HCCB bags ‘glorious’ festive picture book from Mortimer and Dean

HarperCollins Children’s Books has bagged a “glorious” festive picture book from new creative pairing Helen Mortimer and Rachael Dean. 

Kate Burns, colour publisher, acquired world rights to The Winter Wish from Caroline Sheldon at the Caroline Sheldon Literacy Agency representing Helen Mortimer and from Charlie Bowden at Pickled Ink representing Rachael Dean. It will publish on 27th October in hardback. 

The Winter Wish follows William, who lives in Words of Wonder, a perfect bookshop full of stories and delights. He has lived there with his family ever since he was a baby and now he is 37 books tall. But times are hard, and the bookshop is struggling so William takes it upon himself to create the most beautiful Christmas window to draw people in – with a reindeer leaping, pulling a sleigh full of storybooks. One night, as Christmas draws near, the reindeer comes to life. . . making William’s Christmas wishes come true through the power of words and hope. 

Burns said: “Christmas really did come early for all of us at HarperCollins when Helen delivered her stunning and magical story, which is an ode to the power of books and the importance of community all wrapped up in a simply gorgeous package. In an exciting picture book debut pairing, the supremely talented Rachael Dean has created intricate and breathtaking illustrations. If ever a book deserved the accolade ‘future classic’ it is The Winter Wish.” 

Mortimer added: “I couldn’t be more delighted to have my story published by HarperCollins Children’s Books. Rachael has created such wonderful artwork that captures all the hopes and dreams in William’s heart as Christmas approaches. My wish for the book is that it will be reached for by families and shared as a treasured part of their festive celebrations.” 

Dean also commented: “It has been an absolute delight to bring Helen’s beautiful words to life in this heart-warming story of determination and friendship. To help create characters that will stay with us for a time has been such a special experience, and I have loved building a vibrant and magical world around them as I go. I hope children will treasure this as a staple Christmas book and enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it.”