Bloomsbury Children’s autumn showcase headlined by Syrian debut author Katouh

Début Syrian author Zoulfa Katouh appeared in person at Bloomsbury Children’s showcase on 24th May, among nine other authors and illustrators comprising the publisher’s autumn schedule.

The showcase, which was hosted by The Bookseller’s children’s and deputy features editor Caroline Carpenter and podcaster and author Sam Sedgman, took place as a hybrid event, held in partnership with Tandem Collective creative agency, a digital marketing specialist.

Carpenter interviewed Katouh at Everyman Cinema on London’s Baker Street, discussing the story behind her first YA title. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow was inspired by the Syrian revolution, and explores the love, loss and experiences of a young refugee woman. Audience members then posed their questions to the author.

“I wanted to give a voice to the voiceless, talk about our love for our country and how no one wants to be a refugee,” Katouh said. “I wanted to write a classic – a book that educates, inspires and makes readers want to change the world.” 

Hannah Sandford, who snapped up the début at auction, has described Katouh as an “incredible new talent” and said the novel was “going to be a heart-changing read for a lot of people”.

The virtual aspect of the showcase kicked off with a video from 11-year-old Rico Hinson-King, introducing his first picture book, Strong and Tough, illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Hinson-King explained the inspiration behind the story, relating the time he spent in the care system before finding his “forever family”, and how Strong and Tough is a tale of hope and resilience. He is now a Junior Premier League footballer. His aim is to reach out to children going through similar circumstances, to help them feel less alone, and to encourage empathy in others. The book will publish on 18th August.

Next up was writer, performer and one half of Rizzle Kicks music duo Jordan Stephens, alongside début illustrator Beth Suzanna, introducing their first picture book The Missing Piece. Also publishing on 18th August, the book celebrates the power of family bonds, the joy of making new friends and the importance of finding “what makes you feel whole”.  

Sedgman interviewed Catherine Doyle, Irish author and winner of a Books Are My Bag Readers Award, about her new middle-grade fantasy novel The Lost Girl King, publishing on 1st September. The story follows Amy and Liam as they discover Tír na nÓg – the land of eternal youth – and begin the adventure of a lifetime to save its people and discover the identity of the lost girl king. Doyle described how her upbringing in west Ireland, and the Irish myths and legends she grew up with inspired her novel.

Costa Book Award-winning author Katherine Rundell was next in line, with her new picture book out on 1st September, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie. The Zebra’s Great Escape explores bravery, friendship and the importance of taking action.

Poet Matt Goodfellow, who will be publishing Let’s Chase Stars Together on 15th September, discussed his collection, which centres on the feelings and imaginings of young people. The overall theme of the poetry is hopefulness, with subjects including friendship, family and school experiences touched on throughout.

Wrapping up the bill was a video from TV presenter and YouTube star Adam B, to introduce his début novel Adam Wins the Internet, publishing on 13th October and illustrated by James Lancett. Inspired by the YouTuber’s work, the story follows a 13-year-old boy whose dreams of becoming an internet star and changing his life for the better seem to come true when he stumbles across a mysterious website. 

A spokesperson from the Tandem Collective creative agency said: “Hybrid events like this one are the future of events, accessible to both regional UK and global audiences while also re-opening the doors for in-person guests. We absolutely love working with our longstanding clients to make projects like this happen and are super excited for what’s next.”