S&S snaps up ‘brilliant and beautiful’ non-fiction from Turner and Andrews

Simon & Schuster Children’s Books has acquired What’s the Big Idea? by author Tracey Turner and illustrator Tequitia Andrews, set to be a lead title on the non-fiction list. 

Editor Katie Lawrence bought world rights from Raspberry Books.

The synopsis reads: “Perfect for inquisitive readers age eight and over, What’s the Big Idea? offers easy-to-understand explanations and real-world examples of more than 100 important words and concepts including capitalism, feminism, ecology, racism, geology, astronomy and many more, giving children the power to take part in the most important conversations on the planet.”

It will publish in August 2023 in a high-spec hardback with full-colour illustrations throughout. 

Lawrence said: “We are thrilled to be publishing What’s the Big Idea? – a brilliant and beautiful non-fiction gem from Raspberry Books. This is a must-have gift for young language lovers, curious middle-grade readers – and grown-ups who need the answers, too! I’m incredibly proud to be working with Tracey and Tequitia to bring such a necessary and insightful book to the market.”

Turner edited the bestselling Horrible Histories series and has written more than 80 books, including several non-fiction titles and SLA Information Book Award-winning How Many Mice Make an Elephant? Her work has been published in more than 15 languages.

Andrews is an American illustrator who is inspired by fashion, music, pop culture and social issues.