Owlet Press sees Little Glow print run sell out

Owlet Press’ lead autumn title, Little Glow by debut author Katie Sahota and illustrator Harry Woodgate, has been illuminating independent bookshop windows, and the book has sold out of its first print run.

Woodgate has spent the past six weeks visiting bookshops to create bespoke window dressings celebrating a range of multicultural festivals, as featured in Little Glow, which published on 14th October.

The illustrator travelled to the Kent coast to paint the windows of Tales on Moon Lane in Ramsgate (pictured, below right), and The Portrait Bookshop in Herne Bay, as well as visiting Next Page Books in Hitchin and Mostly Books in Oxfordshire, which commissioned a Diwali-themed window. 

According to the publisher, a bus driver from Hitchin was so struck by the window display at Next Page Books, which he passes daily, that he stopped the bus and popped in to buy a copy. The shop has recently given its Little Glow window a snowy makeover and will keep the display for the festive period.

Publisher Sam Langley-Swain has rushed to reprint more copies in time for Christmas as the first print run sold out. He said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the support from indie bookshops and it’s been a joy to work with some of these businesses to create eye-catching displays to bring a smile to customers’ faces and help brighten the high street. It’s great to see the book stocked in Waterstones, too, and I’m delighted with the public response we’ve had to Little Glow. 

"So many teachers have been in touch to say how well the book complements the curriculum on multicultural topics and discussions around diversity, so it’s great to see we’ve also made an impact in the classroom. As we face even further uncertainty with the pandemic, I hope this book will bring communities together and inject some festive cheer.”

The story, told in rhyming text, follows a candle flame who wishes to be bolder and brighter. The flame watches from afar as families in the street celebrate various religious and cultural festivals throughout the year, including Chinese New Year, Diwali, Hannukah, Ramadan and Christmas. The synopsis states: "As a family gathers around Little Glow for their own special celebration, it becomes clear that even the smallest of lights have an important purpose"