Puffin swoops for debut picture book by Fox
Puffin has acquired Storm-Cat, the debut picture book from Magenta Fox, illustrator of the childrens’ book Weirdo, written by Zadie Smith and Nick Laird.
Editorial director Andrea MacDonald acquired world rights for Storm-Cat in a two-book deal from Claire Wilson at RCW Literary Agency. It will publish in paperback in March 2024.
The synopsis reads: “With a sensitive and reassuring message, Storm-Cat offers a fresh take on addressing out-of-control feelings. Fox’s writing and illustrations work together beautifully: she expertly combines a distinct, warm voice that’s full of heart, with instantly lovable characters and beautifully drawn landscapes and scenes. Her work is evocative of Raymond Briggs, Posy Simmonds and Janet Ahlberg but also distinctly her own. Full of detail to absorb and pore over, Storm-Cat is a story to be treasured by readers across generations.”
Commenting on this acquisition, MacDonald said: “It became clear when we were working on Weirdo that Magenta was a very special creator. The detail, humour, and emotion in her illustration work all spoke to an incredibly talented storyteller, and when we started talking about her own picture book ideas, it was the biggest thrill to discover her way with words was just as prodigious as her illustrative flair. It is sheer joy to work with Magenta and launch her own story into the picture-book world here on the Puffin list. I want to live in the worlds she creates, and sit with Arwel and Tuft at the kitchen table of Granny’s windmill as she tells us, so reassuringly, that “we can’t choose our weather, but we can choose what we make of it.”
Fox said: “Getting to write and illustrate Storm-Cat for Puffin has been an absolute dream. So much of that is because of my shining star editor Andrea who has shown me how to give more of myself to this story at every turn and I am so grateful. For anyone who needs a little help facing their feelings, for anyone missing someone or something, for anyone who likes raincoats – this story is for you.”
Fox was born in south-west London in 1994. She studied English at the University of Exeter and since moving back to London in 2015, has been working as a children’s book designer. Today, she works freelance – illustrating, writing and designing children’s books from her flat in south London.
