Little Tiger scoops Kent's 'mischievous' picture book in eight-book deal

Children’s publisher Little Tiger has landed Measuring Me by author and illustrator Nicola Kent as part of an eight-book deal.

Editorial director Patricia Hegarty obtained world rights from Jodie Hodges at United Agents. Measuring Me, the first book in the deal, will publish in August 2023. 

"Measuring Me is an accessible and exciting introduction to the human body and concepts of measuring and equivalence, complete with a pull-out height chart," the synopsis reads. "Nicola’s emotive illustrations draw from everyday objects and daily life to bring context to the diverse range of facts in this non-fiction picture book for young children."

Other books planned as part of the deal include a sequel to Measuring Me; nature-themed, non-fiction board books; and a character-led novelty series.

Hegarty said: "We are thrilled to welcome Nicola to our list. Her work is imbued with a playful humour and warmth that will delight readers of any age. It is a joy to publish an author and illustrator who is so brimming with ideas, each showcasing a mischievous wonder and curiosity about the world."

Kent was shortlisted for the World Illustration Award for her debut picture book, The Strongest Mum, and picked up the Independent Booksellers’ Best New Illustrator Award in 2019. This year she was a finalist for the Teach Primary Book Awards. She is the author and illustrator of All the Dogs and Grumpy Hat, published by Andersen Press. She graduated from the Cambridge School of Art MA course in children’s book illustration with a distinction and was highly commended in the Macmillan Prize for Illustration in 2016. Previously, she worked for 10 years as a television producer at the BBC and Channel 4.

“I couldn’t be more delighted to be working with the team at Little Tiger," she said. "Their expertise and creativity in non-fiction and novelty is inspiring and exciting. Little Tiger is the perfect home for my first books in these areas. I can’t wait to share these books with young children and their grown-ups, who I hope have as much fun reading them as I am having making them."