Headline Home acquires parenting book from influencer Clemmie Telford

Headline Home will publish But Why? How to Answer Tricky Questions from your Kids and Have an Honest Conversation With Yourself While You are At It by Clemmie Telford in 2021. 

Telford is the host of the "Honestly" podcast and a "parent-influencer"; she has over 110,000 followers on Instagram. Her first book aims to help readers communicate openly and honestly with the next generation about topics such as gender, race, mental health, body image, bullying, sexuality, money, social media and anxiety.

The book will include a foreword from Anna Mathur (author of Mind Over Mother, Piatkus 2020) as well as input from other professionals. The book will offer tips on how to explore topics, pointers on where to seek more information as well as reminders on what to avoid saying to children. 

Lindsey Evans, publishing director of Headline Home, acquired world rights from Jane Graham Maw at Graham Maw Christie. But Why? will be published on 27th May 2021.

Evans said: "Clemmie is someone I hugely admire, as she tackles subjects head-on and is not afraid to talk about any topic. Lots of parents look to her for guidance and advice, and to share in her own parenting experiences, and in this book she will provide a road map through the myriad questions that curious children can throw out there on a daily basis, usually when you least expect it. She also encourages the reader to consider their own thoughts on a range of subjects, and to have honest conversations with themselves. I am delighted to have prevailed in the auction and cannot wait to publish Clemmie on our list!"

Telford commented: "When writing But Why? I set about answering tricky questions from kids, but ended up forcing myself to be very honest about my own beliefs on everything, from love, sex, money, race and body image to the world at large. Through exploring the art of thinking, the importance of conversation and learning to admit when you don't have the answers, I hope this book provides other parents with a wealth of insight when attempting to satisfy their kids’ curious minds. Thrilled to be working with Headline on this, who supported me in this elaborate existential crisis!"