Puffin clinches Fisher's 'evocative' debut inspired by reindeer discovery in three-way auction

Puffin has secured a deal for Fia and the Last Snow Deer and a second novel by debut author Eilish Fisher. 

Jane Griffiths, publisher, acquired world rights for two books from Joanna Moult at Skylark Literary in a three-way auction.

Fia and the Last Snow Deer will be illustrated throughout by Dermot Flynn. World rights for one title were acquired by Ben Hughes, deputy art director, from Joel Minter at the Dutch Uncle Agency.

The book is scheduled as a major autumn 2024 title for Puffin, slated for publication on 24th September 2024 in a hardback package "to showcase Eilish’s powerful verse and Dermot’s beautiful artwork, and ensure the perfect read for families to share together in the gifting season", Puffin said.

The Puffin rights team will also be presenting Eilish’s debut as a focus title at the upcoming Frankfurt Book Fair.

Puffin said: "Perfect for readers who love the accessible verse of Sarah Crossan, the animal connection of Hannah Gold and the beautiful storytelling of Kiran Milwood Hargrave, Fia and the Last Snow Deer is an evocative and immersive novel in verse for readers of eight and up about the power of hope and kindness from a powerful new Irish pairing."

The blurb reads: "Born under the same solstice sky 13 years ago, Fia and her snow deer Solas have a powerful and unbreakable connection. But now, struggling to survive a seemingly eternal winter, Fia’s village turn their sights on Solas—both for the meat the last remaining snow deer can provide and an ancient prophecy promise that an ultimate sacrifice will once more return sunlight and life to the world."

Griffiths said: “I instantly fell in love with Fia and the Last Snow Deer, Eilish’s verse is sparse and beautiful and in just a few words conjures up an entire world that you almost feel you can reach out and touch.

"The mythology which Eilish has drawn from shines through in her rich and textured writing, merging with Dermot’s evocative illustrations to create something really unforgettable. I can’t wait for children to discover the magic of this story next year and for families to share this incredible novel together.”

Fisher’s poetry has been published in a range of magazines and in the anthology Writing Home: The ‘New Irish’ Poets (Dedalus Press). In 2020 she won second place in the Ken Saro-Wiwa Poetry Competition. She received a master’s degree in early medieval Irish history and literature and a doctorate in medieval English literature from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. She won both a Words Ireland mentorship and a full Literary Bursary Award from the Arts Council of Ireland.

Fisher, who is based in County Wicklow, said: “When I learned about the recent archaeological discovery that proposed humans and reindeer existed together in Ireland thousands of years ago, I couldn’t stop thinking about the relationship between the two. 

"I thought of the remnants of myths across the landscape of Northern Europe: fragments of stories about a deer goddess, a horned woman, a bringer of light. I imagined children of those ancient times finding comfort in those stories and dreaming dreams of heroism and adventure.

"From this emerged a very particular child and very special reindeer."

She added: "Seeing Fia and Solas come to life on the page with Dermot’s illustrations is truly a gift I’m so excited to share.”

Flynn commented: “I loved Eilish’s story from the moment I read it. The connection and warmth between Fia and Solas shines out against the chilly darkness and cruelty of their surroundings. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to bring it to life.”

Flynn is an artist and illustrator based between Dublin and London. He has worked with clients such as Apple, Disney, Google, the New Yorker and Vogue, among others.