Chicken House buys 'thought-provoking' Kenny debut

Chicken House publisher Barry Cunningham has acquired Tin, the debut novel from Irish writer Pádraig Kenny. The story is described as "Pinocchio meets The Wizard of Oz...a thought-provoking and timely middle-grade adventure with strong themes of friendship, war, and humanity."

Cunningham bought world rights from agent Sophie Hicks, along with a second standalone novel, and will publish Tin in February 2018. The book will be a lead Chicken House title for the Frankfurt Book Fair.
 
The novel tells of Christopher, orphaned in a fire, who works for an engineer who makes "mechanicals", eccentric, loyal, and totally individual creations who are Christopher’s best friends. "But after a devastating accident, a secret is revealed and Christopher’s world changes forever. What follows is a remarkable adventure, as Christopher discovers who he really is, and what it means to be human," promises Chicken House.
 
Cunningham said: "Pádraig Kenny has written a debut classic that will mean a great deal to readers everywhere. Tin is about heart and soul, friendship, and mechanical strength – it’s about the future of machines and the inheritance of human loyalty. It’s also funny, adventurous, and loving."