Pounder signs up for Ibbotson sequel

Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) is to publish a 25th anniversary follow-up to Eva Ibbotson’s classic The Secret of Platform 13, written by Witch Wars author Sibéal Pounder. The sequel will kick off a range of Ibbotson publishing in the run-up to the centenary of the author’s birth.

Lucy Pearse, MCB senior editor 6+, commissioned Beyond Platform 13 in a world rights deal struck with The Bent Agency’s Gemma Cooper (on behalf of Pounder) and Stephanie Thwaites at Curtis Brown (on behalf of the Ibbotson estate).

The book, due out on 3rd October in the UK, will be illustrated by Beatriz Castro, best known for her work on Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor. A 25th anniversary edition of Ibbotson’s original, also illustrated by Castro, will be released at the same time. Pounder said: "I grew up reading Eva’s wonderful work, so to be asked to revisit the world of ...Platform 13 has been surreal and truly magical. She was an incredibly special writer and woman who filled her work with innovative humour and heart. I hope I can do her proud."

Ibbotson was born in Vienna in 1925 to well-to-do Jewish parents who moved to Britain shortly after Hitler came to power in Germany. She initially wrote adult novels, issuing seven in her career, and published the first of her 18 kids’ book at the age of 50. The Secret of Platform 13 was released in 1994.

In July, Macmillan will re-release three of Ibbotson’s adult novels (The Morning Gift, The Secret Countess and A Song for Summer) with introductions from long-time fans. MCB also plans to hold 20th-anniversary celebrations for Ibbotson’s prize-winning Middle Grade title Journey to the River Sea in 2021.