Walker signs new MG comic fantasy adventure by Amy Sparkes

Publisher Walker Books has snapped up The House at the Edge of Magic, a middle-grade comic fantasy adventure by picture book author Amy Sparkes in a two-book deal. 

Denise Johnstone-Burt bought the title at auction from Julia Churchill at A M Heath, for world rights in all languages. The House at the Edge of Magic will publish in spring 2021 with Walker Books UK and Walker Australia.

“Set in a Victorian-style world, The House at the Edge of Magic follows the sparky character of Nine, an orphan pickpocket,” reads the synopsis. “When she steals a beautiful house-shaped ornament from the purse of a witch, she knocks on its tiny door and enters a world of magical and brilliantly funny characters, placed under a spell that they need Nine’s help to break.” 

Johnstone-Burt said: “When The House at the Edge of Magic arrived I just couldn’t resist a book with such a wonderful title! And the story lived up to it: Amy Sparkes’ manuscript was so enjoyable, lively and magical – just the kind of thing we are looking for at Walker. We’ve been building a fantastic list of magical MG fiction titles that take our readers on extraordinary adventures, and this is the perfect addition.”

On her first foray into middle-grade fiction, Sparkes : “I’m delighted that The House at the Edge of Magic has found a home with Walker, who publish some of my favourite books. I’m looking forward to working with the team on this series and bringing some mischievous magic into the world.”