Alison Green Books snaps up 'rich and funny' story of a brave penguin by Donaldson and Scheffler

Scholastic imprint Alison Green Books has snapped up a “rich and funny” story of a brave and adventurous penguin by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Alison Green, publisher, made a world rights deal for Donaldson’s text for Jonty Gentoo with Caroline Sheldon at Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency, and for the illustrations with Scheffler direct. Jonty Gentoo will publish in hardback in September 2024.

The synopsis reads: “Excited by his aunts’ stories of the South Pole, plucky penguin Jonty Gentoo sneaks out of the zoo, and sets off to find the land of the gentoo penguins on the South Pole. However, the world is a very big place for a little gentoo penguin and enthusiastic Jonty swims… in the wrong direction. Readers will join Jonty Gentoo on a pole-to-pole adventure as he meets new friends and, finally, finds his way home.” 

Donaldson said: “Many of my stories have a journey at the heart and for years I have pondered a pole-to-pole adventure. I hope that children enjoy joining Jonty Gentoo as he travels through sunshine and storm to find his home. I know that Axel’s illustrations will be full of drama and humorous detail, and will bring the wonders of the natural world to every reading.”

Scheffler added: “Julia’s wonderful story of Jonty Gentoo immediately caught my imagination as I do like drawing creatures in their natural environments. I hope young children will enjoy our adventure around the globe with this bold little penguin and that it sparks an interest in nature.”

Green also commented: “I defy anyone not to be charmed by this intrepid little penguin. Julia’s story is so rich and funny. Her rhymes are as immaculate as ever – and I can’t wait to tour the world with Axel’s illustrations. From the icy poles to the wild oceans, it’s going to be a spectacular treat!”