Walker Books snaps up new picture books by illustrator Lucy Fleming

Walker Books has acquired two new picture books by illustrator Lucy Fleming.

Editorial director Maria Tunney acquired world rights for a two-book deal from Frederica Dawson at the Bright Agency. The first picture book, Arlo and the Raven, will be published in the UK in autumn 2026, alongside group companies Walker Books Australia and Candlewick Press in the US.

"High on a rocky islet lives Arlo, a tiny, lone boy with wings of midnight blue," says the synopsis of Arlo and the Raven. "There is nothing that Arlo loves more than flying: soaring high, and then swooping down to skim the sea with the feathery tips of his wings. But an unhappiness tugs at Arlo’s wings – he wishes he could be part of a flock, and not feel so different."

The synopsis continues: "When Raven arrives and begins to build a home next to his cliff-side cave, Arlo is annoyed because Raven is noisy and messy! But, as it turns out, Raven may just be all the flock Arlo will ever need. Influenced by the wonders of nature, Fleming has created an uplifting and magical story about self-confidence and finding your place in the world."

Fleming said: "Arlo and the Raven is my upcoming title, a picture book about real emotions and the struggles of making connections, all wrapped up with my quintessential pinch of magic and escape. My wish is that my books will connect and comfort readers, and I can’t wait for them to meet Arlo."

Tunney added: "Debuting a new book from Lucy, who is such a dreamy collaborator, is always a special occasion. Her work ticks all the right boxes in sweetness, warmth, world-building, adorable characters, positive messaging, but – and this is what makes it Walker, this is what truly excites us – Lucy always manages to give her books a spin of something compellingly unusual. A moth girl, a pond mermaid and now... Arlo, a tender-hearted bird-child, and the very first little boy in this series; he is going to find his way into everyone’s hearts."