Gosling goes from Bologna to Milano with two LGBT buys

Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) has won world rights at auction for two LBGT-themed romance books written by a former Waterstones bookseller.

Venetia Gosling, 6+ publisher, signed Birdie Milano’s début Boy Meets Hamster, and a second title, from Molly Ker Hawn at The Bent Agency.

Boy Meets Hamster, which will be published in May 2018, follows 14-year-old Dylan, who falls for “gorgeous boy-next-door” Jayden-Lee during a holiday at “Starcross Sands, Cornwall’s crummiest caravan park”.

The only thing standing in Dylan’s way is the park’s hamster mascot Nibbles, who seems to have it in for him.

Gosling called Milano “a really exciting new talent in children’s fiction”, adding: “Her voice is warm and witty and this gently romantic story is the perfect summer read for those aged 10 and up, full of heart as well as hilarity. I couldn’t be happier to welcome her to the Macmillan Children’s Books list.”

The publisher said Milano above was “pro-body positivity and anti-bullying, and believes in kindness above all things”. As well as working for Waterstones, Milano taught drama to children and holds a BA in creative and professional writing from St Mary’s University, Twickenham, as well as a Masters degree in writing for young people from Bath Spa University.