PMJ signs Norbury’s follow-up to Big Panda and Tiny Dragon

Penguin Michael Joseph has signed The Journey: Big Panda and Tiny Dragon from artist and author James Norbury, the follow-up to his début Big Panda and Tiny Dragon published by PMJ in September 2021.

Publishing director for non-fiction Daniel Bunyard acquired world rights from Ludo Cinelli at Eve White Literary Agency for publication on 22nd September 2022. It has so far sold in 10 languages with further deals in negotiation. 

Described in The Observer as “drawings [with] the charm of Winnie the Pooh, [and] captions that have the depth of ancient proverbs”, Norbury’s first book is now sold in 26 languages, with global sales in excess of 280,000 copies, according to the publisher. 

Norbury said: “Writing and illustrating The Journey has been both the most rewarding and demanding undertaking I have attempted, not least as the two characters’ story in some ways mirrors my own, with all of its highs and lows. My sincere hope is that readers will enjoy the narrative, but also find elements within it that are relatable and helpful.”

Book one followed the characters Big Panda and Tiny Dragon as they travelled through the seasons of the year. The Journey invites readers to join the two friends as they continue overcoming life’s obstacles together, and although they often find themselves lost, the beautiful sights along the way show us that the wrong path can often lead to the right road. 

Bunyard said: “In James’s first book he introduced us to two wonderful characters that readers fell in love with. Here, they embark on an unforgettable adventure through an ever-changing landscape, where their physical environment mirrors an inner journey. Part of James’s talent, alongside his beautiful artwork, is to convey messages of deep meaning in a way that feels light, which he does here to incredible effect.”