Puffin sets sail for Vere's latest, The Elephant and the Sea

Puffin has swooped for The Elephant and the Sea, a “beautiful picture book celebrating bravery and determination” by author and illustrator Ed Vere.

Andrea MacDonald, Puffin publisher, bought world rights excluding North America; the North American deal was sewn up by Frances Gilbert, v.p., editor-in-chief, Doubleday Books for Young Readers. Both Penguin Random House divisions acquired from Barry Goldblatt at Barry Goldblatt Literary Agency. Puffin will publish The Elephant and the Sea in May 2024.

MacDonald said: “Every page of this very special book has something to love: from stormy seascapes to the dazzle of sunlight on the waves; from our instantly lovable main character to his pet cat peeking out of his pocket. Paired with a glorious, rhythmic read-aloud text and true depth of feeling, I can’t wait for children to immerse themselves in The Elephant and the Sea. Ed’s books come from the heart”.

Puffin has published Vere since 2007’s The Getaway, which was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. He said: “When I was young, I loved the sea. I loved the boats that sailed on it and the hustle and bustle of fishing village life around it. Most of all I loved the lifeboat and the brave, courageous crew who sailed it through crashing waves to save lives in trouble. This book is set in the wild and beautiful land of Cornwall where I lived for a winter. One cold, blustery day I sat on a cliff...and painted the village below. That painting is the first picture in this book.”