Penny Thomas, publisher at award-winning children’s and YA publisher Firefly Press, has acquired World rights to This is Just to Say by Sarah Ziman.
This funny and hugely entertaining collection of poems explores communication in all its written forms, from Post-it notes, letters, texts and emails to reviews and classified ads. Featuring a mix of modern, historical and fairytale figures, this collection includes creative poems such as a letter from Hansel and Gretel’s dentist, a radio transcript between Neil Armstrong and NASA and a TripAdvisor review from The Princess and the Pea.
This is Just to Say will be illustrated by popular children’s author Becka Moor.
Sarah Ziman said: I realised I had the basis of this collection without actually trying – that time as a child spent writing thank-you letters and being a pen pal to a best friend who’d moved away obviously laid the foundations for a lot of my poetry! Expanding into other forms of communication only made it MORE fun – I hope people enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Editor Lucy Mohan said: ‘Sarah has crafted something creative, fun and highly original, featuring multiple-choice style poems, to-do lists, secret codes and more! This is poetry as you’ve never seen it before, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.’
This is Just to Say is due to be delivered to bookshops in April 2027.
Penny Thomas, publisher at award-winning independent Firefly Press, has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to middle-grade debut The Secret Lambby Alyson Williams, from Lucy Irvine at Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency Ltd.
The novel, by debut author and NHS psychotherapist Alyson Williams, follows the story of ten-year-old Gwenni Morgan, who is injured in the Aberfan disaster that kills her younger brother Bryn and best friend Diane.
Five months later, consumed by survivors’ guilt and struggling to connect with the adults around her, Gwenni finds comfort in her new friend Ivor, and the orphan lamb, Betsy, whom they rescue.
But caring for Betsy is no easy task – especially with journalists from Cardiff sneaking around the village, mean-girl Mary sticking her nose into Gwenni’s business, and, worst of all, Gwenni’s own nan hot on the warpath against all sheep!
While The Secret Lambis fictional, the character of Gwenni Morgan is inspired by Gaynor Madgwick, one of the Pantglas children who left the school alive on that terrible day. Gaynor, who has written a non-fiction book for adults about the disaster, is a frequent public speaker, and has given Alyson permission to use some of her memories in this story for children.
She said: ‘Alyson’s book is a beacon of light and hope to young people suffering the effects of trauma in their lives.’
Author Alyson Williams said: ‘Choosing to write about the Aberfan disaster was a serious decision and not one I took lightly. I was inspired to go ahead by Gaynor’s confidence in me.
‘I hope the story allows today’s children to bear witness to what the community suffered and to find in Gwenni Morgan an example of strength and resilience that can influence their own lives.’
Publisher Penny Thomas said: ‘The Secret Lamb is a simple but powerful story set in the aftermath of one of the most terrible UK disasters in living memory. It is a privilege and a responsibility to be able to publish this novel, which manages to be at once heartbreaking, heartwarming, and even at times humorous, while aiming to remain true to the memories that created it.
‘There are already books for adults on this subject, but The Secret Lamb, with its talented storytelling and believable characters provides an empathetic and accessible way for children to encounter these unforgettable events that are so sadly part of our recent history.’
And agent Lucy Irvine said: ‘Alyson has a rare gift to be able to write about such a tragic and difficult subject matter in a genuinely child-friendly and accessible way. It has been such a privilege to work with her on The Secret Lamb, and to find it a home with Penny and Firefly. I hope readers can find strength and ultimately hope in Gwenni’s story.’
Penny Thomas, publisher at award-winning children’s and YA publisher Firefly Press, has acquired World rights to Shelby and O’Hare: Pop Went the Weasel by Emer Stamp from James Catchpole at The Catchpole Agency.
If you go down to the woods today … don’t expect a picnic!
Frank Weasel has come to a decidedly sticky end, and it’s up to rookie Sergeant Shelby and her less-than-enthusiastic new boss Detective O’Hare to crack the case. She’s bursting with energy. All he wants is a nap … or to get on with his knitting. Can this unlikely pair put aside their differences, follow the clues and work out why Frank went … pop?
Emer Stamp said: ‘What could be more thrilling than loving a genre of fiction and then having the chance to write one of your own? To ask if I am a fan of detective fiction, would be like asking the wonderful Raymond Chandler’s iconic creation, Private Investigator Phillip Marlow, if he enjoys a glass of whisky at the end of a long, hard-boiled day. It has been a true joy working on this book. I can’t wait to see it out in the wild.’
Editor, Lucy Mohan said: ‘Emer has written such a fun and addictive story, with illustrations that really “pop”. We can’t wait for readers to meet the residents of the Wylde Woods and join Sergeant Shelby and Detective O’Hare as they hunt down the clues in this vibrant, clever and twisty mystery!’
James Catchpole said: ‘Aesop’s hare and tortoise have been crying out for the good cop-bad cop treatment ever since he wrote it, 2500 years ago. It’s only surprising that this low-hanging fruit has been left on the branch so long! Emer has plucked it with gusto.’
Shelby and O’Hare: Pop Went the Weasel is due to land in bookshops Spring 2027.
Penny Thomas, Publisher at award-winning children’s and YA publisher Firefly Press, has acquired World rights to Wish Seekersa magical sequel to Flame Chasers by Julie Pike, from Jo Williamson at Anthony Harwood Literacy Agency.
Book one, Flame Chasers was described as, ‘an exquisite story that burns brightly,’ by Times children’s reviewer Lucy Bannerman who made it a Times Children’s Book of the Week, adding, ‘It sizzles with imagination. Impossible Creatures was the hit that everyone was chasing last year, but this magical adventure feels like a sparky younger sibling to Katherine Rundell’s bestseller.’
And Wish Seekers, which boasts a stunning cover from David Dean (above), soars higher with the story of the golden flamebirds, whose magical tail feathers grant the bearer their heart’s desire.
Ember’s hometown of Bright Beacon is under threat. The peace magic protecting everyone has vanished and powerful King Morbius, hungry for wishes, is threatening them all. In a desperate bid to save their home and families, Ember and Stanley sail for the west, searching for the golden flamebirds to make another wish.
But on the high seas they must pit their wits against deadly leftover magic and escape their pursuers. The flame chasers have become the chased! If Ember cannot find the secret of wishmaking fast, they can never go home again.
On Wish Seekers, Firefly publisher Penny Thomas said: ‘We just love the exuberantly colourful and magical world Julie creates in this series. The perilous island adventures bring to mind Prince Caspian, combined with many fairytales of mythical creatures and being careful what you wish for!’
Julie Pike said: Whenever I visit schools, children tell me they believe a wish can solve every problem. It got me thinking. What if a wish sometimes makes things worse? That’s exactly what Ember and Stanley and I have been finding out together. It’s been a huge thrill to return to Bright Beacon and to soar once more with the golden flamebirds.
The book is slated for publication in February 2027.
Indie children’s publisher Firefly Press has sold German and Danish rights in its forthcoming funny middle-grade title A Werewolf Ate My Homework by author-illustrator Emily Snape.
The German rights for A Werewolf Ate My Homework and follow-up title A Vampire Blocked My Toilet have been acquired by Munich-based Carl Hanser Verlag, following a competitive three-way auction, while Danish rights have been acquired by Gads.
Hanser Editor, Stefanie Beck said: ‘I was already on my way to vacation and just wanted to take a quick glance at the manuscript – when the plane landed, I had read the whole text and knew that A Werewolf Ate My Homework was the new middle-grade series we were looking for! Emily Snape just created the perfect combination of humour (Asher is a hilarious narrator, and there are so many quirky details), monsters (all-time favourites!), fun illustrations and more profound topics like blended families and boy-girl-friendships. We are convinced that readers – bookworms as well as more reluctant ones – are going to love it.’
Firefly Editor, Hayley Fairhead said: ‘We are delighted that A Werewolf Ate My Homework has found a home in both Germany and Denmark. This is a very nice deal and Werewolf was our most requested title at the Bologna Children’s Book fair; we’ve had strong interest across the board from our translation partners. This series is a fabulous combination of hilarious and heartwarming and it’s no surprise that Asher, Luca and Helga have won hearts away from home.’
About the book:
When Asher thinks he sees his future stepbrother’s werewolf reflection in the mirror, he races to tell his mum before they all become a midnight snack. But Mum doesn’t believe Luca is a werewolf, not after all the fibs Asher’s been telling.
Together with his banana-loving, werewolf-obsessed frenemy Helga, Asher must collect the evidence he needs to prove he’s right. But it turns out it’s not quite that easy…
Snape’s fresh and funny illustrations bring the humour to life on every page
Accessible diary-style format
Perfect for reluctant readers
First in series
Filled with hilarious moments and hair-raising mishaps
For fans of Tom Gates and Diary of a Wimpy Kid
A Werewolf Ate My Homework is due to prowl into UK bookshops in September 2026.
‘Accessible, funny and filled with familiar family antics, this gripping madcap fantasy adventure will have kids howling with laughter.’Jen Carney
‘I howled with laughter. Kept me guessing until the very end.’Jonathan Meres
News that Yoto Carnegie winner The Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Roshas been included in the Hay Festival’s ‘The Pleasure List’ alongside the likes of Charlotte Brontë, J. R. R. Tolkien and Charles Dickens has been welcomed with delight by its Welsh publisher and publisher.
Hay Festival announced ‘The Pleasure List’, a crowd-sourced selection of adult reading recommendations today (Thursday) to celebrate the many joys to be found in fiction.
Run in partnership with the National Year of Reading 2026, The Pleasure List campaign encourages reading for pleasure in adults, sharing the most un-put-downable books.
Made up of 39 titles – to mark the Festival’s 39th year – the selection offers a range of inspiration for readers of all ages, from literary classics to #BookTok bestsellers, capturing a broad mix of genres with fantasy, crime and romance all making a strong showing.
And amongst the likes of Charlotte Brontë, J. R. R. Tolkien and Charles Dickens is Manon Steffan Ros’ The Blue Book of Nebo (Firefly Press, 2022) originally published in Welsh as Llyfr Glas Nebo (Y Lolfa).
Welcoming the news Manon Steffan Ros said: ‘What an honour to have The Blue Book of Nebo featured on The Pleasure List! It’s a novel that’s very close to my heart. I really wanted to write something that was short and easy to read but had some emotional impact, so having this kind of acknowledgement means a great deal to me. I’m looking forward to adding the other books on The Pleasure List to my TBR pile!’
And Firefly publisher Penny Thomas said: ‘It’s a huge honour to have a title included on this stellar list. We’re beyond delighted that readers have enjoyed The Blue Book of Nebo in this way and would like to congratulate the author, Manon Steffan Ros. We’d also like to thank the Welsh Books Council who have supported this title in both languages, with such fantastic results. Firefly is committed to publishing reading for pleasure so this is a very proud day for us.’
‘A staggering novel – a tender, tragic, post-apocalyptic story, told with great simplicity and power.’ Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian
‘Simply wonderful. Beautifully written, conceived and observed. A story infused with warning and sober hope.’ Nicola Davies
‘A gentle, yet powerful read about how we live and what we pay attention to.’ The Irish Times
A prize-winner in three categories of the 2019 Wales Book of the Year Award and Winner of the 2018 National Eisteddfod Prose Medal when originally published by Y Lolfa as Llyfr Glas Nebo, The Blue Book of Nebois a spellbinding and minutely observed story of Dylan and his mother who survive the year ‘The End’ comes.
Isolated in their lonely hillside home near Nebo in north Wales, with no idea what has happened to the world they knew before it was destroyed in a devastating attack, mother and son begin to confide their experiences, memories and secrets in a notebook – the Blue Book of Nebo.
What unfolds is a compelling and intimate account of what is left behind when everyday 21st century life vanishes; and a changing relationship as Dylan grows up in a world like no other, where he must protect his small family, and still keep his own secrets.
