Bloomsbury acquires pandemic-inspired picture book

Bloomsbury Children’s Books has acquired a new pandemic-inspired picture book from author Michelle Robinson, with illustrations by Emily Hamilton.

Elaine Connolly, commissioning editor for picture books, acquired the text of The World Made a Rainbow from James Catchpole at The Catchpole Agency, and Hamilton’s artwork from Hannah Whitty at Plum Pudding Illustration. Bloomsbury has world rights in all languages.

The book is inspired by the rainbows children have been creating across the world to display in their windows under lockdown.

Bloomsbury intends to approach a leading children’s charity to partner on the book, with a donation made on every copy sold.

Connolly said: "It’s amazing to see the wonderful creative team of Michelle and Emily channel their energy into a story that is sure to bring joy and hope to families all over the world. The messages in this book aren’t just relevant to children now, they will last a lifetime. I’m delighted that we will be able to support a wonderful children’s charity at the same time."

Robinson said: "I’m so glad that the words I wrote to comfort my own loved ones might provide hope and comfort to others. I’m really missing sharing stories in schools. I can’t wait until we’re all safely back together, making new memories, and this book becomes a piece of our shared history—a way of showing our children’s children what family life was like for many during lockdown."

The book will be published simultaneously in hardback and paperback on 17th September 2020.

Robinson has sold 252,378 books for £1.34m, with her bestseller Goodnight Tractor (Penguin) according to Nielsen BookScan's UK Total Consumer Market.