Hodder Faith scoops two from Guvna B and Emma Borquaye

Hodder Faith has signed two "beautiful and important" books about grief and loss from husband and wife team, rapper Guvna B and Emma Borquaye.

Ruth Roff, commissioning editor at Hodder Faith Young Explorers, acquired world all-language rights from Chloe Seager at the Madeleine Milburn Agency, in a two-book deal.  

In 2019, the couple had their first child, Ezra, and realised that one day they would arrive at the challenge of having to explain the concept of loss to him. They wanted him to know about his grandad, even though he is no longer with them, and one of the ideas was to write a storybook for him. 

The books will feature characters based on Ezra, and friends. The first title, Where Grandad Lives, publishes in spring 2023. "When Ezra shares that his Grandad lives somewhere really special, his friend Zadie is sure she knows where," the synopsis explains. "But when all her ideas of special homes are exhausted, she has to ask Ezra to show her… Ezra shares what it’s like when someone you love lives in your heart: the good, the bad and the hard to explain, in this powerful and important book about losing someone you love."

Seager commented: "Guvna B and Emma’s debut children’s book blew me away. I cannot wait to see this beautiful and important story, which sensitively handles tough themes of loss for a young audience, in the hands of readers."

Guvna B has won two Mobo Awards and three Unsigned Music Awards. His last two albums have amassed more than 15 million streams, the latest of which was the UK’s highest-charting non-explicit rap album of 2020. Borquaye is the founder of the online platform Girl Got Faith. 

The pair said: "We’re absolutely delighted to partner with Hodder Faith Young Explorers on this children’s book that covers the really important topic of grief. After a really tough few years, we’re hoping this book will help families with young children keep the memories of their loved ones alive in a fun, sensitive and meaningful way."