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Oxford University Press has snapped up two picture books exploring the environment and the importance of making a stand.
Senior commissioning editor Peter Marley bought world rights for the text for Stella and the Seagull from Emily Talbot at United Agents and artwork via Arabella Stein at the Bright Agency.
Stella and the Seagull, which publishes in July 2020, is the debut children’s book by environmentalist Georgina Stevens and award-winning artist and BAFTA nominated filmmaker Izzy Burton.
Stevens said: "I wanted to help children realise the power we all have to affect major change. At the back of the book we’ve included examples of ways young people are already encouraging companies to use less plastic and be more responsible, and I hope it will show young people you are never too small to make a big difference."
Marley also bought world rights for the text for One Little Bird from Sophie Gorell Barnes at MBA Literary Agents and art from Claire Cartey at Holroyde Cartey.
In One Little Bird, which publishes in February 2021, a man cuts down little bird Rosa’s tree, so she makes herself a new home on the roof of his house – and refuses to budge. News of Rosa’s protest spreads throughout the animal kingdom and inspires other animals to make a stand. Before long, displaced animals everywhere are popping up in people’s homes – and they are refusing to budge, too.
One Little Bird is written by former primary school teacher and picture book author Sheryl Webster, with illustrations by Helen Shoesmith.
Marley said: "We are proud to be publishing these two beautiful picture books, which address environmental issues that can sometimes feel overwhelming while always remaining focussed on hope. OUP’s children’s language research shows that children are passionate about the environment and we hope these books will inspire and empower children who want to make a difference."