S&S UK snaps up four picture books from debut writer Lu Fraser

Simon & Schuster Children’s UK has signed a deal for four picture book texts from debut author Lu Fraser.

Helen Mackenzie Smith, editorial director for picture books and novelties, bought world rights for the texts from Mandy Suhr at Miles Stott Children’s Literary Agency.

Fraser's debut The Littlest Yak, illustrated by Kate Hindley, is scheduled to publish in September 2020 with the following three titles coming in each consecutive year afterwards.

For the first and third books Fraser is paired with Hindley, an award-winng illustrator, in a deal struck with Jodie Hodges at United Agents. Fraser’s second illustrator partnership will be announced at a later date.

“The Littlest Yak tells the rollicking, rhyming story of Gertie, a little yak who is desperate to grow up,” S&S UK said. “Through her adventures, Gertie learns the joy of celebrating who you are and not growing up too fast. Early material was a hit at Frankfurt Book Fair, and rights have already been sold in Turkey, France and The Netherlands with more to follow.”

Fraser, who is based in Hampshire, is pitched by the publisher as “a hugely exciting and hilarious new voice in children’s picture books”.

Meanwhile Hindley is the illustrator of picture books including the award-winning You Must Bring a Hat (S&S UK) written by Simon Philip and fiction The Royal Rabbits of London (S&S UK), written by Santa Montefiore and Simon Sebag Montefiore. She is also the author-illustrator of a new board book series, Treacle Street (S&S UK).

Mackenzie Smith said of the two books featuring Fraser and Hindley: “We are so very proud to be introducing this terrific new author-illustrator partnership to the picture book world. Both Lu’s words and Kate’s illustrations are packed with humour and heart and I challenge anyone not to fall in love with Gertie next year.”