Scholastic UK partners with Royal British Legion on remembrance picture book

Scholastic UK has partnered with the Royal British Legion to publish Alive with Poppies, an accessible picture book with the aim of communicating the importance of remembrance to children.

Former executive editor Linas Alsenas acquired world rights to the text by Tomos Roberts from Creative Artists Agency (CCA). Creative director Andrew Biscomb acquired illustrations directly from Sharon Rentta.

It will be published on 10th October ahead of Remembrance Day on 11th November 2024, and a 50p donation from every trade sale in the UK will go to the Royal British Legion. Alive with Poppies, Scholastic’s fourth title in partnership with the Royal British Legion, will be published on Scholastic UK’s Non Fiction, Brands and Licensing list headed by publisher Elizabeth Scoggins.

Tomos Roberts, a Welsh spoken-word poet, said: “I first performed Alive with Poppies as an original poetic contribution to the 2021 Festival of Remembrance in London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. Today, I’m honoured to once more present Alive with Poppies, now as a beautiful picture book, with illustration by Sharon Rentta and proceeds that will continue to support the incredible work of the RBL.

“This story highlights the significance of remembrance, and my hope is to express gratitude to all who lived lives of service and sacrifice, while holding on to hope that future generations need not endure the same.”

Rentta added: “Growing up with a deep appreciation for everything that the poppy stands for and symbolises, I felt very honoured to be asked to illustrate this poem, Alive with Poppies, written by Tomos Roberts. This has certainly been very different from anything I’ve done before and I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of attempting to capture something of the emotions and sensitivity of the poem through the medium of pen, ink and watercolour. Also, by using a mainly monochromatic approach to the artwork with splashes of red, my hope is to add visual impact and convey something of the powerful symbolism of the poppy and all the sacrifice it represents.”