Diary of a Young Naturalist

Dorset-based indie Little Toller Books had been following and supporting Dara McAnulty’s development as a writer on his blog for many years before it acquired Diary of a Young Naturalist. The author was just 14 when he penned his diary following a year in his life juggling home, school, nature and activism, and so the publisher worked hard to nurture the manuscript at a pace he and his family were comfortable with. The result is a book that is “eloquent, hopeful and an inspiration and encouragement for us all to connect to the natural world around us,” thought one judge.

When it came to designing the cover, the publisher commissioned artist Barry Falls, who spent a day with the author walking to the teenager’s favourite places in order to better understand him and the landscape he writes of. The design became integral to the book’s positioning: hopeful, eye-catching and representative of the author.

The four-person team also impressed with its marketing and publicity efforts. It sent out proof copies for the first time in Little Toller’s history, and planned events and publicity a year ahead of publication, securing a coveted Radio 4 “Book of the Week” slot. “An incredible achievement,” the judges said.