Firefly scoops second poetry collection from Wharton

Firefly has scooped the second "wonderful" poetry collection from Alex Wharton, Red Sky At Night: A Poet’s Delight. 

Publisher Penny Thomas acquired world rights from the author. The collection is slated for publication in spring 2024. 

Red Sky At Night is aimed at middle-grade readers and features a "beautiful mix of humour and more contemplative poems while still maintaining Alex’s trademark energy and approachability". Following from his first collection, Daydreams and Jellybeans, Wharton combines free verse and rhyme to appreciate and "nurture a love of language and self-expression whether in a school setting or at home". 

The new collection will feature new characters such as Mr Slime and also re-introduce characters from Daydreams and Jellybeans including Hector the Horrible Hedgehog. "These are presented alongside powerful, moving and emotional poems such as ’Young Oak’, ’The Long Way Home’ and ’For a Quiet Day’," the publisher added. 

Leonie Lock, editor, commented: "Alex has done it again! This is a wonderful collection full of the bouncy enthusiasm Alex is known for in his events. His poetry transports the reader, inviting them into new worlds, and champions empathy in such a beautiful way. As with Daydreams and Jellybeans, the poems in this collection are perfect for sharing and reading aloud." 

"‘I’m thrilled to be publishing my second collection of children’s poetry with FireflyPress," added Wharton. "With Daydreams we produced a book that has connected with readers of all ages and backgrounds throughout the country. I hope this second book continues to inspire and connect us through poetry!"