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Puffin lands two further titles from Newbery
Puffin has landed two further titles from Lee Newbery, starting with a sequel to his hit debut The Last Firefox.
Ben Horslen, fiction publisher, snapped up world rights including dramatisation and merchandise to The First Shadowdragon from Amber Caraveo of Skylark Literary. The sequel will be brought to life with illustrations by Laura Catalán throughout and will publish on 27th April 2023.
The First Shadowdragon is described as “a gripping tale ideal for middle-grade readers aged eight and above”. The synopsis says: “After saving Cadno, the last firefox, Charlie Challinor is hoping for a break from adventure. Being a hero is exhausting. But when an unexpected visitor appears from the magical realm of Fargone, it looks like Charlie will have to rekindle his inner fire after all.”
The publisher added: “The dreaded Draig, a shadowy monster, is draining the life from the land, and only a true hero can stand against it. Along with Cadno and new magical friend Blodyn, Charlie must travel to Fargone to face the monster, rediscover his bravery, and uncover the secret that links Draig’s story to Charlie’s own . . .”
Welsh rights in The Last Firefox were secured this year by Firefly Press, which published the Welsh language edition, Y Llwynog Tân Olaf, in November, translated by Sian Northey.
Commenting on the acquisition, Newbery said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with Puffin to bring another Firefox adventure to the world, as well as other future stories. Puffin have been a dream to work with and it makes me so happy to think that there will be more of my books out there with that iconic little Puffin in the corner! Writing The First Shadowdragon was an almost feverish, addictive experience, and I hope it will deliver another level of fiery adventure, fun and inclusivity to the Firefox world. I’m especially excited to see Laura Catalán work her magic on this book!”
Horslen added: “The only thing bigger than Lee’s imagination is his heart, and at Puffin we believe he has a future to match both. I couldn’t be more excited to be renewing our commitment to Lee and bringing this thrilling new adventure to readers next year.”
