Walker signs five-year deal with RSPB

Walker Books has partnered with wildlife charity the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to publish a range of children’s titles with the aim of promoting interest in nature and wildlife.

Walker's editorial director, Denise Johnstone-Burt, acquired the licence with world rights from the RSPB and it will run until 2022.

The titles will cover picture-books, novelty, activity books and non-fiction and aim to “introduce children and encourage young readers to champion local wildlife”.

Walker has previously joined forces with companies such as the National Theatre, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the Historic Royal Palaces.

Johnstone-Burt said she was "thrilled" with the new venture. "It is time for people to re-establish their relationship with nature so I was absolutely thrilled to win the licence to partner with the RSPB," she said. "Our innovative style of publishing combined with their core values will lead to beautiful books filled with information that will be treasured by children for years to come."

Karen Denton, RSPB’s product and licensing manager, described the partnership as "an incredible opportunity”.

This year the partnership will publish Garden Birds: Panorama Pops, illustrated by Lorna Syson on 3rd August retailing at £5 and Magnificent Birds, created by artist Narisa Togo on 2nd November, priced at £15.

Last year the RSPB launched its first “small spotter” app for children to introduce them to birds, in conjunction with Bloomsbury.