Woodgate's LGBTQ-themed picture book debut to Andersen

Andersen Press has snapped up a debut picture book inspired by the author’s university dissertation, which revealed a lack of representation for older LGBT characters in children’s books.

Sue Buswell, Andersen Press’ picture book editorial director, bought world rights in author/illustrator Harry Woodward’s Grandad’s Camper, and a second book, in a deal concluded with Alice Sutherland-Hawes at Madeleine Milburn.  

The book aims to let readers “celebrate love in all its forms” and features a granddaughter whose grandad is mourning the loss of his beloved Gramps. Their camper van is hidden away in the garage because as Gramps isn't around anymore, the adventures he and grandad shared travelling in it just wouldn’t be the same. But the granddaughter soon hatches a plan to bring alive all the happy memories from the past...    

Woodgate is a freelance illustrator based in St Albans, and has been shortlisted for the Folio Society Book Illustration competition for the past two years.  

Buswell said: “Harry’s extraordinary use of rich textures of collage and print combined with a bold and captivating use of bright colour sets [them] apart as an outstanding and exciting new talent, exploring a wealth of new worlds and experiences for the Andersen picture book list.”

Andersen Press said it was “receiving significant international interest” in the title, with the book’s “wonderful art and heartfelt message charming international customers”. Grandad’s Camper is slated for a May 2021 publication, to coincide with Pride celebrations.