The Girl of Ink & Stars

Poet Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s début novel The Girl of Ink & Stars caught the imagination of the judges, as well as its numerous readers. Chicken House acquired the book, a magical tale about an island, the girl who travels to the heart of its story and the myth that guides her path, when Millwood Hargrave was just 24. Editorial director Rachel Leyshon worked closely with the author to refine the manuscript, taking the time to ensure the book reached its potential before being published.

The judges, who praised the poetic beauty of the novel and its centring of two female protagonists, were impressed by the time and effort put into editorial and production for a début author.

The panel, which described The Girl of Ink & Stars as the plucky underdog in the Children’s Book of the Year category, praised the bold design of the book, which included an eye- catching cover and maps inside the French flaps. Chicken House secured quotes from authors including Malorie Blackman, resulting in a Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month slot, which led to the book gaining attention from national media.

Channels such as Tesco, not the obvious outlet for a literary début, were targeted, and exclusive merchandise was created to sell to fans at the Young Adult Literature Convention.

Tamara Macfarlane, owner of Tales on Moon Lane bookshop in south-east London, said: “The beauty of the product makes The Girl of Ink & Stars stand out. I think what Chicken House has managed to achieve with a literary author is great.”