united agents

children’s books rights guide

Autumn 2017

All enquiries about translation rights unless otherwise stated to: Jane Willis (Email [email protected] Direct line + 44 20 3214 0892) Jane is assisted by Naomi Pieris Email [email protected] Direct line + 44 20 3214 2273

United Agents, 12-26 Lexington Street, London, W1F 0LE, UK Telephone + 44 20 3214 0800, www.unitedagents.co.uk

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CONTENTS

FRONTLIST PAGE NO

Adult/Crossover DAEMON VOICES by 4 THE GHOST WALL by Sarah Moss 5

Young Adult LUNE by Christina Wheeler 6 SATELLITE by Nick Lake 7 DARK GIFTS trilogy by Vic James 8 UNSCREWED by Helen Howe 9

11+ BIG BONES by Laura Dockrill 10 THE GOOSE ROAD by Rowena House 11

Children’s BOOK OF DUST: by Philip Pullman 12 BILLY AND THE MINPINS by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake 13 SATSUMA BRIDESMAID by L A Craig 14 THE MIRACLE OF MOSES MOLE by Sandra Daniels 15 FREDERICK THE GREAT DETECTIVE by Philip Kerr 16 FENN HALFLIN AND THE SEABORN by Francesca Amour-Chelu 17 HAMISH AND THE WORLDSTOPPERS series by Danny Wallace 18 THE MATILDA EFFECT by Ellie Irving 19 THE MARSH ROAD MYSTERIES series by Elen Caldecott 20 FLAME’S STORY by Sheridan Winn 21 THE BIG GREEN BOOK by Robert Graves, illustrated by Maurice Sendak 22

BACKLIST HIGHLIGHTS

Young Adult and Crossover 24 THE SHATTERED SEA trilogy by Joe Abercrombie 25 THE CELLAR by Natasha Preston 26 WHISPER TO ME by Nick Lake 27 LORALI by Laura Dockrill Children’s trilogy by Philip Pullman 28 KRINDLEKRAX by Philip Ridley 29 SWIMMING TO THE MOON by Jane Elseon 30 DARCY BURDOCK series by Laura Dockrill 31 JUST by 32 THE SPRITES SISTERS series by Sheridan Winn 33 DICK KING-SMITH 34

United Agents—Children’s Authors 35 United Agents—Children’s Illustrators 36 International Sub-Agents 37

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DAEMON VOICES: ESSAYS ON STORYTELLING by Philip Pullman

‘One of the supreme literary dreamers and magicians of our time’ Guardian

Main Agent: Caradoc King Synopsis

Rights sold: In over 30 essays, written over 20 years, one of the world's great UK (David Fickling) story-tellers meditates on story-telling. Warm, funny, generous, US (Knopf/Random entertaining and, above all, deeply considered, they offer thoughts House—Dan Frank) on a wide variety of topics, including the origin and composition of Complex Chinese (Rye Philip's own stories, the craft of writing and the story-tellers who Field) have meant the most to Philip. The art of story-telling is everywhere; present in the essays themselves, in the instantly Material available: pdf engaging tone, the vivid imagery and striking phrases, the resonant Extent: 480 pp anecdotes, the humour and learnedness. Together, they are greater Readership: Adult than the sum of their parts: a single, sustained engagement with UK publication: Nov 2017 story and story-telling. Useful websites: www.philip-pullman.com

Other books by the Key Points author include: trilogy His first non-fiction book, this is a unique collection of Philip HIS DARK MATERIALS Pullman’s essays brought together for the first time by Simon trilogy Mason, working closely with Philip. GRIMM TALES: FOR YOUNG AND OLD Reflecting on a lifetime of writing, each carefully curated story is a THE GOOD MAN JESUS meditation on the power and importance of storytelling. AND THE SCOUNDREL CHRIST With the world hungry for more information about Philip THE SALLY LOCKHART following the publication of the long awaited first volume of THE quartet: BOOK OF DUST there will be a huge amount of interest in this THE NEW CUT GANG book. series COUNT KARLSTEIN I WAS A RAT! THE SCARECROW AND HIS SERVANT

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THE GHOST WALL by Sarah Moss

‘Moss, you feel, sees clearly where we are just now.’ TLS

Main Agent: Synopsis Anna Webber Rights sold: Sixteen year old Sylvie is spending the summer with her mother UK (Granta—Max Porter) and father in a University-sponsored re-enactment of Ancient Option publishers: British life. Unlike the students and Professor Slade who are France (Actes Sud) bivouacking in tents they are sleeping rough in the roundhouse Germany: (Mareverlag) built earlier in the year as part of a course on “experiential Poland: (Poznaski) archaeology”. Sylvie’s Dad is a stickler for historical veracity and Turkey (Kafka Kitap) an autodidact. Not only has he named his daughter Sulevia after Film: United Agents the Ancient British Goddess of Springs and Pools, but he can tell Readership: Crossover the Professor a thing or two about the ancient rites and rituals they Extent: 32,000 words are trying to replicate. It’s unbearably hot and the foraging tasks UK publication: Winter the students are given quickly sour. As Sylvie’s friendship grows 2018 with Molly, one of the students, she realises for the first time that Useful websites: it’s possible to defy her father although everything comes with a www.sarahmoss.org price and tension mounts as Sylvie’s loyalty is tested to the utmost limit. About the author: Sarah Moss is an Associate Professor of Creative Key points Writing at the University of Warwick. Her novel NIGHT WAKING was An extraordinary gem of a novel by a prize-winning author selected for the Fiction packing a major punch in just over 30,000 words. Uncovered Award 2011. After spending a year as a A coming of age story, in some ways it manages to be a social visiting lecturer at the comedy as well as touching on some darker issues. University of Iceland she wrote NAMES FOR THE It could be described as a modern day LORD OF THE FLIES, or SEA: STRANGERS IN even as ‘Sarah’s Brexit novel’. ICELAND which was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature’s 2013 Sample reviews for TIDAL ZONE Ondaatje Prize. She has published three further Sarah Moss is an impressively flexible writer…This is an intensely novels, BODIES OF contemporary novel…It is an excellent read. Guardian LIGHT, SIGNS FOR LOST CHILDREN and THE TIDAL ZONE, for A clever, well-constructed, moving, funny and very well-written which she has been novel, rooted in domestic reality but able to take on the big themes nominated for the Wellcome of mortality and the fragility and preciousness of life. Excellent. Book Prize 3 years running. Daily Mail

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LUNE by Christina Wheeler

1984 meets THE HUNGER GAMES in this compelling YA debut.

Main Agent: Synopsis Jane Willis Lune lives in Manna, a world of stability and plenty, floating above Rights sold: the devastated Earth. She bears the Stigma of the Traitor – a On submission punishment tattoo genetically inherited from a grandfather she has never met. Audio: United Agents Film: United Agents Lune’s life becomes entangled with three fugitives who have Readership: 12+ disconnected their compulsory implants, a transgression with Material available: ms extreme consequences – ‘If u remove ur Imp, UK publication: TBC ur let-go, put on a one-way chute to the Extent: 70,000 words quaking, flooding, burning Earth.’

But when Lune discovers social media archive of her grandparents as a young couple on the savage but beautiful Earth, Lune must decide About the author: whose reality she believes and what it really After her Media Studies means to be a traitor. degree, Christina worked as a documentary film maker, travelling the Key points world, recording the real- life stories of the people Lune, begins to question the man-made, seeming uptopian world she met. Now a mother of she has been born into. ‘If ten thousand people believe a lie, it’s three teenagers, her work still a lie’. has included storytelling with children at craft This fast-paced adventure imagines how language, technology and camps, and as a radio society might evolve, as well as wondering how much of our lives production and creative future generations will be able to discover from the social media writing tutor with young and data trail we are leaving behind. women in prison. She graduated with distinction Christina graduated with distinction from the Bath Spa’s MA in from Bath Spa’s MA in Creative Writing. Her influences for LUNE include MT Creative Writing for Chil- Anderson’s FEED, Patrick Ness’s CHAOS WALKING and David dren and Young People in Mitchell’s CLOUD ATLAS. 2016.

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SATELLITE by Nick Lake

Gripping space adventure about growing up in and out of gravity.

Main Agent: Synopsis Caradoc King SATELLITE is a gripping adventure story set mostly in outer Rights sold: space about three 15 year olds. Leo, Orion and Libra, thanks to a UK (Hodder—Emma NASA experiment into reproduction were conceived, born and Goldhawk) have always lived on the Moon 2 Space Station. Part of the US (Knopf/Random experiment is to examine how they will react to life on Earth and House—Melanie Cecka) now, aged 15 the time has come for them to return. Although China (Jieli) through video contact and TV they are familiar with life on earth Italy (Mondadori—Claudia and their own families this ‘journey home’ will test their physical Scheu) and emotional response to the real life experience. Korea (Mirae Media) Taiwan (Sun Color) Film: United Agents Key points Material available: ms Extent: 90,000 words A gripping space adventure story, a discovery of life on earth, and a Readership: teenage scientific and medical story about growing up in and out of gravity. UK publication: Oct 2017 Other books by the Unlike anything Nick has written, though embracing all his talents author: as an author of fantasy, adventure and thrillers. BLOOD NINJA series IN DARKNESS Nick Lake won the prestigious Printz Medal 2013 for IN HOSTAGE THREE DARKNESS. THERE WILL BE LIES was short-listed for the THERE WILL BE LIES Carnegie Medal. WHISPER TO ME

Reviews About the author: Nick Lake was born in Britain but grew up in I love Nick Lake's writing. I would read anything he wrote - Luxembourg, where his grocery list, email etc., because his writing, always, is so real and so father worked for the brave. He takes on subjects other writers might avoid, and he European Parliament. Nick writes the hell out of them. Jennifer Niven works in publishing by day and writes in every spare Every scene is awesome in the most reverent sense of the word. moment he can find. He Bursts with wonder and love. Kirkus lives near Oxford with his wife and family, and his long commute to work gives his imagination time to explore places he's never visited.

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DARK GIFTS trilogy by Vic James

Game of Thrones meets Downton Abbey, in a world where Voldemort won.

Main Agent: Synopsis for GILDED CAGE (Book 1) Robert Kirby A modern Britain Rights sold: An age-old cruelty UK (Macmillan—Bella Pagan) US (Del Rey—Tricia Narwani) Britain's magically skilled aristocracy compels all commoners to Brazil (Record) serve them for ten years - and now it's the Hadleys' turn. Abi Bulgarian (Riva) Hadley is assigned to England's most ruthless noble family. The Catalan (La Galera) secrets she uncovers could win her freedom - or break her heart. Czech (Fragment/Albatros) France (Nathan) Her brother Luke is enslaved in a brutal factory town, where new Germany (S Fischer) friends' ideals might cost him everything. Hungary (Konyvmolykepzo) Spanish, ex US (La Galera) Then while the elite vie for power, a young aristocrat plots to Turkey (Pegasus) remake the world with his dark gifts. As Britain moves from anger Film: United Agents to defiance, all three must take sides. And the consequences of Readership: YA through to their choices will change everything, forever. adult Material available: fc Extent: 90,000 words Key points UK publication: GILDED CAGE—Jan 2017 TARNISHED CITY—Sept A thrilling Orwellian vision of Britain, with a rebellious ‘Hunger 2017 BRIGHT RUIN—2018 Games’ heart. Website: www.vicjames.co.uk GILDED CAGE was #1 on the Amazon Teen Dystopian Chart and a BBC Radio 2 Book Club Choice of 2017.

About the author: Vic James is a current af- fairs TV director who loves stories in all their forms. Gild- Reviews ed Cage is her debut novel. She has twice judged the Brisk plotting, sympathetic characters and plenty of intrigue, will Guardian’s Not the Booker keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for the next book in Prize, has made films for a very promising series. PW starred review BBC1, BBC2 and Channel 4 News, and is a huge A dazzling addition to the growing genre of alternative historical Wattpad.com success story. fiction, James’s first novel has the added bonus of compelling She lives and works in page -turnability… Daily Mail London.

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UNSCREWED by Helen Howe

A beautifully crafted modern day debut with a ghost story element and a twist.

Main Agent: Synopsis Jane Willis

Rights sold: Amber hates her life. Something happened: she stopped going to On submission school; she lost all her friends. Now she spends long periods of time in bed and thinks about killing herself. She can’t get on with Audio: United Agents her mother and step-dad; she is jealous of all the attention heaped Film: United Agents on new baby, George. After the family move to Scarwood Hall Readership: YA strange things start to happen. Light bulbs start to unscrew Material available: ms themselves. Door knobs fall off. Someone is trying to warn UK publication: TBC Amber about something. Extent: 60,000 words But Amber – trying to hide a past she’d rather forget – needs to go much further back to revoke a curse and change the path of her life and everything that threatens it.

Key points

A deeply moving story with a twist that deals with some hugely About the author: important issues. Helen Howe is married with three children and lives Amber’s voice is raw and real and provides a key insight into the in a north east Derbyshire mind of a troubled teenager. village. She has worked as a graphic designer, youth The ghost story element adds an intriguing comparison from worker and musician. She another time. studied English Language and Creative Writing with Helen worked as a youth worker for thirteen years giving her a the Open University and particularly strong platform from which to base the novel. has previously written

articles, short stories and poetry for magazines. This is her first novel.

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BIG BONES by Laura Dockrill

Meet BB – glorious, unique and the new fresh voice for today’s teen.

Main Agent: Synopsis Jodie Hodges The first thing I ate after my asthma attack was a crumpet. Ok. Not A crum- Rights sold: pet. It was more a set. A set of crumpets. UK (Hot Key—Emma Matthewson) When 16 year old BB is told by her doctor that she is dangerously overweight she is asked to keep a food diary. BB refuses at first but Film: United Agents then sees a window of opportunity. Yes, she will keep a food diary, Readership: 11+ on the condition that her Mum will let her drop out of college as Extent: TBC an exchange. UK publication: TBC Useful websites: Thus begins our introduction to the life of BB. BB is a different writinglorali.tumblr.com kind of teen protagonist. One who isn’t sure she’ll go to university www.lauradockrill.co.uk to study English; who isn’t the quiet, bookish but witty girl who Other books by the author: gets with the nerdy but cute boy; who might not be conventionally DARCY BURDOCK series attractive but is more than fine with that if everyone else would let LORALI her be fine with it! One we just haven’t seen before. Of course AURABEL she’s got insecurities and is finding out who she is, but she’s strong and confident and you can’t help loving her.

About the author: Named one of the top ten Key points literary talents by The Times and one of the top twenty hot faces to watch BB is the glorious, joyful, warm and unique creation of Laura by Elle magazine, Laura is a Dockrill and we could all do well to inject a bit of BB into our lives. young, talented writer/ illustrator and a graduate of BB sits alongside Geek Girl, Girl Online and other ‘clean teen’ the Brits School of Per- novels, but has, unapologetically, a bit more bite. forming Arts. Her Darcy Burdock series has been Funny, real, true and full to the brim of some of the very best translated into 10 lan- dialogue you will have read for teenagers (or anyone!) in a long guages. New projects time. include a poetry collection and a picture book.

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THE GOOSE ROAD by Rowena House

A vivid tale of courage & endurance, love & forgiveness.

Main Agent: Synopsis Jane Willis France, 1916. Fourteen-year-old peasant Angélique Lacroix is Rights sold: battling to save her family’s farm as a sanctuary for her troubled UK (Walker—Mara soldier-brother to come home to after World War I. But when Bergman) the army requisitions her livestock, they also bankrupt the farm. With bailiffs on their way to throw them off their land, Film: United Agents Angélique seizes one last chance to mend the past and protect Readership: 11+ her family’s future by herding her flock of Toulouse geese across Material available: ms war-torn France to sell them at a Christmas market near the UK publication: TBC Front. Extent: 70,000 words

About the author: Key points Rowena House is a journalist as well as a writer. She has lived and worked in A deeply moving story which lives with you from the first page, France, Africa and Belgium until the very last and lingers long after you’ve put it down. as a Reuter’s foreign correspondent, and covered Immaculately researched it has an incredibly authentic feel of the fall of Addis Ababa at time and place, alongside gorgeous writing. the end of Ethiopia’s 30 year civil war. More Private Peaceful meets The Lie Tree. recently she has settled in Devon with her husband A fascinating glimpse at the impact of the First World War from and son, but continues to the French point of view it is ideal for Key Stage 3 First World work as a freelance jour- War studies. nalist. In 2013, she won a short story competition run by , which published her winning entry, The Marshalling of Angélique’s Geese, in WAR GIRLS. This is her novelisation of that story.

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THE BOOK OF DUST: LA BELLE SAUVAGE by Philip Pullman

This will undoubtedly be the biggest book of the year. James Daunt

Main Agent: Synopsis Caradoc King

Rights sold: Coming 22 years after NORTHERN LIGHTS (1995) – the first of UK and US—PRH in con- the world-famous His Dark Materials trilogy – THE BOOK OF junction with David Fickling DUST will return to the parallel world that has enthralled readers both young and old. As in His Dark Materials, this new novel Books Film/TV: United Agents explores the line between good and evil, morality and the relationship between humans and the universe.

UK and US publication: 19 October 2017 To quote Philip himself: The first thing to say is that Lyra is at the centre of the story. Events involving her open the first chapter, and will close the last.

I’ve always wanted to tell the story of how Lyra came to be living at Jordan Other information can be College and, in thinking about it, I discovered a long story that began when she supplied upon request. was a baby and will end when she’s grown up. This volume and the next will cover two parts of Lyra’s life: starting at the beginning of her story and returning to her 20 years later. About the author: Philip Pullman was born in The book also introduces a host of new characters, including a new Norwich, UK, in 1946 and hero: an ordinary boy who is plucked out of a humdrum existence educated in England, and thrust into an adventure that takes him into a new world. Zimbabwe, Australia and Wales. He studied English at Exeter College, Oxford. His Key points most famous work is the His Dark Materials trilogy: His Dark Materials trilogy has sold over 17.5 million copies world NORTHERN LIGHTS, wide and been translated into over 40 languages. and . Translation rights to LA BELLE SAUVAGE have already been A multi-award winning sold in 34 languages: Albanian (Botimet Dudaj); Bulgarian (Bard trilogy prizes include the Publishing House); Catalan (Grup Editorial 62); Complex Chinese (Rye Carnegie Medal (and the Field Publications); Simplified Chinese (Shanghai Dook Publishing Carnegie of Carnegies— Company); Czech (Argo); Croatian (Lumen); Danish (Gyldendal); chosen as the best winner Dutch (Uitgeverij Prometheus Bert Bakker); Estonian (Kirjastus Pegasus); Finnish (Otava Publishing Company); Faroese (Bokadeildin); over the last 70 years), the French (Editions Gallimard Jeunesse); German (Carlsen Verlag); Greek Guardian Children's Book (Psichogios Publications); Hebrew (Kinneret Zmora Dvir Publishing Award, a ‘Nibbie’ for Best House); Hungarian (Ciceró Könyvstudió); Icelandic (Forlagid); Book of the Year and the Indonesian (P T Gramedia Pustaka Utama); Italian (Adriano Salani Whitbread (now the Costa) - Editore); Japanese (Shinchosha Publishing Company); Latvian the first time in the history (Zvaigzne ABC); Norwegian (Aschehoug Norsk); Polish (Mag Jacek of that prize that it was Rodek); Portuguese in Brazil (Editora Objetiva); Portuguese in Portugal given to a children's book. (Editorial Presenca);Romanian (Art Grup Editorial); Russian (AST); Serbian (Laguna); Spanish World (Roca); Swedish (Natur och Kutur); Turkish (Ithaki); Ukraine (Nebo Booklab); Vietnamese (Kim Dong).

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SATSUMA BRIDESMAID by L A Craig

A stunning new writing talent mixes weddings and austerity in a funny and heart-warming package.

Main Agent: Synopsis Jane Willis

Tess’s sister is getting married. It’s nine weeks until blast off. Rights sold: Bridezilla’s big day. It’s all she witters on about. Ever since Meathead New submission proposed (real name Brian, but he calls me Noodle Legs so he gets what he

deserves) a year ago, she hasn’t given it a rest. We get weddings with our Audio: United Agents Weetabix, weddings on toast, spaghetti bolognese with grated wedding on top. . Film: United Agents . .It’s like she has this obsessive-compulsive wedding disorder. Her to-do list is Readership: 8+ as long as a motorway and is concertinaed into a trillion folds in the front cover Material available: ms of what I call her Wedding Bible. The Wedding Bible, like everything else to UK publication: TBC do with this circus, is a colour she calls dusky cerise. Bridezilla says it’s not as Extent: 31,500 words brash as scarlet, more refined than pink. She’s off her head.

To get away from the fuss and to earn some money Tess finds a job doing a newspaper round at the local newsagents shop and About the author: enters the world of the eccentric, elderly owner, Winnie. When This is Lisa’s first full-length Trevor, a homeless man, tries to steal from the shop Tess is novel, for which she received shocked to find him the next day standing behind the counter. a New Fiction Bursary at the Winnie has given him a job. Tess feels she must protect Winnie at Northern Writers’ Awards. all costs and thus begins an adventure with a surprise twist where Her short fiction for adults is everyone learns something about what it is to be homeless. published online and in the anthologies Jawbreakers, Scraps and An Earthless Melting Pot. Among many prize listings Key points she was a finalist in the Words with Jam Bigger Short Story Competition and the Funny and heart warming in turns SATSUMA BRIDESMAID National Flash Fiction Day has such a powerful voice it packs a big punch in 30,000 words. Competition. She was also a finalist for BBC Radio 4’s It also looks at issues of austerity and homeless in a very real and Opening Lines and her short accessible way. story Flour Baby was broad- cast in August 2015. She is L A Craig was picked out of over a thousand entries to United currently working on a Agents’ recent Open House initiative. second MG novel.

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BILLY AND THE MINPINS by Roald Dahl illustrated by Quentin Blake

A brand new edition of Roald Dahl’s final children's book.

Main Agent: Synopsis Caradoc King And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because Rights sold: the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who UK (PRH) don’t believe in magic will never find it. Roald Dahl, BILLY AND Text rights are handled by THE MINPINS David Higham Associates BILLY AND THE MINPINS is the story of heroic Billy who UK publication: Sept 2017 saves the Minpins, tiny tree-dwelling people, whose children are the size of matchsticks, from the fearsome Gruncher. It explores Other information can be themes seen in many of Roald Dahl’s other much-loved children’s supplied upon request. novels including; small people living in a big world; the glory of flight, confronting demons; and, most importantly, the child hero.

In BILLY AND THE MINPINS, readers will experience again the magical collaboration between Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake.

About the illustrator: Key points Sir Quentin Blake, CBE, FCSD, FRSL, RDI is an English cartoonist, illustrator A brand-new edition of Roald Dahl’s final children’s book, which and children's writer. He will sit alongside the original colour edition, first published in may be known best for 1991 and illustrated by Patrick Benson. illustrating books written by Roald Dahl. For his lasting The only Roald Dahl children’s book yet to be illustrated by contribution as a children's Quentin Blake. illustrator he won the biennial, international Hans The first time Quentin Blake has illustrated a new Roald Dahl Christian Andersen Award hero in nearly 20 years. in 2002, the highest recogni- tion available to creators of Re-titled to reflect Roald Dahl’s original name for the book. children's books. From 1999 to 2001 he was the inaugural The new edition has nearly 60 black and white drawings. British Children's Laureate.

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THE MIRACLE OF MOSES MOLE by Sandra Daniels

A poignant debut with a classic feel.

Main Agent: Synopsis Laura Macdougall

Rights sold: THE MIRACLE OF MOSES MOLE tells the story of the On submission remarkable life of blind Moses Jones and his twin brother, Samuel, born in a Welsh mining village in 1839. Gifted Moses has a special Audio: United Agents way with animals and forges a particularly special bond with a Film: United Agents young Shetland pony, Goblin, who saves him and Samuel during a Readership: 8+ storm. Moses is distraught when Goblin is sent underground to Extent: 52,000 words live and work in the mines and vows to free him. UK publication: TBC

Key points

About the author: Filed with sibling bonds, first love, rivalry and danger this is a Born in London, Sandra poignant debut with a classic feel and a broad appeal. spent an idyllic childhood in Cyprus before returning to An inspiring story with a twist about determination against the England to live by the sea in odds. Hastings with her family. Keen to become a journalist It will appeal to readers who enjoyed GOODNIGHT MISTER and be paid to write for a TOM, WAR HORSE and BLACK BEAUTY. living, she landed her dream job as a trainee reporter on the local paper. She moved on to be News Editor before becoming a police press officer. With young children in tow, Sandra switched careers to work in special needs education. Surrounded by story books in the classroom once more, and suffering keyboard withdrawal symptoms, she returned to her first love – fiction writing.

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FREDERICK THE GREAT DETECTIVE by Philip Kerr

A mystery story for children set in 1930s Berlin by the master of the genre.

Main Agent: Caradoc King Synopsis

Rights sold: UK/US on submission Frederick Kissel is a 13 year old Berlin schoolboy. Until 1933 the Germany (Rowohlt) most exciting thing that his ever happened to him is being Greek (Kedros) invited to the film premiere of Emil and the Detectives, his favourite Film: United Agents book. His father is a friend of the author, Erich Kastner. Readership: 9+ Inspired, Fred resolves to become a detective with the Berlin Material available: ms Kripo when he’s older. Until then he and his friends form their Extent: 40,000 words own private detective agency, recording car number plates and UK publication: tbc generally spying on people. Other children’s books: THE CHILDREN OF THE Things begin to change in Berlin. One day Fred sees some SS LAMP series. men painting over a wonderful mural by the illustrator of EMIL, THE WINTER HORSES Walter Trier. Then Fred’s brother Rolf announces a burning of THE MOST FRIGHTEN- books considered un-German. Fred is horrified to find that his ING STORY EVER TOLD favourite book is on the list. Despite these events the friends still manage to do a bit of detecting. Trouble is there’s usually not much crime around. Then one day one of the real detectives asks them to go and keep an eye on someone he suspects is an evil Russian spy. Fred is shocked when he gives them Erich About the author: Kastner’s address, someone he knows very well is not a spy. In- Philip Kerr is a best-selling stead of protesting he keeps his mouth shut and agrees. The author. He has published friends start their first proper detecting job. A job that will turn many adult thrillers, though is out to be more dangerous than they ever imagined. best known for his private-eye Bernie Gunther series of which the latest, The Other Side Key Points of Silence, was published in 2016. He is also a children’s An important and prescient book, inspired by the German author of the seven volume classic EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES and true events. Children of the Lamp series

(2004-2011). His works have A page turning adventure story and deeply moving, it gives a been translated into 36 lan- fascinating glimpse at the architecture, rich culture and life in guages and many have been 1930s Berlin from the point of view of a 13 year old boy. sold for film.

The bestselling author combines his masterly skills as a mystery writer and his unparalleled knowledge of Nazi Germany.

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FENN HALFLIN AND THE SEABORN by Francesca Armour-Chelu

The thrilling sequel to FENN HALFLIN AND THE FEARZERO.

Main Agent: Ariella Feiner Synopsis

Rights sold: The thrilling conclusion to the epic Fenn Halflin series. Fenn UK (Walker—Jane Halflin is on the run from the brutal Terra Firma. His survival Winterbotham) depends on finding the last of the Resistance, said to be hiding in an ancient, flooded forest. Accompanied by his faithful mongoose, Film: United Agents Tikki, Fenn must embark on a journey that will take him deep into Readership: 9 + the treacherous marsh and closer to the secrets of his past. But as Material: fc the water levels continue to rise, his mission to unite the Seaborn Extent: 304 pp people has never been more desperate. UK publication: July 2017 Other books in the series: FENN HALFIN AND THE FEARZERO Key points

About the author: The final part to a chilling adventure about a sinking world, Francesca Armour-Chelu wonderfully vivid and beautifully written. grew up by the Suffolk Coast. She studied English Perfect for readers of Percy Jackson and Artemis Fowl. and Drama at Goldsmiths and went on to work in FENN HALFIN AND THE FEARZERO was longlisted for the museum education and the Branford Boase Award, the New Angle Prize and the public libraries Her Little Rebels Award. It was also shortlisted for the Mslexia experience of living on water Children's Novel Competition and the 2016 East Anglian meadows in an abandoned Children’s Book Award. Edwardian railway carriage inspired her novel, FENN HALFIN AND THE Reviews FEARZERO. Her novel LEMON INK OVER I LOVED this book and am desperate to read the second instal- FLAME was short-listed for ment [...] Issues of the environment, discrimination, refugees and the Tibor Jones Pageturn- migration make this book pertinent to the current world order. The er Prize 2013 and her short prose style is rich and engaging and worthy of study in any upper story The Starving Ghost won key stage literacy lesson. The School Librarian (on FENN the Myslexia Short Story HALFIN AND THE FEARZERO) Competition 2013. Clever, intriguing and wonderful – a brilliant adventure. Really superb. Sue & Pakka’s blog (on FENN HALFIN AND THE FEARZERO)

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HAMISH AND THE WORLDSTOPPERS series by Danny Wallace, illustrated by Jamie Littler

Bestselling, mad-cap adventure for fans of Roald Dahl and David Walliams.

Main Agent: Synopsis Robert Kirby/Ariella Feiner US rights handled by Ginger What would YOU do... if the whole world just stopped? Clark at Curtis Brown Yes the WHOLE WORLD.

Rights sold: Birds in the air. Planes in the sky. And every single person on the UK (Simon & Schuster) planet - except you! Because that's what keeps happening to Czech (Argo) ten-year-old Hamish Ellerby. And it's being caused by The France (Gallimard) WorldStoppers and their terrifying friends The Terribles! They Germany (Heyne) have a PLAN! They want to Hungary (Mano Konyvek) take our world for their own . Italy (Rizzoli) . . Oh, and they hate children. Lithuania (Nieko Rimto) Especially if you're a child Mexico (Ediciones SM) who knows about them. Hang The Netherlands (Veltman) on - You know now, don't Portugal (Jacaranda) you? Oh dear. Can Hamish Spain (Ediciones SM) s a v e u s f r o m t h e Catalan (Group SM) WorldStoppers? Only time Turkey (Epsilon) will tell!

Film: United Agents UK publication: March Key points 2015 Extent: 336 pp Aimed at 9+ children, this is a funny adventure series with a Readership: 9+ boys and unique feel, perfect for fans of David Walliams and Tom Gates. girls Useful websites: One of the bestselling children’s debuts of 2015 it won the www.dannywallace.com Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award for 9+ fiction. Total UK sales Other books in the series: of Books 1 and 2 exceed 100,000 copies. HAMISH AND THE NEVERPEOPLE HAMISH AND THE GRAVITY BURP was published in 2017 HAMISH AND THE and two new titles are coming in 2018. GRAVITY BURP HAMISH AND THE BABY BOOM (coming in Sample Reviews 2018) HAMISH 5 (coming in HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Frank Cottrell Boyce: 2018) A joy. A hugely entertaining, child friendly read with characters you’ll want to root for, despicable villains, a satisfying adventure and a really big heart. Bookseller (Editor’s Choice):

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THE MATILDA EFFECT by Ellie Irving The race to reclaim Granny's Nobel Prize will take them on the adventure of a lifetime. (And for an 80 year old, that's a lot of life)

Main Agent: Jodie Hodges Synopsis

Matilda loves science and inventing wo when she doesn’t win the Rights sold: school science fair, she’s devastated – especially as the judges UK (Random House— didn’t believe she'd come up with her entry on her own. Because Natalie Doherty) she's a girl. When Matilda shares her woes with her grandma, China (Citic Press) she's astonished to learn that Grandma Joss was once a scientist France (Bragelonne) herself – an astrophysicist, who discovered her very own planet. Korea (Mirae) Trouble is, Grandma Joss was also overlooked – her boss, Ukraine (Nebo Booklab) Professor Smocks, stole her discovery for himself. And he's about Film: United Agents to be presented with a Nobel Prize. Matilda concocts a plan. UK publication: July 2017 They'll crash the award ceremony and tell everyone the truth! So Extent: 256 pages begins a race against time - and against Matilda's strict mum and Readership: dad! - on a journey through Paris, Hamburg and Stockholm, and 8+ boys and girls on which they encounter a famous film star, a circus, and a wanted Useful websites: diamond thief... www.ellieirving.com Other books by the author: THE MUTE BUTTON Key points FLEECED

A brilliant, funny adventure that subtly highlights the importance of STEM subjects for girls.

About the author: Perfect for fans of David Walliams, Phil Earle, David Solomons Ellie was born into a family and Julian Clary. of avid readers. After stu dy i ng a 4 y e a r Includes Matilda's fun and sparky guide to her scientific heroes. Broadcasting degree at the University of Leeds, Ellie realised there were too few Reviews home makeover shows in the world, and worked on a number of DIY and Garden Warm-hearted and funny, this is a marvellous mix of righteous programmes for UK Style. indignation and madcap race against time, deftly illustrated Ellie returned to studying by Matthew Jones. and graduated from an MA in Screenwriting course at The Matilda Effect is a lovely book that promotes all the things the London College of you might want the young girls in your life to be – inquisitive, out- Communication in 2008. going, spunky, rambunctious. . . .Marvellous. The Bookbag

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THE MARSH ROAD MYSTERY series by Elen Caldecott A new series of mystery adventures for children, for fans of Enid Blyton and Lauren St. John.

Main Agent: Synopsis for DIAMONDS AND DAGGERS Jodie Hodges Meet Piotr, Minnie, Andrew, Flora and Sylvia – The Marsh Road Rights sold: Investigators! UK (Bloomsbury) Denmark (Flachs) When famous Hollywood actress, Betty Massino, comes to star in Film: United Agents the local theatre the gang can’t wait to see her. But – DISASTER! UK publication: – Betty’s hugely expensive diamond necklace is stolen and – DIAMONDS & WORSE! – Piotr’s dad, a security guard at the theatre, is the DAGGERS Feb 2015 prime suspect. Can the five friends solve the crime and save an CROWNS & CODE- innocent man, or will Piotr and his family being leaving Marsh BREAKERS July 2015 Road FOREVER? SPOOKS & SCOOTERS Feb 2016 CATS & CURSES July 2016 Key points DOGS & DOCTORS May 2017 Extent: 240 pp DIAMONDS AND DAGGERS is the first title in a new children’s series called the Marsh Road Mysteries, with a slight feel Readership: 8+ of an Enid Blyton mystery. Useful websites: www.elencaldecott.com Bloomsbury have just published the fifth title in the series, DOGS AND DOCTORS about the mysterious disappearance of Barry, About the author: the therapy dog. They are building Elen as one of their major Elen Caldecott was an authors for the future. archaeologist, a nurse, a theatre manager and a Elen was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Prize for her museum security guard. One debut and Operation Eiffel Tower was shortlisted for the 2013 Red day, looking around the museum, she realised that Sample reviews there is a way to steal anything if only you think A gripping adventure with a great theatre background! about it hard enough - Julia Eccleshare which led to Elen’s first book HOW KIRSTY JENKINS STOLE THE I'm a big fan...Written with warmth and humour, the charac- ELEPHANT. DIAMONDS ters...are easy to relate to, with a genuinely diverse range of back- AND DAGGERS is Elen’s grounds, and familiar themes of friendship and families. sixth book for children. The Bookseller

20

FLAME’S STORY by Sheridan Winn

The first of 3 prequels to the bestselling SPRITES SISTERS series.

Main Agent: Synopsis Jane Willis On her ninth birthday Flame’s hands begin to tingle as they have Rights sold: never done before, sending the eldest Sprite Sister into a spin. Germany (S Fischer) When her grandmother tells her she has inherited the magic power of Fire, Flame is amazed and confused, but because of the need for Readership: 7+ secrecy, she can tell no one – not even her parents or three sisters. Material: edited ms As her fingers fizz with power, Flame must learn to use and control Extent: 35,000 words it – but fire is dangerous and unpredictable. Hiding her magic and German publication: Nov- trying to evade her sisters in order to practice, Flame feels different 2017 and alone. Naturally honest, the sudden need for secrets and lies Useful websites: tests her to the limit. With Flame’s power of Fire comes the power www.sheridanwinn.com of foresight. When she begins to see images of a burning building Forthcoming prequels: in her mind, she fears it might be Sprite Towers. With her power of MARINA’S STORY— Fire only a week old, Flame Sprite must face the flames that publication Spring 2018 threaten to engulf her beloved home – but is her magic strong ASH’S STORY—publication enough to save it? Autumn 2018 Key points

The first of three prequels to the SPRITE SISTERS series— charming, family-centred adventures with a magical twist.

Over 500,000 copies of the original series sold in Germany alone. About the author: For 25 years Sheridan worked Film/TV rights under option to Story House Productions. with author and illustrator, Chris Winn, as his business and creative manager. Sample reviews Together they produced a number of children’s picture The Circle of Power . . .manages to feel up to date and appealing books, along with the ‘Mad whilst at the same time retaining an old-fashioned, comfort-reading Gadget’ cartoon – the most style. . .as soon as I finished this volume I immediately wanted to popular strip in the Daily know what happens next. Sarah Skinner, Children’s Manager, Telegraph’s Young Telegraph Waterstone’s Norwich 4 stars for over seven years. More recently she has worked as a A robust and exciting introduction to a promising series – the age journalist. spread of the four sisters will offer a wide appeal … promising and interesting. Carousel

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THE BIG GREEN BOOK by Robert Graves, illustrated by Maurice Sendak An enchanting, strange and sometimes chilling tale, masterfully illustrated.

Main Agent: Synopsis Margaret Halton The Wylie Agency (for Maruice Sendak) The little boy Jack discovers a big green book of magic in the attic, and learns all sorts of spells – spells to change the look of things, Rights sold: spells to make him old and grey, or disappear entirely! Of course I UK (Vintage/PRH) can't tell you how all these things were done, because this was a US (HarperCollins) long time ago and the big green book has now disappeared. But if you want to read about what Jack did with his new magic powers, Film: United Agents and how his poor old aunt and uncle were quite bewildered, then Readership: 0-100 take a look inside . . . Material available: fc Extent: 64 pp UK publication: April Key points 2017 The Times Children’s Book of the Week

A story of magic and mischief with unforgettable pictures by a master illustrator.

A long-forgotten classic - what could be more delightful?

About the author: Robert Graves was born in 1895 in Wimbledon. He Reviews went from school to the First World War, where he Fantasy value here for power-hungry young imaginations. Maurice became a captain in the Sendak's delightful pictures add a winning note of gaiety. Kirkus Royal Welch Fusiliers and was seriously wounded at Graves's fable of childish triumph over grownup rules and regula- the Battle of the Somme. He tions is lent extra joyousness by Maurice Sendak's original line earned his living writing drawings. Washington Post mainly historical fiction in- cluding the celebrated I, A gorgeous hardback edition … Every child’s dream and the A* CLAUDIUS. He wrote his finale of a top-class storybook. The Times autobiography, Goodbye to All That, in 1929, and it was soon established as a mod- ern classic. He died on 7 De- cember 1985 in Majorca, his home since 1929.

22

BACKLIST HIGHLIGHTS

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THE SHATTERED SEA trilogy by Joe Abercrombie

A classic coming-of-age tale set in vivid and richly-imagined world.

Main Agent: Synopsis for HALF A KING (Book 1) Robert Kirby Betrayed by his family and left for dead, Prince Yarvi, reluctant Rights sold: heir to a divided kingdom, has vowed to reclaim a throne he never UK (HarperCollins) wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains and the bitter US (Random House) waters of the Shattered Sea itself - all with only one good hand. Brazil (Sextante) Born a weakling in the eyes of a hard, cold world, he cannot grip a Bulgaria (Colibri) shield or swing an axe, so has sharpened his mind to a deadly edge. Catalan (Random House) Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast, he finds they can China (Chongqing) help him more than any noble could. Even so, Yarvi's path may Croatia (Algoritam) end as it began - in twists, traps and tragedy ... Czech (Euromedia) Denmark (Gyldendal) Estonia (Tanapaev) Finland (Art House) France (Bragelonne) Key points Germany (Heyne) Greece (Metaichmo) Hungary (Athenaeum) All three titles in the trilogy have been UK Top 10 bestsellers in Italy (Mondadori) hardback and paperback. Latvia (Zvaigzne) Poland (Rebis) HALF A KING was a PW best read of 2014. Romania (Nemira) Russia (Eksmo) English language rights sold for over US$1 million and translation Serbia (Laguna) rights have sold in 23 languages. Spain (Random House) Taiwan (Omnibook) Thailand (Words Wonder) Turkey (Pegasus) Reviews

Film: United Agents With eye-popping plot twists and rollicking good action, HALF A Readership: Teenage KING is definitely a full adventure. Rick Riordan through to adult

UK publication: HALF A KING is another page-turner from Britain’s hottest HALF A KING: July 2014 young fantasist, a fast-paced tale that grabbed me from page on e HALF THE WORLD: Feb and refused to let go. George R R Martin 2015 HALF A WAR: July 2015 Useful websites: www.joeabercrombie.com

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THE CELLAR by Natasha Preston

A gripping, high stakes thriller and a New York Times Bestseller.

Main Agent: Synopsis Jon Elek

Rights sold: For months Summer is trapped in a cellar with the man who took US (Sourcebooks) her―and three other girls: Rose, Poppy, and Violet. French (Hachette Jeunesse) Italy (Piemme) His perfect, pure flowers. Mexico (Selector) Poland (JK) His family. Russia (AST) Spain (Planeta) But flowers can't survive long cut off from the sun, and time is Turkey (Dogan Egmont) running out... Audio: United Agents Film: United Agents US publication: Key points March 2014 Extent: 347 pp Readership: 14+ A page-turning romantic thriller with a psychopath thrown in. Useful websites: www.natashapreston.com THE CELLAR was on the NY Times YA paperback bestseller list continuously for 18 weeks reaching No 4. It also reached No 1 on the NYT Young Adult Ebook Bestseller list About the author: Natasha Preston is based in Natasha is a Wattpad sensation. the UK and grew up in small villages and towns. She discovered her love of Sample reviews writing when she stumbled across Wattpad and A well-written, completely absorbing nail-biter of a book…[with] uploaded her first story. She a powerful, suffocating atmosphere of dread and uncertainty. hasn’t looked back since. Bookish N o w p u b l i s h e d b y Sourcebooks in the US Like watching an episode of Law & Order: SVU… I honestly, THE CELLAR and THE could not tear myself away. Chapter by Chapter blog CABIN have been NYT Bestsellers. A real treat for avid mystery and thriller fans; the story line pulls you inside the world of a madman and the women he preys on… never a dull moment. Teen Reads blog

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WHISPER TO ME by Nick Lake

A nerve-shredding thriller from the winner of the Printz Medal.

Main Agent: Synopsis Caradoc King 'I love you. I'm sorry for what I did to you. I'm going to write it all down, Rights sold: explain everything that happened, why I broke your heart, and then I'm going UK and US (Bloomsbury) to email it to you. I will be waiting for you at 5 p.m. Friday by the windmill Turkey (Pegasus) hole at the crazy golf at the Pier where we played once. If you still want me then, when you're done reading this, come and get me. OK? Consider this the Film: United Agents most screwed up love letter ever.' Readership: YA through to adult So begins Nick Lake's brilliant tour de force romance which Material available: fc introduces readers to Cassie, a New Jersey Shore teen who, over Extent: 536 pp the course of one summer, experiences the exhilarating highs of UK publication: May 2016 new love, the frightening free falls of personal demons and family tragedy, and the bumps along the way to forgiveness, acceptance, Other books by the au- and self-discovery. Told entirely through flashbacks, readers will thor: savour every moment of Cassie's relationship with a boardwalk BLOOD NINJA series boy and race to the last page to discover how it all ends. IN DARKNESS HOSTAGE THREE THERE WILL BE LIES Key points SATELLITE Part love story, party mystery thriller, part searing tale of one girl’s struggle with her unravelling mental health.

Nick Lake won the prestigious Printz Medal 2013 for IN About the author: DARKNESS. THERE WILL BE LIES was shorted-listed for the Nick Lake was born in Carnegie Medal, was a "Boston Globe" Best YA Book of 2015 Britain but grew up in and a Texas TAYSHAS Pick.. Luxembourg, where his father worked for the WHISPER TO ME was long-listed for the Carnegie Medal. European Parliament. Nick works in publishing by day and writes in every spare moment he can find. He Sample reviews lives near Oxford with his wife and family, and his long commute to work gives his I could not put it down. Whisper to Me is raw and lovely, dark imagination time to explore and light, heartbreaking and human, and it left me both aching and places he's never visited. filled. Stunning. Jennifer Niven

26

LORALI by Laura Dockrill

A tale of first love, leaving home and finding your feet.

Main Agent: Synopsis Jodie Hodges Looking after a naked girl he found washed up under Hastings pier Rights sold: isn't exactly how Rory had imagined spending his sixteenth UK (Hot Key) birthday. But more surprising than finding her in the first place is Bulgaria (Artline) discovering where she has come from.

Film: United Agents Lorali is running not just from the sea, not just from her position as Readership: YA princess and sole heir to the Queen of the Atlantic, but her entire Extent: 336 pages destiny. Lorali has rejected life as a mermaid, and become human. UK publication: July 2015 But along with Lorali's arrival, and the freak weather suddenly bat- tering the coast, more strange visitors begin appearing in Rory's be- Useful websites: mused Sussex town. With beautifully coiffed hair, sharp-collard writinglorali.tumblr.com shirts and a pirate ship shaped like a Tudor house, the Abelgare www.lauradockrill.co.uk boys are a mystery all of their own. What are they really up to? Can Other books by the author: Rory protect Lorali? And who from? And where does she really be- DARCY BURDOCK series long? AURABEL Key points

About the author: Colourful, raw, brave, rich and fantastical - this mermaid tale is Named one of the top ten not for the faint-hearted. literary talents by The Times and one of the top twenty Laura uses her unique writing style to create a fantasy world that hot faces to watch by Elle is absolutely current and entirely absorbing. magazine, Laura is a young, talented writer/illustrator and a graduate of the Brits School of Performing Arts. Reviews Her Darcy Burdock series has been translated into 10 lan- guages. Lorali is Laura’s first Lorali really is one of the wackiest books I’ve read this year, and I book for the teen market. mean this in the best possible way. Queen of Contemporary The sequel, AURABEL, was published in 2017. This book is amazing, clever and very different from anything else I've ever read. . .I almost want to put money on this book winning awards this year. Serendipity

27

PHILIP PULLMAN

A dark powerhouse of subtlety, energy and mythos. My daughter and I read it till the spine cracked. Does a book receive a greater compliment? Independent

Main Agent: Synopsis Caradoc King Philip Pullman is one of the most well-loved children’s writers of all Useful websites: time. He has published nearly 20 books. His most well-known www.philip-pullman.com work is the trilogy HIS DARK MATERIALS, beginning with NORTHERN LIGHTS (THE GOLDEN COMPASS in the USA) Some children’s books by in 1995, continuing with THE SUBTLE KNIFE in 1997, and con- the author: cluding with THE AMBER SPYGLASS in 2000. These books HIS DARK MATERIALS have been translated into 45 languages and have won numerous trilogy: prizes, including the Carnegie Medal, The Guardian Children’s Northern Lights Book Award, and the Whitbread Book of the Year Award—the first The Subtle Knife time in history of that prize that it was given to a children’s book. The Amber Spyglass In 2006, NORTHERN LIGHTS was awarded the Carnegie of THE SALLY LOCKHART Carnegies, chosen by readers from all the books that have won this quartet: medal in the 70 years since it was first awarded. In 2002 Philip The Ruby in the Smoke Pullman received the Eleanor Farjeon Award for children’s litera- ture and in 2005 he won the Astrid Lindgren Award, along with the Japanese illustrator Ryoji Arai. In October 2017 he will publish LA The Tin Princess BELLE SAUVAGE, the first volume of the long awaited BOOK THE NEW CUT GANG OF DUST. He is currently working on the second volume. BBC series: One have commissioned a major new drama series of HIS DARK The Gas-fitter’s Ball MATERIALS trilogy. Thunderbolt’s Wax Works COUNT KARLSTEIN I WAS A RAT! Sample reviews THE BROKEN BRIDGE THE SCARECROW AND Pullman combines impeccable characterisations and seamless plot- HIS SERVANT ting, maintaining a crackling pace to create almost unbearable ten- sion. Publisher’s Weekly (about Northern Lights) This is a stunning, dense and deep novel set in a universe which is ours but not, and which jumbles the cabbalism, intricate scholarly debates and dirt of the late sixteenth century with the spooky quantum physics and apocalyptic fears of a possible future. It has fierce 12-year-old heroine, a host of fantastical characters, a narrative that is quest-propelled, funny, and unquenchably imaginative, and an intellectual vigour that treats children’s curios- ity with proper adult respect. Observer (about Northern Lights)

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KRINDLEKRAX by Philip Ridley

The Smarties Prize winner returns in a wonderful new edition.

Main Agent: Synopsis Caradoc King

Rights sold: It was the day for choosing a hero. UK (PRH Children’s Books) Film: United Agents Ruskin Splinter is small and thin, with knock-knees, thick glasses Readership: 9+ and a squeaky voice, and the idea of him taming a dragon makes Material available: fc the whole class laugh. Big, strong Elvis is stupid but he looks like a Extent: 240 pp hero. So who is more likely to get the big part in the school play? UK publication: 1991, 2017 But when the mysterious beast, Krindlekrax, threatens Lizard Street and everyone who lives there, it is Ruskin who saves the day and proves he is the stuff that heros are made of after all.

Key points About the author: PHILIP RIDLEY was born in the East End of London, A very funny school story full of weird and wonderful characters. where he still lives and works. He studied painting Winner of the Smarties Prize and the WH Smith, Mind-Boggling at St Martin's School of Art Books Award. and by the time he graduated had exhibited widely Philip has also been nominated for the Whitbread Prize (for throughout Europe and KASPER IN THE GLITTER, 1994) and shortlisted for the Car- written his first novel. As negie Medal (for SCRIBBLEBOY, 1997). well as books and plays for adults, Philip has written Philip’s books have been translated in 17 languages. many other books for children includ- ing Krindlekrax (1991), win- Sample reviews ner of the Smarties Prize and the WH Smith, Mind- Fizzes with life and humour ... outstanding Sunday Times Boggling Books Award, Kasper in the Ridley's surreal plots and invigorating characters are shockingly Glitter (1994), nominated for enjoyable The Times the Whitbread Prize, and Scribbleboy (1997), Outrageous imagination and fun . . weird and wonderful shortlisted for the Carnegie Guardian Medal.

29

SWIMMING TO THE MOON by Jane Elson

An aspirational story about facing fears and defying expectations.

Main Agent: Synopsis Jodie Hodges Bee stumbles through life in her stripy socks with her head in the Rights sold/under option: clouds, doing her very best to keep out of the way of her bickering UK (Hodder—Naomi parents and avoid the bendy tap dancing freak Crystal Kelly - who Pottesman) makes her life a misery. But when Crystal double-dares her to vol- China (Beijging Publishing) unteer for a sponsored swim in honour of her great grandmother Denmark (Flachs) Beatrix's memory, Bee can't back down. Even though she is terri- Turkey (Altin Kitaplar) fied of water and cannot swim! Film: United Agents Readership: 8+, mainly girls Then new boy Moon-Star gallops to Bee's rescue on his horse and Extent: 272 pages takes her to meet Old Alice, who lives in a beautiful painted wag- UK publication: on. As Bee enters this new world, her life is changed for ever. July 2016 Finally she has an ally. Down by the promise tree the new friends Useful websites: make a pact - Moon Star will teach Bee to swim if Bee will teach www.janeelson.com him to read. They spit on their hands and shake on their vow and a beautiful friendship begins. Other books by the author: A ROOM FULL OF Key points CHOCOLATE HOW TO FLY WITH Jane’s debut novel won the Peter’s Book Award and the Leeds BROKEN WINGS Book Award. It was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Brandford Boase Award. Her second novel has also just won the About the author: Peter’s Book Award and is currently on several shortlists. Jane is an experienced drama and writing workshop leader, Jane writes with such warmth and love and her books clearly have writing award-winning plays huge meaning to the children that read them. for young people. She works at Italia Conti teaching Reviews d r a m a ; w i t h y o u n g offenders; with young people I love Jane Elson’s stories. They’re magical, fun and heart- with learning difficulties and warming at the same time. I always finish a Jane Elson book with is one of the Soho Theatre’s a smile on my face. Chrissi reads hub writers. She could not be less phased by the prospect of getting out in Jane Elson has crafted a truly special story about overcoming front of young people to fears, dealing with grief and the power of friendship. A promote her novels! She lives wonderfully empathetic and moving read . . .It feels so honest in North London. and real you find yourself totally wrapped up in the characters and completely enthralled in this story. bookloverjo

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DARCY BURDOCK series by Laura Dockrill

It's time for a new, cool, all-conquering girl character for tweens - meet Darcy Burdock.

Main Agent: Synopsis Jodie Hodges Rights sold: Ten-year-old Darcy Burdock is one of life's noticers. Curious, UK (Random House) smart-as-a-whip, funny and fiercely loyal, she sees the extraordi- Bulgaria (Artline) Chinese simplified (Hebei) nary in the everyday and the wonder in the world around her. Join Croatia (Mozaik) Darcy and her family as they navigate through a hilarious series of Denmark (Flachs) mishaps, all narrated through Darcy’s funny and totally original Germany (Heyne) Hungary (Kossuth) voice. Italy (Fanucci) Czech (Argo) Can the power of Darcy's colourful, wild, glittering imagination Latvia (Zvaigzne ABC) Slovak (Enigma) turn all her troubles around? You’ll have to read to find out! Turkey (Nemesis) Film: United Agents Readership: 8+ girls Extent: 278 pp Useful websites: www.lauradockrill.co.uk Books in the series: DARCY BURDOCK— February 2013 HI SO MUCH—February 2014 SORRY ABOUT ME—July Key points 2014 OH, OBVIOUSLY—June Shortlisted for the 2014 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. 2015 ANGOSAURUS REX— Britain’s answer to Jeff Kinney and the Wimpy Kid, DARCY February 2017 BURDOCK is taking the children’s book world by storm.

The National Theatre have optioned the stage play. About the author: Named one of the top ten literary talents by The Times Sample reviews and one of the top twenty hot faces to watch by ELLE A lively, highly entertaining story about an endearing, imaginative, magazine, Laura is a young, ten year old girl. Jacqueline Wilson talented writer/illustrator who is a graduate of the Wow, what a stormer! It’s wonderful to have the voice of Brits School of Performing someone as young and as funny in the children’s books world. Arts. Michael Rosen

31

JUST WILLIAM series by Richmal Crompton

‘still funny, fresh and true’ Roddy Doyle

Main Agent: Synopsis Jane Willis William is a tousle-headed, snub-nosed, mischievous boy whose Rights sold: hilarious escapades have become true children's classics - but UK (Macmillan) classics which are just as successful today as they have ever been. Sinhala (Samayawardhana) Whether it's trying to arrange a marriage for his sister or taking a Spain (RBA Libros) job as a boot boy as step one in his grand plan to run away, Vietnam (Nhanam) William manages to cause chaos wherever he goes. Film: United Agents Readership: 8+ through to In William’s natural desire to do the right thing leads adult him into serious trouble, as usual, and when blackmail and kidnapping are involved, it’s no surprise. Even when he turns over Other books by the author a new leaf, the consequences are dire. But it’s his new neighbour in print in the UK: Violet Elizabeth Bott who really causes chaos – and no one will JUST WILLIAM believe that it’s not William’s fault . . . MORE WILLIAM WILLIAM AGAIN Key points WILLIAM THE FOURTH STILL WILLIAM WILLIAM AT WAR True children’s classics which are as successful today as they have MEET JUST WILLIAM ever been, with JUST WILLIAM newly published in a wonderful series new hardback edition for the new Macmillan Classics list.

They are consistently re-invented for television.

Perhaps most loved by children and adults alike in the English About the author: speaking world are Martin Jarvis’ incomparable radio tellings. Richmal Crompton was born in Lancashire in 1890. The first story about William Sample reviews Brown appeared in home magazine in 1919, and the Whether it's a trip to the cinema, babysitting a youngster, being a first collection of William page boy at a wedding, or running away from home to take a job stories was published in below stairs, the 11-year old William Brown can always be relied book form three years later. on to create chaos and havoc wherever he goes. Five star In all, thirty-eight William review, The Bookbag books were published, the last one in 1970, after Like all the best children's books, the William stories are just as Richmal Crompton’s death. enjoyable for adults Good Reads

32

THE SPRITE SISTERS series by Sheridan Winn

Four sisters. Four elements. Four powers.

Main Agent: Synopsis Jane Willis In the gently undulating countryside of North Norfolk is a huge, Rights sold: mysterious house, with rolling grounds. This is Sprite Towers, the Germany (S Fischer) home of the Sprite family. Magic runs through the Sprite family, Poland (Akapit) but not all of it is good and nobody knows who has it. Unknown First German publication to their parents, the four Sprite Sisters each has a magical power of Book 8: August 2015 that relates to one of the elements of Fire, Water, Earth & Air. Extent: 244pp Readership: 7-12 years When little Ariel gains her power of Air on her ninth birthday, Useful websites: dark forces are soon at work to hurt the sisters. The Sprite Sisters www.sheridanwinn.com must work together and balance their power, to keep themselves Titles in the series: THE CIRCLE OF POWER and Sprite Towers safe from harm. THE MAGIC UNFOLDS THE SECRET OF THE TOWER NEW MAGIC Key points THE BOY WITH HAWK-LIKE EYES MAGIC AT DRYSDALE’S SCHOOL A 10 volume series following the magical adventures of the four THE MYSTERY OF THE LOCKED ROOM Sprite sisters. Charming, family-centred adventures with the feel A WISDOM OF OWLS of a modern day Enid Blyton with the 10th title, THE POWER THE POWER OF FOUR OF FOUR, coming in November 2017.

Over 500,000 copies sold in Germany alone a prequel series has been commissioned. About the author: For 25 years Sheridan worked Under option to Story House Productions for film and TV. with author and illustrator, Chris Winn, as his business and creative manager. Sample reviews Together they produced a number of children’s picture The Circle of Power . . .manages to feel up to date and appealing books, along with the ‘Mad whilst at the same time retaining an old-fashioned, comfort- Gadget’ cartoon – the most reading style. . .as soon as I finished this volume I immediately popular strip in the Daily wanted to know what happens next. Sarah Skinner, Children’s Telegraph’s Young Telegraph Manager, Waterstone’s Norwich 4 stars for over seven years. More recently she has worked as a A robust and exciting introduction to a promising series – the age journalist. She is currently spread of the four sisters will offer a wide appeal … promising working on a YA novel. and interesting. Carousel

33

DICK KING-SMITH

Dick had an exceptional storytelling gift. He wrote brilliantly for children as young as four and as old as ten . . He was quite simply the best of the best. Lucy Ingram

Main Agent: Synopsis Caradoc King Dick King-Smith fought with the Grenadier Guards during the Some children’s books by Second World War and was a farmer in Gloucestershire for 20 the author: years before turning to teaching. His first book, THE FOX THE FOX BUSTERS BUSTERS, was published in 1978 when he was in his 50s. He SADDLEBOTTOM then proceeded to write over 100 books mainly based around HARRY'S MAD farms and animals because "I like them, I've always kept a lot of NOAH'S BROTHER, pets, and because it's fun putting words in their mouths". He THE QUEEN'S NOSE- called this genre of speaking-animal stories "farmyard fantasy" and MARTIN'S MICE was particularly fond of pigs. One of his early popular books, ACE Saddlebottom, featured a pig much scorned for the unusual white THE CUCKOO CHILD saddle-shaped patch on his bottom, who runs away on adventures HARRIET'S HARE with a cat. It was in 1983 with his novel THE SHEEP PIG, about THE HOGDEHEG a runty little pig trained as a sheepdog, that Dick King-Smith really DAGGIE DOGFOOT made his name. It won the Guardian children's fiction prize and MOUSE CALLED WOLF was then turned into the 1995 film Babe which achieved both MARTIN’S MICE critical acclaim and popular success. It was nominated for a THE TOBY MAN number of Academy awards. In the same year he won the LADY LOLLIPOP Children’s Book Award for HARRIET’S HARE. THE INVISIBLE DOG THE FINGER-EATER In 1992 he won Author of the Year and in 2010 he was awarded CLEVER LOLLIPOP the OBE for services to children’s literature. He died in 2011 at HAPPY MOUSE DAY the age of 88. THE MOUSE FAMILY ROBINSON NINNYHAMMER Sample reviews THE WATER HORSE FUNNY FRANK Dick King-Smith never fails to entertain Child Education DINOSAUR TROUBLE THE MAGIC CARPET Dick King-Smith is a huge favourite with children Observer SLIPPERS THE WITCH OF BLACK- His animal stories never descend to fluffiness The IoS BERRY BOTTOM His very name guarantee’s quality Guardian GEORGE SPEAKS TERRIBLE TRINS A writer with every kind of surprise in his bag The Sunday DODO’S ARE FOREVER Telegraph

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United Agents - Children’s Authors

Joe Abercrombie RK Vic James RK Ian Whybrow JH Francesca Amour-Chelu AF Tom Jamieson JH John Yeoman CK Giles Andreae JH Laura Jarratt AF Benjamin Zephaniah JH James Barclay RK Ben Jeapes RK Catherine Barr JH Gareth Jones JH Estates: Ben Bailey Smith JH Ally Kennen JH Richmal Crompton JW Laura Baker JH Philip Kerr CK Peter Dickinson CK Bronwen Ballard JW Rebecca King JH Dick King-Smith CK David Bedford JH Timothy Knapman JH Peter Bently JH Steven Knight RK Betty G. Birney † JH Nick Lake CK Nick Bowling JW Andrew Lane RK Primary Agents: Linda Buckley-Archer CK Marni McGee JH CD Caroline Dawnay Melvin Burgess CK Roger McGough CW JE Joh Elek Georgia Byng CK Sophie McKenzie JH AF Ariella Feiner Elen Caldecott JH Stella Maidment JH JH Jodie Hodges Howard Calvert JH George Mann JW CK Caradoc King Emma Carroll JH Irfan Master JH RK Robert Kirby Ann Coburn JH Andrew Matthews JH LM Laura Macdougall Bridget Collins Livi Michael CW CW Charles Walker Andy Cope JH Nick Mohammed RK JW Jane Willis Siobhan Curham JW Sue Mongredien JH Sandra Daniels LM James Mylet CD Narinder Dhami JH Tom Nicoll JH Emily Diamond JW Sally Nicholls JH Laura Dockrill JH William Nicholson JH Kerry Drewery JW Jem Packer JH Sarah Driver JH Luisa Plaja JH Helen Dunmore CK Smriti Prasadam-Halls JH Phil Earle JH Natasha Preston JE Katharine Edgar JH Philip Pullman CK Jane Elson JH Simon Puttock JH Adam Frost JH Naomi Rich JH Lyn Gardner JH Philip Ridley CK Harriet Gillian JH Rick Riordan † JH Julia Green JH Michael Rosen CW M G Harris RK Abbie Rushton JH Gill Harvey JH Kate Saunders CK Tim Healey JH Cavan Scott JW John Hegley JH Sarah Singleton JH Mary Hooper JH Jenny Smith JH Helen Howe JW Alan Snow JW Jill Hucklesby JH Ali Sparkes JH Hollie Hughes JH Jonathan Tulloch RK Kris Humphrey JH Danny Wallace RK

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United Agents - Children’s Illustrators

Gabe Alborozo JH Jamie Smart * JH Sav Akyuz JH Alan Snow * JW Ros Asquith * JH Ellie Snowdon JH Claire Alexander* JH Kristina Stephenson * JH Rebecca Bagley JH Joel Stewart * JH William Bee (Ian Bilbey) * JH Lisa Stickley JH Rob Biddulph * JH Lisa Stubbs * JH Sir Quentin Blake * CK Britta Teckentrup * JH Connah Brecon JH Emma Thomson * JH Michael Broad * JH Gerry Turley JH James Brown JH Simon Tyler * JH Holly Clifton-Brown JH Tim Budgen JH Jason Cockcroft JH * Writer / Illustrator Anna Currey JH Elissa Elwick * JH Jim Field JH Primary Agents: Kate Hindley JH JH Jodie Hodges Sarah Horne JH CK Caradoc King Russell Julian JH JW Jane Willis Teddy Keen JH John Kelly JH Philippa Leathers * JH Marion Lindsay JH Jamie Littler * JH Sam Lloyd * JH Fiona Lumbers JH Harriet Lynas JH Katherina Manolessou * JH Mei Matsuoka JH Sarah McIntyre JH Jessica Mikhail JH Harriet Muncaster * JH Penny Neville-Lee JH Karl Newson* JH Gary Northfield * David O’Connell * JH Julia Patton* JH Frann Preston-Gannon * JH Ali Pye JH Rosie Reeve * JH Katie Reewse JH Sonny Ross JH

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