Wei-Jing and Coelho titles named BA's books of the month

The Mermaid’s Tale by Lee Wei-Jing, translated by Darryl Sterk (Scribner), has been named the Bookseller’s Association (BA) Fiction Book of the Month for August, while Our Tower (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books) by new Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho has been named the children’s choice.

The Mermaid’s Tale tells the story of Summer, whose only passion is dancing, though she knows she has left it too late to be competition-worthy. As she comes under the tutelage of Donny, a legendary dancer, she goes on a journey of self-discovery that sees her reckon with past trauma while she searches for the perfect partner. 

Sterk said: “I’m thrilled that the novel is getting the attention it deserves, and especially through our wonderful independent booksellers.”

Coelho’s story, which is illustrated by Richard Johnson, follows three children living in a tower block who embark on a magical adventure. Drawing on Coelho’s own childhood experiences growing up in a tower block, the modern fable sees the children visiting a strange world inside a tree, only to learn that the real magic they were searching for was in their home all along. The book will be published on 2nd August.

“When you enter an independent bookshop, you enter a mind, a curated space, a library of love, of books chosen out of care and appreciation," Coelho said.

Johnson added: “Inspiration often comes from spending an hour or so in an indie bookshop, uncovering new classics and rediscovering long-lost treasures, all curated by those that care."

Independent bookshops around the UK and Ireland will be promoting both books throughout August on social media and instore. The BA will be supporting the promotion of the Indie Books of the Month through social media and promotional material.