Zephyr seizes Foley’s fossil-inspired story

Head of Zeus children’s imprint Zephyr has landed Hannah Foley’s standalone story The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair, a tale inspired by palaeontologist Mary Anning’s Jurassic coast. 

Editor Lauren Atherton acquired world all language rights for two titles from agent Lindsay Fraser at Fraser Ross Associates. The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair is set to publish in February 2023 to coincide with Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (6th to 12th February), with the second standalone to be announced soon. 

“Steeped in the natural history of Mary Anning’s Jurassic coast, The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair is a dual timeline novel set in the present day and the Victorian times, exploring the impact of mental illness across two generations of the Linden family,” the synopsis reads. “It’s a powerful story of fossils, friendship, empathy and acceptance, drawing on the author’s own experience of working as a district nurse.”

Foley said: “I’m delighted The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair has found a home with Zephyr Books, a team which publishes great stories of nuance and depth, and is committed to putting beautiful books in the hands of readers.”

Atherton added: “I was swept away by Hannah’s brave and beautiful writing. Now more than ever we need books like Hannah’s, that show compassion, understanding and tolerance. We’re delighted to welcome Hannah to Zephyr.”

Fraser commented: “We’re so proud of Hannah. She is a brave and talented writer who, like us, believes that fiction can change the way we see the world. The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair is a wonderful story, beautifully crafted, with a cast of unforgettable characters. We can’t wait for it to reach its readers.”