First book by Countryfile's Matt Baker landed by Michael Joseph

Penguin Michael Joseph has landed the first book by "Countryfile" presenter and former "The One Show" host Matt Baker.

Publishing director Daniel Bunyard acquired world rights for A Year on Our Farm from Jo Carlton at Talent4Media. The book will be published in hardback on 30th September.

The publisher described the book as "full of warmth" and a "celebration of the power and beauty of the natural world, an insight into Matt’s family and farming life, and a journey through his wide-ranging career: from laying hedges with Prince Charles, to nearly crashing a hang-glider on Blue Peter, to harvesting honey in Tanzania". 

A Year on Our Farm takes readers on a journey through the seasons on his organic sheep farm in the rolling Durham Hills and includes original illustrations by Baker himself. It follows the success of the documentary "Our Farm in the Dales", which followed Baker and his bid to save the farm. The publisher said it broke More4 broadcasting records when it aired in March 2021, with 1.8 million viewers.

Baker said: “I've met some incredible people and been to some remarkable places during my life so far, yet I'm never happier than when I'm back on our farm with my family, and so it's the perfect place to base my first book. As you'll discover, it's our countryside that has made me who I am. Through the seasons, with my stories and my sketches, I’ll give you an insight into how our countryside has shaped me and what I do, a world away from the TV studios. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the team at Penguin Michael Joseph for their support and enthusiasm—I’ve loved my first proper venture into the world of books.”

Bunyard added: “It’s been a joy to work with Matt and we feel very proud he chose PMJ for this, his first book. Following him on a journey through four seasons on their family farm places the reader right in the heart of nature, in a way that’s wonderfully escapist, intimate and inspiring.”