You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
Walker Books to publish 'unforgettable' new adventure from I Am Rebel author Ross Montgomery
Walker Books has acquired the rights to the "unforgettable" new adventure book from I Am Rebel author Ross Montgomery, plus another new fiction title to follow.
World English-language rights were bought from Claire Wilson at RCW agency by former publishing director Denise Johnstone-Burt.
Walker will publish Small Wonder in September 2025 and the release will be supported by a "high-impact" marketing and PR campaign.
The book follows the journey of two brothers, their faithful horse and a surprising legacy.
The synopsis states: "Tick lives peacefully at the edge of Ellia, along with his little brother Leaf and loyal steed, Pebble. But when a deadly assassin descends and the kingdom is thrown into danger, Tick has six moons to get to Kings’ Keep and warn their ruler. Travelling through forests and mountains, encountering bandits and rogue knights along the way, Tick is determined to honour his grandfather’s last words: ’Remember everything I taught you. Take care of Leaf. Take care of Pebble. I’ve done all I can. The rest is up to you. Make it count’."
Montgomery’s previous book I Am Rebel was a runaway success in 2024, and was selected in June as Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month, before being crowned the Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year.
The novel won the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Children’s Fiction, and is shortlisted for the British Book Awards for Children’s Fiction, the FCBG Children’s Book Award and the Sheffield Children’s Book Award, as well as being nominated for the Carnegie Medal for Writing.
Since its release, rights have sold in France, Greece, Italy, Romania, Turkey and Portugal; and in the US with Candlewick Press.
Continues…
Read More
Montgomery’s most recent book Ant Party will be published in April – a vibrant picture-book collaboration with illustrator Sarah Warburton.
Montgomery said: "I’m thrilled to be publishing Small Wonder – a brand-new adventure that I’m hoping fans of I Am Rebel will love. It’s a death-defying race against time for one boy to save a kingdom, inspired by the classic kids’ fantasy books that I love. Think War Horse meets A Letter for the King!"
Shannon Cullen, UK publishing director at Walker Books, added: "Ross is a star of bestselling and award-winning children’s writing and at Walker we are thrilled to once again showcase his talent with this modern-classic adventure. In Small Wonder, our hero-in-training embarks on an epic and cinematic journey of self-discovery, unravelling the mysteries of his kingdom and confronting his destined path. Where Rebel captured hearts, prepare to be won over again this autumn by Tick and his loyal horse, Pebble."
