Little Door to publish Meres' first picture book in 21 years

Little Door Books has swooped for Scaredy Bat, the first picture book by Jonathan Meres for 21 years, to be illustrated by Anders Frang.

The publisher acquired world rights from Lucy Juckes at Jenny Brown Associates and Kathryn Ross at Fraser Ross Associates. Publication is scheduled for 27th August 2021. 

Scaredy Bat will be a story about letting go and conquering your fears. The synopsis reads: "When Little Bat can’t sleep one morning, Middle Bat and Big Bat are quick to tease and accuse him of being scared of the light. There’s only one thing for it. Little Bat will have to leave the old oak tree, all by himself, and prove them wrong. But will he come face to face with the Bogey Bat? Is Little Bat really a….Scaredy Bat?"

Alan Windram, publishing director, said: “After meeting Jonathan some years ago we were very keen to work with him on a picture book. We love his lyrical, quirky style of storytelling and the tale of Little Bat conquering his fears was a story we felt needed to be told. As soon as we read the text we thought immediately of Anders. We have admired his work for some time and we feel this pairing is a perfect combination of humour, great visuals, storybook scary bits and lots of fun.”

Meres commented: "What makes the publication of Scaredy Bat even more exciting for me, is that, unbelievably, it’s my first picture book since my youngest son was born. And he’ll be 21, in October!  It’s been an absolute joy, working so closely with Little Door Books and Anders Frang and I’m very excited for everyone to meet Little Bat." 

Meres is the author of the World of Norm series (Orchard Books), which has been translated into more than 20 languages. Frang most recently illustrated 2020's An Amazing Animal Atlas of Scotland (Floris Books).