Lantana lands Down’s syndrome-inspired fiction series

Lantana Publishing has landed Ellie and the Marriage List, a debut book in the new illustrated Down’s syndrome early fiction series One Extra Sparkle. Written by SEN tutor Tricia Seabolt and illustrated by Lucy Rogers, Ellie and the Marriage List will be published in June 2024.

Commissioning editor Katrina Gutierrez acquired world rights from author Tricia Seabolt and Jennifer Herrington at Harvey Klinger Literary Agency, representing Lucy Rogers, with editorial assistance provided by Kathy Webb of Kathy Webb Editorial Services. 

The independent children’s publisher said: “The debut book follows the adventures of neurodivergent protagonist Ellie who was born with one extra chromosome, or, as her family puts it, one extra sparkle. Although Down’s syndrome may make a few things harder – like saying big words, or saying little words when she is full of big feelings – it doesn’t stop her from pursuing her dream to become a wildlife artist and from being a brilliant friend and sister.”

Seabolt has worked in the field of occupational therapy and owns a business teaching English as a second language. She has tutored students with Down’s syndrome and volunteered with multiple literacy programmes for children. 

She said: “I’m grateful for the day Ellie marched into my head with her nature notebook and a story to tell. I’m even more grateful that she was welcomed with open arms by everyone at Lantana, where diversity is the norm and not the exception. Not only are the editorial team very talented, but as a parent to a daughter with Down’s syndrome, Katrina’s insight played a vital role in making Ellie’s character sparkle.”

Rogers is a deaf illustrator who aims to help inspire deaf kids reading her books to be proud of who they are, and has led illustration workshops for young deaf people at the National Deaf Children’s Society and at the Deaf Academy. She commented: “The day I was approached by Katrina to illustrate this story about Ellie, a bubbly girl with Down’s syndrome, I knew I wanted more than anything to draw this sweet character to life!”

Gutierrez added: “My daughter has Down’s syndrome and from the moment I read Tricia’s wonderful story, I knew we had to share it with the world. I thought, if only I had read this story when I was younger, then perhaps I wouldn’t have been so afraid when I first learned about my child’s diagnosis.”