVERSEAS SALES

REPRESENTATIVES & AGENTS

Japan

Tim Burland

Tel: +81 (0) 3-3424-8977 tkburland@gmail.com

Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Kit Clothier

Tel: +44 7825142487 kit@fennecbooks.co.uk

Singapore, Malaysia & Brunei Pansing Distribution PTE Ltd.

Tel: +65 6319 9939 infobooks@pansing.com

South Africa

Pan Macmillan South Africa

Tel: + 27 11 684 0400 childrensbooks@panmacmillan.co.za

India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan

Penguin Random House India

Tel +91 124 4785600 tkashyap@penguinrandomhouse.in

DISTRIBUTION

All trade orders should be sent to:

HarperCollins Publishers Robroyston Gate

Robroyston, Glasgow

G33 1JN

Tel: +44 (0) 141 306 3100

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Thames & Hudson Australia 11 Central Boulevard

Portside Business Park

Port Melbourne VIC 3207 enquiries@thameshudson.com.au

T: +61 3 9646 7788

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Rachel Williams rachel@magiccatpublishing.co.uk

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Jenny Broom jenny@magiccatpublishing.co.uk

US BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND SALES DIRECTOR: Nettie Dal Jensen nettie@magiccatpublishing.co.uk

UK SALES MANAGER: Antony De Rienzo a.derienzo@magiccatpublishing.co.uk

EXPORT SALES MANAGER: Helen Sperling h.sperling@magiccatpublishing.co.uk

PUBLICITY MANAGER: Sophie Griffiths s.griffiths@magiccatpublishing.co.uk

MARKETING MANAGER: Ella Stoodley

e.stoodley@magiccatpublishing.co.uk

From April, our address will be: Baird House, 1st Floor 15–17 St Cross Street London EC1N 8UW

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