Vulliamy to illustrate new Mary Plain editions

Egmont will next year release a new set of editions of the 20th century Mary Plain series by Gwynedd Rae, with illustrations by Clara Vulliamy.

The series, which is about an orphan bear cub who lives in a zoo in Switzerland, was originally published between 1930 and 1965. Egmont will re-release the books, with new illustrations from Vulliamy, in hardback format with gold foil from next year.

The first and second books, Mostly Mary and All Mary will be released in in February 2017, followed by books three and four in September 2017. The text will be “lightly edited” by Egmont.

Melissa Fairley, publishing director at Egmont Publishing, secured the deal for Vulliamy’s illustrations with Hilary Delamere at The Agency.

Fairley said:  “It’s wonderful to have Mary Plain join Egmont’s classic characters, such as Winnie the Pooh and The Hundred and One Dalmatians. It has been an absolutely joy to work with Clara – her enthusiasm and passion for this project was inspiring.”