Farshore signs environmental picture book by husband and wife team

Farshore has acquired The Odd Fish, a environmental picture book from husband and wife team Naomi and James Jones.

Senior commissioning editor Emma Dods signed the deal for world all language rights from Anwen Hooson at the Bird Literary Agency. The book will publish on 9th June 2022. 

The announcement was made on World Oceans Day (8th June), and the book introduces the urgent problem of plastic pollution to young readers through a thoughtful, gently humorous story. Farshore said: "Filled with engaging characters, The Odd Fish follows the tale of Little Fish and her family as they try to help the creatures of the ocean and slowly come to realise the one thing that links all their problems – plastic."

Author Naomi Jones said: "When our youngest son was two, we watched 'Blue Planet' together. I’ll never forget watching the episode about plastic in the ocean, because he couldn't tell the difference between the plastic and the fish. I was fascinated by that – the fact he couldn’t make that distinction, because of course neither can the sea life. It's our sincere hope that The Odd Fish will encourage age-appropriate conversations with children and their grown-ups about the problems facing our oceans and rivers."

Illustrator James Jones said: "Earlier this year our family relocated to Cornwall and I'm lucky enough to walk our dog along the coastline each day. These walks have provided endless inspiration for The Odd Fish, and trying to capture this organic environment on the page – from the richness of the ocean, with its many layers and colours, to the sea life within it – has been an absolute joy."

Dods added: "Pre-schoolers will love joining Little Fish on an epic ocean quest to help Odd Fish find its family. And this thought-provoking eco story is the perfect way to open up opportunities to discuss the effect of plastic pollution on our planet and inspire a whole new generation of David Attenboroughs and Greta Thunbergs."