Macmillan Children's signs 'heartfelt' books from Burrow and Sinfeld after eight-way auction

Macmillan Children’s Books will publish two children’s books with rugby stars Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield after an eight-way auction.

Publishing director, Hannah Ray, acquired world rights for both books from Ruth Cairns at Featherstone Cairns. The first book, With You Every Step: A Celebration of Friendship, is a gift book for all ages, and is scheduled for hardback B-format and e-book publication on 9th November 2023.

The children’s picture book, Try, will be published in the first half of 2024 in hardback, e-book and audiobook.

The blurb for With You Every Step reads: “Heartfelt words from Rob and Kevin will be brought to life with black line art from leading UK illustrators to create an inspiring and hopeful celebration of friendship. The book will explore universal truths and celebrate kindness, empathy, resilience and love. Macmillan Children’s Books plans to donate a portion of sales from this book to support communities affected by Motor Neurone Disease [MND]."

Featuring full-colour artwork, Try is a story "celebrating affectionate male friendship", the publisher said. "Brought to life with full-colour artwork, Try is a story celebrating affectionate male friendship – showing young readers, but especially young boys, that friendships can be based on love and vulnerability, and that there are many ways to be strong.”

Burrow and Sinfeld won eight Super League titles in 14 years with Rugby League’s Leeds Rhinos and are also longtime friends. “In 2019 Rob received a devastating diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease and, since then, his inspiring determination to shine a spotlight on the illness and Kevin’s tireless fundraising for the MND community, has given hope to others who are suffering,” the publisher said.

Ray said: “Rob and Kevin are extraordinary men, and the strength of their devotion to one another is inspirational. Their personal story of friendship and courage, love and determination has touched millions. I am proud that we will be publishing this pair of very special books. It is a privilege to be welcoming Rob and Kevin to Macmillan Children’s Books.”

Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, m.d. of Macmillan Children’s Books, added: "We feel privileged to be bringing the story of Rob’s and Kevin’s unique and heartwarming friendship to Macmillan Children’s Books.”

Sinfield said: “I believe the connections and interactions we have with people, especially friends and family, are the most valuable things in life. To create a book based around friendship, we hope it will help many parents, not just fathers, connect with their children and provide an insight into what true friendship is.”

Burrow said: “Whether it’s Pooh and Piglet or Sherlock and Watson, great friendships abound in literature. True friends like Kevin are always with their friends even when times are tough. I used to love reading bedtime stories to my three children, usually multiple times because they would try and delay their bedtime. I’m delighted we’ll be working with Macmillan Children’s Books to bring the message of friendship to many.”