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 John Burningham’s new picture book 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 Kate Greenaway 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 Kurt Maschler Award, and which was later made into a successful feature film. He lives in London. 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, Helen Oxenbury, Michael Morpurgo, John Burningham, Allan Ahlberg and Michael Rosen. Further information can be found at www.walker.co.uk.