Scholastic signs Jeremy Strong's tale of friendship, art and shortbread biscuits

Scholastic has signed Fox Goes North, a "charming, emotionally touching children’s fable" from Jeremy Strong and illustrator Heegyum Kim. 

Julia Sanderson, fiction senior commissioning editor, acquired world rights from Anthony Goff at David Higham Associates. Creative director Andrew Biscomb signed world rights to the illustrations from Jen Rofe at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. The book will be published in hardback in October 2024. 

In Fox Goes North, a house on wheels is towed along a forest track by Moose. On board are philosophical Fox, distinguished Bear, theatrical Toucan, argumentative Little Owl and excitable young Llama. With only her suitcase, Fox joins the group on their expedition to see the Northern Lights. "This is a story about the importance of friendship, art, books, shortbread biscuits and, ultimately, saying goodbye to the ones we love." 

Strong commented: “I am super excited that Scholastic is bringing into the world my best book ever – Fox Goes North. This story is beautifully brought to life by the magical pens and brushes of Heegyum Kim in a gorgeous hardback edition and will arrive with fanfares, ticker tape, tears and laughter in October.”

Sanderson added: “Fox Goes North is a rare book: refreshingly different, but with a completely classic quality. The charming animal cast reminds me of both Winnie-the-Pooh and The Jungle Book, and its moving, wise and courageous story about the circle of life captivated the whole Scholastic team. Jeremy Strong is such a well-loved children’s author, and I’m delighted to be working with him to launch this very special book, which will be a real visual treat as well as a beautiful piece of storytelling.”