CELEBRATIONS (Part 2) Summer 2024

The summer has brought so much good news for our SCBWI members that we've had to split our Celebrations article into two parts. Read on to find out what's coming our way in Autumn…

Congratulations to Jo Somerset whose debut novel Mission: Find Mum will be published by Stairwell Books on 14th September. Jo will be celebrating the launch of her book, also on the 14th September at 1.30pm, at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, following the SCBWI North West critique meetings. The launch will be hosted by Ruth Estevez, author of the Jiddy Vardy trilogy.

Isla and Lac must find their missing mum. Armed only with an emergency credit card and a couple of clues, the trail leads them from Birmingham to the Scottish island of Mora. But what else will they find there? 

Aimed at readers aged 10+, the novel covers themes of climate activism, disability and mental health and is illustrated by Dawn Treacher. Jo would particularly like to thank SCBWI North West members for their support. We wish you all the very best, Jo.

Jo's debut is perfect for readers aged 10+

Sital Gorasia Chapman is celebrating the release of a brand new picture book, Kindness Comes Back, illustrated by Siân Roberts. It published on 1st August with Farshore and is described as 'a hug in a book'.

'A hug in a book', as described on the Farshore website

Very hungry Lion meets a young gazelle stuck in a hole. Does he eat her? No! Phew! Instead, he helps her up and his act of kindness sets off a super-cute chain of joy and warmth to give the ultimate feel-good factor.

The cover looks fantastic and we send you huge congratulations, Sital.

 

Congratulations to Hazel Knox whose debut chapter book, The Night Pixie, is out on September 10th with HB Publishing House. It's illustrated by the talented Chris White and tells the story of curious night pixie, Star, experiencing daytime and the human world for the first time. Spoiler: lots goes wrong!

Out with HB Publishing House on 10th September

Watch out for more information as Hazel will be having an Instagram Live Launch, date to be confirmed. We wish you every success, Hazel.

Hazel Knox

And finally, there's a double celebration for Gaynor Andrews. Gaynor's debut rhyming picture book is publishing on Sept 12th with Rocket Bird Books. Pandora and the Story Forge is illustrated by the wonderful French artist, Marie-Alice Harel and is 'a picture book for all those who love words and beautiful art':

Pandora's a wordsmith; she forges with fire.

Discover the magical world of storyteller Pandora, adorer of brave and beautiful words, weaver and forger of tales.

In addition to these, two of Gaynor's poems will feature in the Dirigible Balloon's second anthology, Sky Surfing: Excellent Adventures in a Poetry Balloon is expected to be published in the autumn. It is edited by Jonathan Humble and profits will be donated to Juvenile Arthritis Research. Congratulations Gaynor!

Gaynor Andrews

Have you got good news to share? A new book? An offer of agent representation? An award? Don't be shy! Why not send an email over to production@britishscbwi.org together with a picture and any links so we can celebrate with you.

 

*Header image: in-house collaboration by Ell Rose & Tita Berredo

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Tracy Curran is the Production Editor for Words & Pictures and enjoys writing picture books, young fiction and lower middle-grade novels. Known as Little Cornish Writer, you can find her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. 

She also enjoys reviewing children's books on her blog The Breadcrumb Forest.

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Ell Rose is the Illustration Features Editor of Words & Pictures.

Find their work at https://fourfooteleven.com

Follow them on Instagram and Twitter

Contact them at illustrators@britishscbwi.org

Tita Berredo is the Illustrator Coordinator of SCBWI British Isles and the Art Director of Words & Pictures. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter or www.titaberredo.com

Contact her at: illuscoordinator@britishscbwi.org.