Magic Cat nets ‘unflinching’ picture book from Lawrence and Gonzales 

Magic Cat has secured Our Story Starts in Africa, a “sensitively told and vibrantly illustrated story of Black history” from Patrice Lawrence and debut children’s book illustrator Jeanetta Gonzales.   

Rachel Williams, co-publisher and managing director, acquired world rights from Caroline Sheldon at the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency. The picture book will be published in August.  

Williams said: “Unflinching yet uplifting, Patrice’s story takes us through the dark days of colonisation and enslavement, to the emergence of a thriving, contemporary Africa of many faces, places and triumphs. A book every family should have to understand how the human story starts in Africa.” 

Our Story Starts in Africa tells the story of Paloma, a young girl who goes to visit her family in Trinidad. When she arrives, she feels like she does not fit in, but Tante Janet tells her stories of warrior queens and talking drums, of treasures and tales that span thousands of years.

The picture book will also feature a personal letter from Lawrence and further discussions.  

Lawrence commented: “I was born in England but my mother was born in Trinidad and the first time I visited my family in Trinidad I loved the beautiful island, but it was strange for me, because my cousins and I couldn’t understand each other’s accents. I didn’t feel Trinidadian, but even as an adult, I am often not considered English. This book was such a wonderful chance to explore the rich African heritage that is part of my DNA.” 

Gonzales added: “It was important to me to illustrate this book as I found it very touching and relatable. As an African-American woman, I, too have had the experience of not fitting in and knew I could bring Patrice’s story to life, not only through my art style, but also through connecting to our shared heritage.”