Justin Worsley's 'hilarious' début picture book won by Andersen Press and sold into four other markets

Andersen Press has triumphed in the race to sign up toy designer turned picture book author/illustrator Justin Worsley’s début about creativity and perseverance, with the publisher selling rights to four territories ahead of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. 

Andersen Press picture books editorial director Sue Buswell bought world rights to Henry the Artistic Dog, and two other titles, from Neil Dunnicliffe at the Spring Literary Agency in "a deal hotly contested by multiple publishers". Rights subsequently sold into the US, Korea and two other markets. 

The first title is focused on Henry: an artist, a master sculptor and... a dog. Unfortunately, his self-made pieces, often completed on his walks and "in their sculptural forms", are usually tossed in the bin without even being noticed. But Henry never gives up on his art until, one day, an unexpected somebody finally falls in love with his work and at last Henry has his moment to shine. 

Buswell called Worsley "that rare talent who reaffirms the true joy, for editors like me, that is at the heart of making picture books; a creator who delivers original, breathtaking images, entertainment, laughter and a pinch of the subversive—which perfectly fits with everything that Andersen Press aims to deliver to our young audience". 

Worsley grew up in the Lake District and after a degree in design for industry at the University of Northumberland, worked for 25 years as a toy designer in London, Hong Kong, New York and Barcelona. He then decided change tack, completing an MA in children’s book illustration at Anglia Ruskin University; his artwork done on the course won the Batsford Prize for children’s illustration and the Sebastian Walker Award. 

He said the inspiration for the first book was walking his dog Percy and being "mightily impressed with one of his ‘artistic’ creations". Worsley added: "It is a story about perseverance and resilience but most of all I hope puts a smile on children’s and parents’ faces."

Henry the Artistic Dog is scheduled for a spring 2025 UK publication, with the second book in the deal, One Fine Day, due a year later.