Pakenham launches picture book business

Sarah Pakenham, who announced her resignation from Andersen Press this week, is setting up a new picture book publishing company called Scallywag Press.

Pakenham has hired Janice Thomson as editor and has four titles, which it is taking to Bologna to sell world rights. These titles are Hat Tricks by Satoshi Kitamura, I Saw a Bee by Rob Ramsden, Me and My Sister by Rose Robbins and Umbrella by Elena Arevalo Melville.

Pakenham said: “Working with Klaus Flugge at Andersen Press for 27 years has taught me a huge amount about picture books.  It has proved immensely enjoyable, and I’m deeply grateful for that opportunity. The fantastic authors and artists and their works will remain in my heart.  However, I feel it is time to branch out on my own and embark on the perilous adventure of becoming a publisher.”

Andersen announced Pakenham was leaving the company earlier this week. Chairman and publisher Klaus Flugge expressed his regrets but said he wishes Pakenham, who will continue to work for the company for six months on a freelance basis, well.