Puffin to publish Stocker's picture book biography of Glennie

Puffin has acquired Listen, a picture book biography written by Shannon Stocker and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth, which tells the story of deaf percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.

Georgie Deutsch, editor, bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Siaurui Goh, senior manager of subsidiary rights for Penguin Young Readers Group US. Listen will be published in paperback on 14th April 2022 and will feature a "special note" from Glennie. 

Deutsch commented: "Dame Evelyn Glennie’s story is such an inspirational one, and Listen brings to life her passion for music and her determination to succeed in a truly unique and visual way. At the heart of this book is a wonderfully unexpected and universal message: that the obstacles we face can be turned into a strength. For Evelyn, losing her hearing made her a better listener. We are so excited to be publishing this empowering book which I’m sure will resonate with anyone who has ever been told, 'you can’t!'."

Stocker said: "Evelyn Glennie is the first person ever to have made a career as a solo percussionist. She’s won two Grammy Awards, she’s been knighted by the Queen. And, she’s deaf. As a musician with a chronic health condition, I relate with Evelyn’s story in many ways. Like Evelyn, I followed my heart and refused to give up. Evelyn shattered glass ceilings for people with disabilities everywhere. Hers is a story of strength. Of obstacles. Of music."