Quarto Kids to publish ‘hilarious’ tribute to household pets by comedian Russell Kane 

Words & Pictures, a children’s imprint of The Quarto Group, will publish Pet Selector! A Hilarious Guide to all the Usual and Unusual Household Pets by comedian Russell Kane in September 2024. 

World rights were acquired by associate publisher Holly Willsher from Richard McCann at Off the Kerb, while illustrations by Erica Salcedo were acquired by senior designer Mike Henson from Will Drayson at Advocate Art.  

The synopsis says: “After years of owning multiple pets of all species (currently three cats and an ageing pug called Colin) with his young family, Russell has collated this laugh-out-loud compendium of over 40 typical and not so typical household pets, perfect for passionate and prospective pet-owners or any animal-lover just looking to find out more about humanity’s favourite animal friends.” 

Quarto said it has a “major” promotional campaign in place, with a string of high-profile trade and public events confirmed alongside a comprehensive media and marketing plan. 

Willsher said: “Russell’s laugh-out-loud funny and informative writing, paired with Erica’s brilliantly silly illustrations, will have animal-loving kids (and adults) chuckling away with every turn of the page. Russell has packed Pet Selector! with considered and extensively researched facts about owning pets (the usual and unusual!), understanding them and giving them the homes they need and deserve. It’s this unique talent to entertain and educate that makes Russell an exciting new children’s author and we are thrilled to be publishing him.”