Simon & Schuster signs 'rare and beautiful novel' from Caryl Lewis

Simon & Schuster Children’s has signed The Danger of Small Things, a "page-turning" YA dystopian thriller from Caryl Lewis. 

Fiction editorial director Michelle Misra acquired UK and Commonwealth, and translation, rights from Anwen Hoosonat Bird Literary Agency. North American rights were acquired by Reka Simonsen, editorial director at Atheneum, Simon & Schuster US, from Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio on behalf of Bird Literary Agency. The novel is scheduled for spring 2026 publication. 

Described by the author as a "love letter to her daughter", The Danger of Small Things is set in a world where the honey bees have died out and famine and wars are widespread. Girls in this world are sent away from home to pollinate crops by hand with brushes and to marry as soon as possible. The story follows Jess and her friends Cass, Emily and Deva. 

"The Danger of Small Things is a rare and beautiful novel," said Misra. "With empowering female friendships and a strong environmental message, it touched me immeasurably. It’s alarming to think that hand-pollination is already practised in places around the world and the all-too real consequences that could have on humankind. Caryl is an incredible writer and it’s a complete honour to be welcoming both her and this wonderful book to Simon & Schuster YA."

Lewis added: "As a beekeeper, I am acutely aware of the interconnectedness of everything and have long been frightened of how we, as humans, set ourselves apart from nature. We do not seem to understand that in destroying nature, we destroy ourselves. My daughter is growing up in what feels like a much more hostile environment facing climate instability, the rise of misogyny and the rollback of women’s bodily rights. I wanted to comfort and empower her and let her see that our greatest weapon in a floundering world is the imagination."