You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
Puffin swoops for ‘exceptional’ non-fiction from Burrows in two-book deal
Puffin has swooped for a two-book deal with “exceptional” author-illustrator Sophie Burrows, beginning with Weird Sea: Zombie Starfish, Underwater Aliens and Other Strange Tales of the Ocean.
Anna Barnes, editorial director, acquired world rights from Claire Cartey at Holroyde Cartey. Weird Sea will be published on 11th May 2023.
The “hilarious, fascinating and unique” collection will introduce readers aged six and above to the mysteries of the ocean, from “weird and wonderful topics” such as the Bermuda Triangle, immortal jellyfish, the Kraken and underwater crop circles. Weird Sea marks Burrows’ non-fiction début and is “strikingly” illustrated by Burrows, previously a winner of the Student Illustrator of the Year 2019 at the V&A Illustration Awards and is currently a teacher on the children’s book illustration MA at the Cambridge School of Art.
“Weird Sea is an incredibly witty and intriguing book, filled with bizarre and wonderful facts and stories,” said designer Deborah Vickers. “Sophie uses her absolutely sublime combination of wit, storytelling and illustration to transport you into an underwater world of fun and wonder. Her beautiful colours and detail will fully submerge you into each spread. It’s the perfect combination of stunning scenery, mind-blowing facts and ‘Shrimpy’; everyone’s favourite (also best dressed) tour guide. It makes this not only an amazing gift for children, but also something people of all ages will pick up and enjoy time and time again.”
The synopsis reads: “What does the sea make you think of? Crashing waves, crumbling sand castles . . . maybe a squawking seagull or two? Well, how about... Ghost ships! Mega sharks! The Bermuda Triangle! Zombie starfish! Psychic sea serpents! And don’t even get us started on something called the Hot Tub of Despair . . .You see, the sea is actually weird. Really weird. Not only is it full of amazing creatures and mini monsters, some of the world’s most mind-blowing myths and legends revolve around the sea, too. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to dive in and discover some of the incredible secrets of our weird, wonderful and totally wild oceans.”
Naomi Colthurst, senior commissioning editor, commented: “Weird Sea is an exceptionally unique non-fiction book, perfect for curious kids who think they already know everything (but trust us, once they’ve read this they’ll realise they don’t!), and their parents who are looking to gift something a little bit wonderfully different. As a huge fan of Crushing, I was delighted to work with Sophie to bring her warmth and wit to a younger generation of readers – and her talent sings through not just in her hilarious illustrations but also her snappy, pitch-perfect text. We all believe Sophie is a real star in the making and are excited to launch her career at Puffin with the brilliant Weird Sea.”
Burrows added: “Since I was a child, I have been captivated by stories that are a little bit strange. I loved discovering bizarre tales and facts and trying to solve unexplained mysteries. Making Weird Sea has been such a dream project of mine, illustrating the stories and creatures I loved as a child, and unearthing some I’d never heard of before!”
