Magic Cat pounces on Waterstones prize-winner David Litchfield's dinosaur-themed newest

Independent publisher Magic Cat has secured a picture book about "acceptance and letting people live the life they want" from multiple award-winner David Litchfield.

Magic Cat picture book publisher Katie Cotton snagged world rights to The Dinosaur Next Door from Anna Moore Armstrong at The Bright Agency. Cotton had previously published Litchfield when she was at Frances Lincoln. 

The story, which will published in the UK in September and is aimed at ages three-plus, follows Liz who is sure that her next door neighbour, Mr Wilson, has a secret because he has "a very long neck, clumpy feet, and strange taste for green leaves". He just may be a dinosaur. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one who has noticed and "when Mr Wilson is taken away by scientists, Liz realises that everyone is free to live the life they wish, and she must help save her friend".

Cotton said: “David and I have worked together for a long time and it’s been an absolute pleasure to help him bring his first ever dinosaur story into the world. It has all of the warmth, incredible light-filled scenes and heartfelt message people expect from a Litchfield classic and I know it will gather him even more fans worldwide.”

Litchfield is based Bedfordshire and has illustrated across picture books and middle-grade for writers such as Smriti Halls, Ross Montgomery, David Almond and Anne Booth. His work as an author/illustrator includes Kid Christmas, Grandad’s Secret Giant and the UK and US bestselling The Bear and the Piano trilogy, the first title—published by Cotton—won the 2016 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize’s illustrated category.    

He said: “This book will now and forever hold a special place in my heart. Not only did the book reunite me with my wonderful editor Katie, but I know that the story of Mr Wilson, a happy outsider who just wants to live his best life and bring joy to others by sharing his creative gifts, will resonate with a number of people.”