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Puffin to publish 'charming and heart-warming' Christmas picture book by Coelho and Shah
Puffin will publish a “charming and heart-warming" Christmas picture book by Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and debut illustrator Farah Shah.
Georgiana Deutsch, editor, acquired text world rights from the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency and, with art director Keren Greenfeld, acquired illustration world rights from Susan Penny at The Bright Agency. The Christmas Tree Mouse will publish in paperback in October 2024.
The blurb reads: “Christmas Tree Mouse is on an important mission: a mission to help Santa! Every Christmas Eve, this tiny mouse brushes away Santa’s footprints, nibbles up the mince pie crumbs and – of course – checks that Santa has left the correct presents. But when Christmas Tree Mouse discovers that baby Ola has received the wrong present, can she use all her special training and determination to save the day?”
Deutsch said: “As soon as the very first draft of The Christmas Tree Mouse landed in my hands, I knew it had everything anyone could hope for in a festive picture book: an utterly determined and loveable hero, an uplifting story filled with magic and – of course – the most beautiful and lyrical writing from Joseph Coelho. It has been a joy to work with Joseph and debut illustrator Farah Shah to bring this incredibly special festive tale to life. I have no doubt that many excited children are going to be peering into the branches of their Christmas tree and hoping they will spot a hidden helper of their own!”
Coelho added: “It has been my dream to see The Christmas Tree Mouse on the shelves as it’s a story so close to my heart, filled with Christmas magic and beautifully brought to life by the illustrations of Farah Shah.”
Shah said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for me as a debut illustrator: I’ve loved bringing this cute mouse to life — and to save Christmas! It has been a delight to work on.”
