Studio Press expands adult list with three 'empowering' gift titles

Studio Press, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has acquired three "empowering" gift titles, each tackling an issue that has been amplified in the past year, from the struggles of motherhood to practising kindness and spending more time in nature as an antidote to the stresses of modern life. 

The Wild Handbook by illustrator James Weston Lewis and Emily Thomas will be published on 2nd September and is aimed at people looking for ways to reconnect with nature and get away from their screens. World rights were acquired by Stephanie Milton, head of Studio Press, from Emily Thomas and from Stephanie Alexander-Jinks at The Artworks Illustration Agency. 

Thomas said: "I discovered the benefits to my own mental health of spending time outdoors during the pandemic – I experienced how incredibly healing and joyful the natural world is. I hope The Wild Handbook will inspire readers to find new ways to enjoy nature through the many fun and accessible activities it offers."

On 16th September, In The Club by Helene Weston will offer an "honest and humorous" account of motherhood alongside the author's own illustrations. Commissioning editor Frankie Jones acquired world rights from Clare Wallace at the Darley Anderson Illustration Agency.

Weston commented: "I’m so excited to be working with the Studio Press team on In the Club. When I started posting my illustrations on Instagram giving an honest account of becoming a mum, I was surprised to receive messages from mums all over the world saying that they felt the same. This book is for all those new mums who feel overwhelmed, underqualified and in need of a hug and a massive glass of gin."

A third title, Kindness (a user’s guide) by Ali Catterall and Kitty Collins. was published on 2nd July and presents 52 stories about acts of kindness by celebrities including George Michael, Marcus Rashford and Dolly Parton. Milton acquired world rights directly from the authors. 

Milton Commented: "It’s an exciting time for Studio Press, and we are thrilled to be adding these fantastic titles to our growing adult list. We are always on the lookout for authentic voices to talk about important issues, and we are delighted to be collaborating with such highly regarded authors and illustrators to create such empowering books."