Faber signs new title by its children's publisher Thaxton

Faber has acquired new titles from Katie Blackburn, the pseudonym for Faber's children's publisher Leah Thaxton.

The publisher bought world rights from Arabella Stein of The Bright Agency.

Blackburn's first parody title Where the Wild Mums Are, a homage to Maurice Sendak, was published in 2015, and sold more than 50,000 copies, according to the publisher.

Where the Wild Dads Went is the "funny and touching" follow-up: the story of a tired and emotional Dad who drifts off to the place where the Wild Dads went to party, after a few cheeky post-work drinks. Where the Wild Dads Went will be published in time for Father’s Day on 4th May 2017.

In November, Faber will publish Twas the Nightcap Before Christmas, a "tipsy" twist on the famous poem as Mum & Dad, faced with the ritual of last-minute wrapping, seek solace in a sherry to keep them going, only for chaos to ensue.

"These beautifully written homages to children's classics, lovingly illustrated by Sholto Walker are retold with warmth and wit and are perfect gifts for any parent who’s ever wanted to run away from it all", the publisher said.

Katie Blackburn is the pen-name for Faber children's publisher Leah Thaxton. Thaxton has published various books on Faber's children's list as Katie Blackburn, including most recently Scoot with Jim Smith and Dozy Bear and the Secret of Food with Richard Symthe.

Stein said: "Working with Leah is a joy, she’s full of original and funny ideas and of course the platform for understanding the market is helped by her background, but also her natural wit, which is apparent in her writing. We are looking forward to much more to come from Leah."

Thaxton said: "It's been a revelation sitting on the other side of the publishing fence. I have more admiration than ever for the authors I work with: being published is a nerve-wracking, and yes, thrilling experience."