Bluebird swoops for Esiri's first poetry collection for adults

Bluebird has swooped for a new collection of poetry from Allie Esiri.

Carole Tonkinson, publisher, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) to 365 Poems for Life: An Uplifting Collection for Every Day of the Year from Clare Conville at C&W Agency, to publish on National Poetry Day, 5th October 2023.

Esiri’s previous collections for families include A Poem for Every Day of the Year and A Poem for Every Night of the Year. 365 Poems for Life is her first collection for adults, featuring poems from a wide range of writers, including Maya Angelou, Simon Armitage, Carol Ann Duffy, Ocean Vuong, Nikita Gill and many more.  

“Whether you’re looking to boost your wellbeing, searching for wisdom from the past, or are a seasoned lover of poetry, this beautifully packaged, easy-to-read and accessible compendium is perfect for sharing with others or for reading privately in a quiet moment, offering readers a brief moment of escape from daily life through some of the best words in the English language”, the publisher said.

Esiri commented: “It has been a joy to collect this diverse array of poets and poems for 365 Poems for Life from across the world and across time. Some you might know and be glad to re-visit, others might surprise you as the most indispensable. There is joy and solace, advice and instruction, but above all it is an essential reminder that we are not alone. I’m honoured to work with the award-winning Bluebird to send 365 Poems for Life out into the world. It is wonderful still to be with Pan Macmillan – a publisher deserving an Olympian wreath for their huge success bringing poetry to new readers.”

Tonkinson added: “Allie has created yet another compelling, rich and rewarding collection of poems: new discoveries married with familiar favourites, all themed to tune in to the mood of month and season.

"On the heels of her immense success with MCB it is so exciting to bring her to an even wider adult market. I can’t think of a better companion for a year ahead or a better joy-bestowing Christmas gift.”