Canongate to publish paperback of Manni and Reuben Coe's story

Canongate is to publish paperback, audio and e-book editions of brother. do. you. love. me., the story of "brotherly love and resilience" by Manni and Reuben Coe, which was shortlisted for Book of the Year at the 2023 British Book Awards. 

Simon Thorogood, editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Gracie Cooper, director of Little Toller Books, which originally published the book in hardback on 4th October.

The book combines Manni’s words with Reuben’s illustrations, questioning "how we care for those we love". The synopsis says: "Reuben, aged 38, was living in a home for adults with learning disabilities and struggling to accept that he had Down’s syndrome. Depressed and in a fog of anti-depressants, he hadn’t spoken for over a year. Increasingly isolated, cut off from everyone and everything he loved, Reuben sent a text message: ‘brother. do. you. love. me.’

"When Manni received this desperate message from his youngest brother, he knew everything had to change. Together they began an extraordinary journey of repair, rediscovering the depths of their brotherhood, one gradual step at a time."

Manni said: "We are excited to work with Canongate for the paperback and ready to build on the incredible work of Little Toller Books that gave our book its first flight."

Reuben added: "Feel good about paperback. Exciting for family and friends. And whole world."

Thorogood commented: "I’m delighted we are publishing this very special book and to build on the excellent work of Little Toller’s hardback publication. We’ve all fallen in love with Manni and Reuben’s inspiring story and we’re excited to take it to as many readers as possible."

Cooper said: "We knew from day one how incredibly lucky we were to publish brother, do. you. love. me. l loved working with Manni and Reuben on the hardback it was a very special time. We are thrilled about this acquisition and wish the brothers Coe the happiest of times in the Canongate stable under the wings of Simon and all the team there."