Happy Place Books signs Ferdinand’s ‘nurturing and supportive’ book on blended families

Happy Place Books has snapped up How to Build a Family by Kate Ferdinand, “the nurturing handbook Kate wishes she’d been given when she started out on her journey in a fully blended family,” as well as a picture book exploring similar themes.

Editorial director of the Ebury imprint Samantha Jackson acquired world rights from Lauren Gardner at Bell Lomax Moreton, for publication in May 2023.

World rights to the picture book, entitled The Family Tree, were acquired by Puffin publisher Joe Marriott. It will be illustrated by Emma Randall, represented by Alex Bushell at Plum Pudding Illustration. The Family Tree will be published later in 2023.

Ferdinand, a TV personality and wife of footballer Rio Ferdinand, starred in the BBC One documentary “Rio and Kate: Becoming a Stepfamily”, in which she explored what it was like becoming stepmother to her husband’s three children, and the couple has since had their own child. In December 2021 Ferdinand released her @blended platform and podcast for blended families.

How to Build a Family, the publisher says, “has advice and tips from experts” as well as detailing her own experiences of building a blended family. Ferdinand said: “I’m really excited to be publishing How to Build a Family in May. It’s so important that blended families have more support and guidance, and I’m really proud that this book will be a big help to so many people.

“And I couldn’t be happier to be accompanying this book for parents with my first children’s picture book – The Family Tree will help families lay the groundwork for important conversations while having fun!” 

Jackson commented: "I’m absolutely delighted we are publishing Kate’s nurturing and supportive book. Kate is hugely talented and her passion for helping blended families is inspirational. With Kate’s insight and experience, alongside expert advice, this book will be a huge help."

Ferdinand’s acquisitions come as Happy Place Books, Fearne Cotton’s imprint, expands its list of inspirational wellbeing and lifestyle books. Signing seven new titles for 2023, its publishing schedule from previous years since its launch in 2021 has more than doubled. These include books by Joey Hulin, Donna Lancaster and Alice Bell.

Deputy publisher Lizzy Gray said: “We are very excited to see Ebury’s new consumer-facing wellbeing imprint take shape. Happy Place Books is building a community of relatable, talented authors who provide empathetic guidance and inspiration to help navigate everyday life with joy."

Fearne Cotton added: “I’m so proud to share the incredible books and authors to be published by Happy Place Books in 2023. Every one of these talented authors are bringing new ideas and inspiring stories with the aim of enriching people’s lives and above all, I hope these books will provide valuable support to many people through life.”