Magic Cat signs drumming prodigy Nandi Bushell’s ultimate beginner’s guide

Magic Cat has signed The Life-Changing Magic of Drumming, an illustrated beginner’s guide from Nandi Bushell, best known as the little girl who played on stage with the Foo Fighters in a viral online video.  

Rachel Williams, co-founder and publisher at Magic Cat, acquired world rights to the book from Emily Westcott at the Creative Artists Agency. Publication is scheduled for 13th August.

The publisher said the book will promote drumming to all kids, sharing Bushell’s story and giving readers the tools they need to get started. It is described as “the ultimate beginner’s guide” and will feature step-by-step techniques and fun, engaging illustrations by German artist Andrea Stegmaier.

In the book, Bushell shares how she plays – from the simple drumming beats she first learned, to drum rolls, fills and backbeats – and offers insider tips and sage advice for young fans around the world. “Packed with step-by-step skills and oozing with passion, these little handbooks are for any young readers who loves life,” the publisher said.

Drumming will be the third in The Life-Changing Magic series to be published by Magic Cat, which aims to offer readers aged 6+ a range of beginner’s guides to skills that bring joy, written by real-life champions. The series started with the world’s first Black grandmaster Maurice Ashley in The Life-Changing Magic of Chess and The Life-Changing Magic of Skateboarding with Olympic champion Sky Brown in April 2024. Joy Wilson will write The Life-Changing Magic of Baking, set for release in Autumn.

Bushell said: “Getting to write my first book at only 13 is a dream come true for me. I really hope that reading my book inspires you or your children to find your own passion, whether it’s drumming, dancing, or anything else that makes your heart beat faster.”

Williams said: “Nandi is not just a brilliant musician but also someone who has made her dreams reality at a young age. Her story deserves to be in every young reader’s hands.”