News

We are thrilled to announce that two of our amazing authors and illustrators, Bethan Stevens and Elle McNicoll have made it onto the Waterstones Children's Book Prize Shortlist for 2021!

Hilariously demonstrating that not all fairies are sweetness and light, Stevens’s hugely entertaining picture book sets a hungry goblin on the trail of some foot-stompingly moody sprites.

Deep in the darkest forests, under rustling leaves, live the fairies. You probably think that fairies are good, kind and sweet. Well, a lot of them are. These helpful fairies take care of the forest and they're happy to do it. But I'm sorry to tell you that some of the fairies, particularly the littlest ones, are GRUMPY.

I mean proper grumpy. 
I mean foot-stompy, frowny, bottom-lip-sticking-outy kind of grumpy.
I mean 'it's just one of those days' grumpy.

But these grumpy fairies better watch out. There's a goblin about, and grumpy fairies happen to be a goblin's favourite food...

This wonderful, funny debut will bring a smile to the smallest (and grumpiest) of children.

When Addie decides to memorialise the victims of the historic witch trials that took place in her hometown, she hopes to change the way her neighbours see her. Beautifully judged and peppered with wit and compassion, A Kind of Spark is truly inspirational reading.  

Winner of the Blue Peter Prize for Best Story 2021

A Kid of Spark tells the story of 11-year-old Addie as she campaigns for a memorial in memory of the witch trials that took place in her Scottish hometown. Addie knows there's more to the story of these 'witches', just like there is more to hers.

Can Addie challenge how the people in her town see her, and make her voice heard? A story about friendship, courage and self-belief, perfect for fans of The Goldfish Boy, Addie’s story was born from Elle’s own experiences of neurodiversity and her commitment to seeing greater representation in children’s books.