Templar Books bags Melo’s ‘beautifully brilliant’ début The Dream Book in two-book deal

“Readers will join the determined heroine, Nina, as she journeys through fun fantasies and fearsome nightmares on a quest to capture her dreams once and for all.”

Melo said: “I’m so excited to be working with the magical team at Templar. It was important for me to find a home for my début with a team that connected with my work, and I certainly found that with Amelia and Sophie. Growing up in Brazil, I loved picture books and was such an enthusiastic bookworm that it’s a dream come true to think that my work will be out there on the shelves too!”

Warren first saw Melo’s work at her degree show and immediately knew she was “incredibly talented”. She said: “I’m delighted to be working with her to bring her bright and beautifully brilliant début The Dream Book into the world and working with her in the future.”

Sophie Hallam, head of Templar Books, added: “Bia’s work is a real joy to behold and is packed with bright, bold and wacky illustrations that are a feast for the eyes. The Dream Book is a wonderful entry point to talk about dreams, both good and bad, as well as introduce ideas such as dream journalling. We are thrilled to welcome Bia on to our list and look forward to publishing more picture books with her in the future.”