Walker unveils 'gloriously unique' tales from new Waterstones Children's Laureate Coelho

Walker Books has scooped Ten-Word Tiny Tales from the newly appointed Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho.

Commissioning editor Tanya Rosie acquired world rights for the text from the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency. Walker’s sister company Candlewick Press will release the book in the US in September 2023.

Publishing in August 2023, Ten-Word Tiny Tales features 20 short stories, each only 10 words long and illustrated by a different person. 

The synopsis reads: "Is it possible to spin a tale using just 10 words? It most certainly is! In this unique venture designed to spark the imagination, Joseph Coelho brings us stories of underwater worlds, demon hamsters, bears in outer space, and portals to places unknown... all in just 10 words! Each tale has been paired with one of the finest illustrators working today and, together, the words and pictures will create a space for creativity as young readers imagine how the story might unravel."

Artwork by illustrators including Dapo Adeola, Camilla Sucre, Flavia Drago and Shaun Tan feature throughout the book.

Coelho said: “As a poet, the power of the short form has always been apparent. A few words invite space, and allow room for wonder and imagination. It’s been amazing to see the interpretations of my 10-word stories by all the fantastic illustrators that feature in Ten-Word Tiny Tales. I cannot wait to hear about the stories these few words and brilliant illustrations bring forth from young and old alike.”

Rosie said: “These words are a thrill. When you share one of Joseph’s 10-word stories with a friend, you can feel their imaginative sparks flying; you can feel them immediately inside the world that Joseph has brought alive in just a handful (well, two handfuls!) of words. We have had enormous fun matching each tale with its own illustrator, and there have been yelps of excitement as we have seen how each artist has interpreted their own tiny tale—each piece is so rich, so playful and so gloriously unique.

"Joseph’s creative spirit emanates from the pages and Walker Books is proud to be publishing a compendium that feels fresh and new for the children’s book landscape. More than anything, we love to think of Ten-Word Tiny Tales as being a part of, or even the start of, a child’s creative writing adventure.”