Frances Lincoln to publish charity picture book by Coelho and Usher

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books will publish Thank You, a picture book inspired by the lockdown clapping for the NHS, by Joseph Coelho and illustrator Sam Usher. 

Quarto Group publisher Katie Cotton acquired world rights from Felicity Trew at Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency (representing Coelho) and Penny Holroyde at Holroyde Cartey (representing Usher).

Thank You will tell the story of a little boy, Tantenda, who wants to say thank you to the NHS, and aims to show children how they can celebrate the key workers in their lives. 

The book will be published on 22nd September, and 3% of the sales revenue from the picture book will be donated to Quarto's charity partner Groundwork, which helps some of the UK's most disadvantaged communities deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cotton commented: "As soon as I read Joseph Coelho’s Thank You, I knew that we had to publish it for all the children out there who have joined their parents in clapping for the NHS. Accompanied by Sam Usher’s illustrations, it is such a delightful, lyrical celebration of the power of gratitude and the strength of community, something that Groundwork works tirelessly for every day. We are proud to be collaborating with them to bring joy to communities across the UK during this strange and difficult time."

Groundwork said: "We’re thrilled to be partnering with Quarto on this really exciting opportunity. The donation will be put to good use by enabling us to develop local community spaces, to boost community wellbeing and help people recover after the Covid-19 crisis."