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Puffin picks up 'heart-warming' debut picture book by McConnell
Puffin has acquired a "heart-warming" debut picture book by writer and journalist Freddy McConnell, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw.
Joe Marriott, editorial director, bought world rights for Little Seahorse and The Big Question from Emily Talbot at United Agents. The book will publish in paperback on 7th July 2022.
The book celebrates family and the special bond between parents and children. McConnell co-created the award-winning 2019 documentary "Seahorse", detailing his journey to give birth and start a family as a trans man.
McConnell said: “I wrote this book because there weren’t any books for families like ours. There’s also the fact that some people think a family like ours – with just a Papa and a Little One – must be missing something. This book is for all families; to see themselves reflected or to learn about and celebrate difference. It is about having everything we really need, no matter how our families are created or who is in them.”
Marriott said: “I am honoured to be bringing Freddy’s writing to the Puffin list: his is the perfect voice to tell this powerfully moving, reassuring and loving story. Coming from a single-parent family, I feel a special connection to this book’s message. Ultimately though its resonance is universal – celebrating the parent-child bond in a way that will speak to all families.”
Beardshaw added: “It has been such a pleasure to bring Freddy’s beautiful words to life – I’ve loved every minute of creating these loveable seahorse characters and their underwater world! I can’t wait for readers to lose themselves in the story.”
Keren Greenfeld, Puffin picture books art director, said: “It’s wonderful to bring Rosalind Beardshaw to the Puffin list for Little Seahorse and The Big Question – she has created beautiful underwater scenes and gorgeous characters you’ll fall in love with. Ros’ artwork is the perfect match for Freddy’s heart-warming story, and I can’t wait for families to dive into the magical world she has created.”
