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Firefly Press has swooped for Starspill, a "beautifully imagined" middle-grade fantasy from Catherine Fisher.
World rights were acquired by publisher Penny Thomas from Katy Loffman at Paper Lion. The novel is slated for publication in September 2024.
The blurb for Starspill reads: "In the dark, fog-shrouded town of Starspill legend says it’s been 140 years since the Wolf swallowed the Sun. So why are all the cats bothering Zac about it now? He just wants to stay warm, listen to stories, and work hard for his brother as an apprentice star-smith.
"But the cats have other ideas. They want Zac to steal one of the three legendary Embers of the Sun from the town museum for them; and they’ve taken his precious secret map to make sure he’ll agree! Together with best friend Alys, mysterious bookseller Aurelian and precocious black kitten Jinx, Zac sets out on an adventure none of them will ever forget. But what will be waiting for them at the far end of the journey – could it be the Wolf himself?"
Fisher commented: "I’m very excited that my new novel for children will appear from Firefly, who are always a joy to work with. Starspill features a bookshop, a magical map, falling stars and 100 cats. It was great fun to write and I hope it will delight a whole new audience of readers."
Thomas said: "A magical world where cats are in charge, or think they are, and only star-lamps can light the way: Starspill is another incredible, mythical tale from acclaimed fantasy writer Catherine Fisher, and we are delighted to be publishing it!’