UCLan Publishing snaps up 'magical and unique' middle-grade title from Byng

UCLan Publishing has snapped up a “magical and unique” middle-grade fiction title from Georgia Byng.  

Hazel Holmes, publisher, bought UK and British Commonwealth rights to Albi the Glowing Cow Boy from Millie Hoskins at United Agents. It will publish in paperback in 2023, to coincide with Veganuary. 

Albi the Glowing Cow Boy tells the story of a boy calf, born near Stonehenge, who has no idea how extraordinary he is going to become after he eats some milk mushrooms that make him super-intelligent. Several miles away lives a human boy called Rufus. Rufus is extraordinary in his own way, but he has no friends and no one to love him. Rufus seeks the family he never had, and a born hunter, he’ll go to any lengths to find it. Albi and Rufus must each embark on a journey that will take them across continents, showing them things they never believed could be true. But why are they so deeply connected? And will each find what they’re searching for? 

Cover artwork is by Levi Penfold and interior illustrations by Angela Cogo. 

Holmes said: “I was looking for something completely different to expand our middle grade list, and Albi is just this: a magical, unique story with a powerful message behind it.” 

Byng added: “Albi the Glowing Cow Boy drives home the vital message that plant-based diets are good for the welfare and lives of animals and the environment, that eating this way helps reverse climate change. It needed a young, energetic, forward-thinking publisher, so UCLan, with its bright, steering force Hazel Holmes, plus its great, inventive team and enthusiastic students on tap, was the perfect home.”