Walker Books bags newest from Bologna Ragazzi Award winners Jeffers and Winston

Walker Books has scooped A Dictionary Story, a "spectacular homage to the written word" that reunites Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston, the two creators behind the Walker-published 2017 Bologna Ragazzi Award-winning A Child of Books.

Picture books publisher and creative director Deirdre McDermott acquired world rights from Paul Moreton at Bell Lomax Moreton. The book will publish in August 2024.

The title is described as an "enthralling adventure and typographical delight", and the synopsis says: "Dictionary wishes she could tell a story just like the other books. So, one day, she decides to bring her words to life. How exciting it is, she thinks, that an adventure is finally happening on her very own pages! But what will she do when her words get into a jumble, causing the most enormous tantrum to explode?" 

It adds the the creators "create an immersive and unforgettable reading experience that celebrates the endless possibility of words and storytelling". 

Jeffers and Winston said: “What a delight it has been working together again on a new book, exploring our shared love of words and the joy to be found in literature. We’ve spent the past five years creating a new tale that we are really happy with; a tale that playfully brings a dictionary to life in unexpected and magical ways."

McDermott added: “To dance together again with Oliver and Sam on their new picture book is a complete creative privilege...the thrill of watching the pictures and the words come together so joyfully and playfully on the page makes A Dictionary Story a remarkable and memorable picture book.”