Penny Thomas, Publisher at award-winning children’s and YA publisher Firefly Press, has acquired world rights in middle-grade poetry collection for children Red Sky at Night: A Poet’s Delight by Alex Wharton, author of Daydreams and Jellybeans.
Aimed at Key Stage Two, Red Sky at Night features a beautiful mix of humour and more contemplative poems while still maintaining Alex’s trademark energy and approachability. As with his first book, Alex’s use of free verse, rhyme and rhythm makes for a fantastic opportunity to nurture a love of language and self-expression whether in a school setting or at home.
In addition to fun new characters like Mr Slime, readers will be pleased to see the return of Hector the Horrible Hedgehog from Daydreams and Jellybeans in the poem ‘Hector’s Ghost’. These are presented alongside powerful, moving and emotional poems such as ‘Young Oak’, ‘The Long Way Home’, and ‘For a Quiet Day’.
‘Alex has done it again! This is a wonderful collection full of the bouncy enthusiasm Alex is known for in his events. His poetry transports the reader, inviting them into new worlds, and champions empathy in such a beautiful way,’ said editor Leonie Lock. ‘As with Daydreams and Jellybeans, the poems in this collection are perfect for sharing and reading aloud.’
Alex Wharton said: ‘I’m thrilled to be publishing my second collection of children’s poetry with Firefly Press. With Daydreams we produced a book that has connected with readers of all ages and backgrounds throughout the country. I hope this second book continues to inspire and connect us through poetry!’
The collection is slated for publication in spring 2024.
