Puffin wins four-way auction for guide to scientific facts about colour by Kanani and Kay

Puffin has snapped up a “beautiful” guide to scientific facts about colour by Dr Sheila Kanani and Liz Kay in a four-way auction. 

Emma Jones, senior commissioning editor, bought world rights to Can You Get Rainbows in Space? and one other book from Hannah Weatherill at Northbank Talent Management. (Jones has since departed the company for a role at Macmillan Children’s Books.) Emily Smyth bought illustrations from Joe Najman at NB Illustration. Can You Get Rainbows in Space? will publish in hardback on 23rd March 2023 and will be illustrated in full-colour by Kay throughout. 

Dr Kanani is an astronomer as well as an education, outreach and diversity officer for the Royal Astronomy Society and has received an MBE for her services to astronomy and diversity in science. In Can You Get Rainbows in Space? she offers an accessible entry point to big science and space topics for readers aged seven and above, all seen through the colours of the rainbow. 

The synopsis says: “Have you ever wondered how flamingos become pink? Why octopuses have blue blood? Or why some flames burn green? 

“The answers to these questions—and many more—are to be found in this incredible collection of bite-size scientific colour facts; from the unique way that hippos keep cool, to why gold is useful in space. Bursting with beautiful illustrations, the book will transform the way children see the world—in full colour.” 

Dr Kanani said: “I’m so excited to finally see physical copies of Can You Get Rainbows in Space? after the long pandemic period! Writing this book was a rainbow during a storm for me, and I hope the information and illustrations will cheer up even your darkest days. I am dedicated to improving the representation of girls and ethnic minorities in physics and I’m always trying to identify new ways to take astronomy and physics to underrepresented communities. As the daughter of an immigrant mother and a refugee father who came to the UK in 1972, I hope I am able to act as a role model and inspiration for my students and young readers in a way that hasn’t been achieved before.” 

Jordan Tyson, commissioning editor at Puffin, added: “Can You Get Rainbows in Space? is a wonderful, joyful, colourful look at the things that make up our universe and is the perfect gift for any young curious mind or as an entry point to space and science. Working on Can You Get Rainbows in Space? has been such a fascinating experience and the depth of Dr Sheila’s knowledge never fails to astound me. We are so proud to publish a book that investigates so many important aspects of our world and our solar system, and it will no doubt inspire a generation.” 

Kay also commented: “The best part of my job is learning all about the different topics I am asked to illustrate. Can You Get Rainbows in Space? was so interesting and unique—I absolutely loved working on this book. I hope everyone who reads enjoys it as much as I enjoyed illustrating it.”