S&S Children’s signs debut author and illustrator Alice McKinley

Simon & Schuster Children’s UK have signed a two-book deal with debut author and illustrator Alice McKinley, including Nine Lives Newton, which was the subject of a US pre-empt at the Bologna Book Fair.

Picture book editorial director Helen Mackenzie Smith bought world rights from Amy Kitcherside at Pickled Ink and will publish Nine Lives Newton, which is about a dog who thinks he has nine lives and is intent on living them to the full, in spring 2020.

Mackenzie Smith said: “From the moment that we spotted the blissfully carefree canine, Newton, at her degree show last year, we knew that we wanted to work with the fabulously talented Alice McKinley. We are so proud to be publishing her debut picture book here at Simon & Schuster.”

McKinley finished an MA in children’s book illustration at the Cambridge School of Art in 2018.