May 2009 £11.99 Age 3+

Meet cats in party clothes, dogs in hoodies and a little girl with a secret to keep in this magical story from a celebrated story teller

Walker Books is delighted to be publishing ’s new It’s a Secret!, his first picture book with Walker for 16 years.

John Burningham has been writing and illustrating picture books for 46 years. With his self-titled autobiography also due to be published in May, there is no doubt that 2009 is John Burningham’s year.

It’s A Secret! is full of witty, beautifully inspired illustration and story, starring a little girl called Marie Elaine, and her cat Malcolm. One night Marie Elaine finds Malcolm dressed to go to a party. On condition she keep his secret, Malcolm agrees to take her along. Quick as a flash, Marie Elaine finds herself small as a cat herself, and the adventure begins.

This is a book for everyone who’s ever wondered where cats go at night. But shhhh, it’s a secret!

John Burningham is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest picture book artists. With over 35 books to his name, he has won the The Medal twice, for Borka: The Adventures of a Goose with No Feathers and Mr Gumpy’s Outing. Among his other celebrated books is Granpa, for which he was awarded the , and which was later made into a successful feature film. He lives in .

For more information please contact Alice Burden, PR Manager [email protected] or 020 7396 2458

About Walker Books Walker Books is the world’s leading independent publisher of children’s books and is part of a vibrant international group that includes Candlewick Press in America, and Walker Books Australia. Founded in 1980 Walker now publishes over 300 books a year across all genres, while remaining true to its original ethos: the pursuit of excellence. Walker Books is home to many award-winning authors and illustrators including Anthony Horowitz, , , John Burningham, Allan Ahlberg and . Further information can be found at www.walker.co.uk