S&S Children's scoops Fearnley picture book double

Simon & Schuster Children's is to publish two picture books from author and illustrator Jan Fearnley. 

The publisher bought world rights for two titles from Mandy Suhr of the Miles Stott Children’s Literary Agency.

Polly Whybrow, senior commissioning editor for picture books and novelties, said: ‘"Jan Fearnley is such a talent – beautiful illustrations paired with thoughtful funny stories mean her picture books really do stand the test of time. How fantastic, and what a coup, we get to publish Jan on our stellar S&S picture book list!"
 
The first title, How Can You Lose an Elephant?, will be published in May 2021, with a second book publishing in 2022.

The synopsis describes the picture book as "a funny heart-warming story about friendship and emotions, and the perfect parental toolkit for navigating tempers. Meet Oscar, a boy who loses everything—his football boots, his scooter, even his clothes. Now meet Hugo, an elephant who never forgets anything! So when they find each other in the park they become inseparable. But one day, Oscar loses something very important—his temper—which means he might just lose his best friend as well."

Fearnley has sold 323,615 books for £1.6m through Nielsen BookScan's UK TCM. 

She said: "I'm thrilled and delighted to be included on such an incredible list—and to be working with such amazing, creative and lovely people at Simon & Schuster. Their attention to detail and love of making truly wonderful books is a passion we share. Together, I hope we can create stunning picture books which will foster a lifelong love of reading when they're placed in little hands."