Andersen Press nets poetry collection from Waterstones Children's Laureate Coelho

Andersen Press has netted the latest poetry collection from Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Nicola Killen. 

Sue Buswell, picture book editorial director, acquired world translation rights to Blow a Kiss, Catch a Kiss from Caroline Sheldon at the Caroline Sheldon Agency in a two-book deal. Illustrations were acquired in a one-book deal from Elizabeth Roy at The Elizabeth Roy Agency. Blow a Kiss, Catch a Kiss will be released on National Poetry Day, 6th October. 

The book is described as a “collection of fun and heart-warming poems” which are “perfect for sharing everyday feelings and experiences”. 

Coelho said: “The idea behind Blow a Kiss, Catch a Kiss was to create a series of modern baby action poems. As much as I’m a fan of ‘ring a ring o roses’ and ‘the wheels on the bus’ I wanted to create rhymes and ditties that kids could relate to now. So, in Blow A Kiss, Catch A Kiss there are poems about car journeys and using screens and riding in lifts and the sights of the city and going around the shops. Everyday things that everyday kids do. It was my family’s own love of silly little joyful rhymes and wordplay that paved the way for me to become a writer, so I can’t wait to share this book with you all and hopefully inspire some more little poets and readers.” 

Andersen Press said it has a major marketing campaign planned, with poster-samplers out to bookshops, libraries and schools, events with Coelho at major festivals and special signed editions already on sale with Waterstones. 

Buswell said: “There can be no better way for us to celebrate National Poetry Day than with a brand-new collection of poems for young children from the very best in the business. Joseph Coelho has crafted poems that just demand to be performed aloud to all babies and toddlers. This is a first on the Andersen Press list, and we couldn’t be happier that we have this amazing team in Joseph Coelho and Nicola Killen to bring them to life. These wonderfully playful rhymes are perfect for families everywhere to enjoy together.”