Upside Down signs 'heartwarming' children’s picture book debut

Trigger Publishing children’s imprint Upside Down has snapped up a “heartwarming” picture book debut which aims to help children to deal with emotions and boost self-confidence.

Children’s commissioning editor Alli Brydon acquired world language rights for Superheroes Don’t Get Scared from the author Kate Thompson.

The indie mental health publisher has announced the 24-page picture book with rhyming text is aimed at children aged three to seven and will publish in paperback in September 2020, with Clare Elsom signed on as illustrator.

The synopsis explains: “The story follows Maisie Brown, a little girl with a nervous disposition. She idealises the superheroes she knows, believing them to be brave, strong, bold and, ultimately, afraid of nothing. But that’s where she’s wrong! Because, as Mum and Dad show her, even superheroes get scared...and that’s perfectly normal.”

Brydon said: “This is an encouraging, heartwarming and funny book, with an important message at its core. Children idolise their heroes, so what could be more comforting than to discover they experience the very same fears, doubts, and worries? Kate Thompson’s rhyming text sings and practically leaps off the page. And with the super-talented Clare Elsom signed on to illustrate, we have a dynamic duo bringing this exciting story to young readers."

Superheroes Don’t Get Scared is the debut book by former solicitor Thompson after she won second prize in Writing Magazine’s Picture Book Competition in 2018.