We are so excited to announce that Lauren Gardner has sold world rights for Like a Charm and a second untitled book in a duology by winner of the Waterstones’ Children’s Book Prize and the Blue Peter Book Award, Elle McNicoll to Editorial Director of Knight Of, Eishar Brar!
The first book in a new middle-grade duology, Like a Charm is a beautifully written, compelling magical fantasy story set in Edinburgh, featuring Elle’s trademark compassion and celebration of difference. It will be published on 3rd February 2022, £6.99 paperback original.
When Ramya moves back to Edinburgh, she isn’t looking for an adventure; she just wants to get through school. But she’s soon pulled into her family’s magical secrets, and has her eyes opened to an underground world of unseen mystical creatures. Armed with her late grandfather’s notebooks, she sets out to discover more and comes up against the mysterious and deadly Sirens…
The book will be backed by a creative and ambitious publicity and marketing campaign to include a UK tour, unique display merchandise for bookshops, collaborations with brands and influencer marketing.
Eishar Brar, Editorial Director, Knights Of says:
“From the very first draft, I was absolutely floored by the world Elle has created in Like a Charm; an Edinburgh of hidden magic and lost witches. We are so delighted to be publishing her first duology; I know new and old fans alike will see so much of themselves in Ramya and it’s an added joy that readers can stay with her for more than one book.”
Elle McNicoll says:
“This book is a love letter to readers of A Kind of Spark who wanted to see neurodivergent girls with real magical powers. I loved magical books as a child, and still do now, so to have a neurodivergent heroine in a fantastical world, it meant a lot to me to write. I’m thrilled readers are going to meet Ramya.”
