You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
New Frontier scoops debut picture book inspired by F1 from Tamara Ecclestone Rutland
New Frontier has scooped the rights to a debut picture book inspired by Formula 1, from TV personality and businesswoman Tamara Ecclestone Rutland, illustrated in full colour by Amy Zhing. Sophia Whitfield, publishing director at New Frontier, acquired worldwide rights in two books from Pat Lomax at Bell Lomax Moreton.
Fifi & Friends: The Super Car Race will be published on 10th October (New Frontier, hardback, £12.99), with a second book to follow in 2025.
Fifi & Friends: The Super Car Race is inspired by Ecclestone Rutland’s experiences growing up in the world of Formula 1 as well as her own daughter’s passion for cars. Suitable for ages three and above, the publisher said the series will help "foster an interest in STEM topics from an early age".
Ecclestone Rutland said: “I’ve lost track of the number of books I’ve read to my daughters over the past decade but I’ve always dreamed of creating one of my own. So I’m very excited to be launching my first children’s book with New Frontier. Fifi & Friends is particularly special to me as it’s inspired by my own family and experiences. Having grown up in the male-dominated world of Formula 1, I wanted to show young readers that anyone can enjoy cars and mechanics. I hope that Fifi’s adventures inspire not only a new curiosity in this environment for children everywhere but also help unite everyone in embracing their own individuality.”
Whitfield said: “We are thrilled to be publishing Tamara Ecclestone Rutland’s debut picture book. Tamara is set to fly the flag for girls and women in motorsports, hoping to break down barriers that have seen female participation in motorsports decline to below 5%. Tamara grew up on the racetrack and now, as a mother of two girls, she wants to inspire girls to work in Formula 1, an industry still largely dominated by men. She hopes Fifi & Friends: The Super Car Race, the first in a series, will inspire and encourage girls to be involved in all aspects of motor racing, from engineers and racing drivers to technicians and race strategists.
"Illustrated by Amy Zhing, The Super Car Race is full of animated colourful activity as Fifi and friends whizz around the race-track and discover what friendship is all about.”
