Welbeck Flame lands Scott Whyte's children's comedy in two-book deal

Welbeck Flame has acquired The Asparagus Bunch, a "fresh, irreverent" children’s novel by debut author Jessica Scott Whyte, secured in a two-book deal. 

The Asparagus Bunch and the sequel From Blackpool With Love are aimed at readers aged 10+ and centre on 13-year-old Leon Crothers. Having been kicked out of six different schools, Leon is labelled as having an attitude problem by almost everyone he comes into contact with.

"Dr Snot gives it a different label and diagnoses Leon as autistic," the first book's synopsis reads. "Leon doesn’t care for either label, in the same way that he doesn't care for Tim Burton, supermarket trolleys, train fanatics or Bounty bars. How he manages to navigate school woes and family drama – and astonishingly ends up with not one but two friends – is nothing short of a miracle, or maybe just simply down to being different."

Felicity Alexander, associate publisher, signed world rights with Catherine Pellegrino at Marjacq Scripts.

Alexander said: "The Asparagus Bunch is a fresh and irreverent comedy, which had us all in stitches and fondly remembering comedy classics such as Adrian Mole. Leon’s voice is just brilliant – so distinct and memorable – with a wider cast of characters who have all found their way into my heart. We are so proud to be publishing Jessica’s debut – and can’t wait for readers to meet Leon."

Scott-Whyte was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. She studied French and history for her BA at University College Dublin, then moved to London where she completed an MA in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion. After freelancing as a fashion journalist for some years, she then crossed over to the press relations side of the fashion industry, a career move which saw her move to Paris in 2012, where she still lives today with her husband and children in a neurodiverse family. 

She said of her new book and partnership with Welbeck: "Pinch me. Over the moon. Lost for words. No, these aren't the names of racehorses worth taking a punt on, but rather how I feel about being backed by Welbeck Flame, surrounded by an incredible team of book lovers and experts that are a joy to work and collaborate with. Being supported and championed by such remarkable talent is a dream come true."

The Asparagus Bunch will publish in paperback, e-book and audio on 21st July 2022, with book two following a year later.