Penny Thomas, Publisher at award-winning children’s and YA publisher Firefly Press, has acquired world rights in non-fiction title Fantastic Football, the second instalment in the Stupendous Sports series by author Robin Bennett, from Joanna Moult at Skylark Literary.
Full of facts, funny stories, and crazy cartoons by Matt Cherry, the series aims to do for PE what Horrible Histories did for Friday afternoon history lessons.
Hilarious (hopefully), irreverent (probably), but factually correct (obviously), this action-packed book is about the spirit of the beautiful game as much as the rules. Covering the history of football, the future of the game including the rise in women’s football and the continuing importance of diversity, Fantastic Football also features a practical section on player positions, skills and tricks.
Illustrations by Matt Cherry Design by Becka Moor
‘Football is a hugely loved sport, and this fun and factual guide for primary school readers is a terrific second title in Firefly’s innovative Stupendous Sports series, coming as it does, ahead of the 2022 World Cup’ said Firefly Publisher Penny Thomas. ‘And cartoons are definitely the best way to explain the offside rule as far as I can see!’
Robin Bennett said: ‘Fantastic Football was brilliant to write. It’s aimed not just at young players but readers who want something fun and funny to dip into and, like the game itself, to share with friends. Fantastic Football is a team read!’
The book is slated for publication in early autumn 2022, ahead of the FIFA World Cup in November.
Join us as we celebrate the publication of Libby and the Parisian Puzzle by Jo Clarke with a ten-day blog tour. Follow Libby and friends through Paris and discover all about the different locations (and much, much more) in the book!
Hosted by ten fantastic bloggers, each stop on the tour has a letter hidden in the post. Find them all and the word they spell out to enter the prize draw below and be in with the chance to win a fabulous Paris-inspired prize bundle!
Terms and Conditions These terms and conditions apply to the prize draw for the Libby and the Parisian Puzzle prize bundle. There will only be one winner and one prize. The ‘Entrant’ is the person who fills in the form.
Entrants must be aged 18 or over or have permission to enter from a parent or guardian.
No cash alternative will be offered. The Prize is non-transferable.
Unsuccessful entrants will not be contacted. The decision of Firefly Press on all matters is final.
The winner will be notified by telephone or email, and MUST respond by midnight within seven days of the date of contact. If a selected winner refuses the prize, another entrant will be selected at random from the remaining eligible entries within a reasonable time frame.
Entry to the prize draw is conditional on acceptance of these terms and conditions, which are governed exclusively by English Law and under the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. By entering this prize draw you are deemed to have read and accepted these terms.
No employee of Firefly Press can enter.
The contact details you provide upon entry to the prize draw will be used to contact entrants if necessary to notify the winner, and will not be shared with other companies except to the extent necessary to provide the prize. We will only use your email address and other personal information in compliance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (including any amended, equivalent or subsequent legislation).
Huge congratulations to Luke Palmer, whose hard-hitting YA debut Grow has been longlisted for the 2022 Yoto Carnegie Medal!
Grow has also been longlisted for the 2022 Branford Boase Award and was featured on the Sunday Times 2021 Books of the year list.
Publisher and editor Penny Thomas said: ‘We’re so delighted to see Luke’s debut novel longlisted for both these prestigious awards this month. Grow is a brave, timely novel and a great read, raising difficult issues with honesty. It also marks Luke’s arrival as a YA writer and a talent to watch for the future.’
Janet Thomas, Editor at award-winning children’s and YA publisher Firefly Press has acquired world English rights in Libby and the Highland Heist, the second installment in The Travelling School Mysteries by author Jo Clarke, from Alice Williams at Alice Williams Literary.
After a tumultuous term in Paris, Libby and Connie are looking forward to a quiet holiday at Connie’s family home. But before long they find themselves caught up in another mystery, this time set against the dramatic backdrop of the Highlands and Edinburgh.
‘We are so thrilled to be publishing Libby’s second adventure,’ said editor Janet Thomas. ‘With snowy Highland mansions, the beauties of Edinburgh, forged paintings, secret passageways and the best of friendships, Jo’s readers are going to absolutely love it, especially combined with Becka Moor’s superb illustrations.’
Author Jo Clarke
Jo Clarke said: ‘Working with Firefly Press on my debut, Libby and the Parisian Puzzle, has been an absolute joy, so I am delighted to be following on with the next instalment in The Travelling School Mysteries. I have had so much fun writing an elaborate heist story for book two and can’t wait to collaborate with Becka Moor again. Her illustrations are wonderful and bring the story to life perfectly.’
The novel is slated for publication in spring 2023.
Penny Thomas, Publisher at award-winning children’s and YA publisher Firefly Press, has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in historical MG novel Honesty and Lies by former Children’s Laureate Wales Eloise Williams, from Kate Shaw at The Shaw Agency. The news was announced live during Firefly’s first Bookseller Preview Evening last night.
Winter in London, 1601. In a city where fortunes can rise or fall in a moment, Honesty and Lies is the tale of Alice and Honesty, two 13-year-old maids serving in Elizabeth I’s court. Both are trying to survive as storytellers in their own way – one wanting attention as a performer and one trying to pass unnoticed as a spy. In such a precarious world and with assassination attempts being planned behind closed doors, their friendship will put both their lives in danger.
‘Eloise has an amazing gift for creating characters MG readers will bond with and love. I love how accessible and ambitious her writing is. Her fantastic new book brings Elizabeth I’s court to life through two teenage maids, who both have to survive in a treacherous world with no family to protect them.’ said editor Janet Thomas. ‘The way they go from strangers to friends is unforgettable. I’m so excited we’re publishing Eloise again with this extraordinary story.’
Eloise Williams said: ‘I am delighted to be publishing another book with Firefly. My huge thanks to Janet Thomas and Kate Shaw for their cheerleading, expertise and belief in Honesty and Alice. I can’t wait for readers, young and old, to walk into this Elizabethan world.’
The novel is slated for publication in autumn 2022.
