Puffin scoops illustrated children's book with 'blessing' from Captain Tom

Puffin has scooped an illustrated children's book celebrating the stories of "triumph, perseverance and positivity" from the past year, with an introduction from Captain Sir Tom Moore's daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore. 

One Hundred Reasons to Hope is published on 16th September 2021, with £1 from each hardback sale in the UK and Ireland being donated to The Captain Tom Foundation. Commissioning editor Emily Lunn bought world rights from Bev James at Bev James Management, Lydia Silver at Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency, and Juliette Lott at IllustrationX. 

The publisher said, with Captain Sir Tom's blessing, One Hundred Reasons to Hope continues his message of hope for generations to come. It said: "During a year of hardships, there have been glimmers of hope with ordinary people doing extraordinary things around the world. From the scientists racing to find a vaccine to the young children following in Captain Tom’s footsteps to raise money. From the frontline workers who went above and beyond every single day to the public showing their appreciation for the NHS, these people have inspired us in the darkest of days and have left lasting legacies for generations to come."

It is illustrated by Adam Larkum with stories curated by Danielle Brown, a double Paralympian Gold medallist, children's author and inspirational speaker for young people. Last year Captain Sir Tom published a picture book for children with Puffin called One Hundred Steps. His memoirs were published by Michael Joseph in April. He became a national hero during the first lockdown in 2020 after raising more than £32m for the NHS by walking laps of his garden. He passed away after contracting coronavirus and pneumonia in February this year. 

Ingram-Moore said: “My father loved nothing better than hearing people’s stories and marvelling at unexpected courage. When we were growing up, my father would say, 'Don’t just talk about the weather. Ask people for an unknown fact about themselves. Then you’ll find out who people really are and their lives will probably surprise you.' These stories of the unexpected courage of everyday people have done just that. When we spoke together about the idea of this book, my father was delighted that these incredible people would get the recognition they deserved. Always wanting to inspire hope in others, my father would have pored over this beautiful book for hours, breathed in every word and smiled at every illustration.” 

Francesca Dow, managing director at Puffin Books, added: "This is the perfect book to sensitively and positively educate young people about the pandemic and contribute to their post-pandemic wellbeing. Captain Sir Tom gave his blessing to this book and having his daughter Hannah's introduction makes it extra special.”