Little Tiger snaps up 'heartfelt' picture book from Wilson and George

Little Tiger has snapped up Becoming Brave, a "heartfelt" biographical picture book from debut author Jennie Cashman Wilson and first-time illustrator Tomekah George. 

Managing editor Nicola Edwards acquired world rights in all languages for the text directly from the author. Edwards will be working with senior editor Isabel Otter. The book will be published in August. 

"You know some manuscripts are special the moment they cross your desk and that was unquestionably the case with Jennie’s deeply moving story of love and loss," said Edwards. "It explores not only grief but the way that fear and bravery are inextricably linked and that our hard times can be the catalyst for real and positive change." 

Becoming Brave is described as a "poignant" picture book which follows Wilson and her relationship with her late husband, the musician Abram Wilson. The synopsis reads: "While Jennie grew up wanting to please other people, Abram followed his heart from an early age. The two couldn’t have been more different, and yet when they met Jennie fell in love with Abram’s fearlessness. But when life takes a turn for the worse and Abram is no longer by Jennie’s side, will she find her own courage?" 

Art director Emma Jennings said: "[George’s] emotive illustrations perfectly captured the different energies of Abram’s and Jennie’s characters and evoked the spirit of jazz music that infuses the story. She was a joy to work with."

Wilson added: "I feel deeply privileged to have had the opportunity to share mine and Abram’s story in such a beautiful and creative way and I’m so grateful to Little Tiger for involving me in the process in the way they did. I’m also indebted to Tomekah George who worked so hard on making mine and Abram’s story come to life, I couldn’t have asked for a better illustrator."

George said: " I’m honoured to be a part of sharing such a beautiful story."