Books of the Year 2021: Guppy – Nosy Crow
Guppy Books
The first new title Guppy Books is publishing in February 2021 is an extraordinary middle-grade novel, Maggie Blue and the Dark World – a dark, funny, gripping tale of Maggie and talking cat Hoagy, who find themselves entering a parallel world where happiness is being used as a commodity. Thrilling, thought-provoking and incredibly timely, this novel is an astonishing debut which explores the concepts of identity and mental health from a unique perspective. Anna Goodall is a hugely talented new voice in children’s fiction and the friendship between irascible Hoagy and fiercely courageous Maggie is a joy to read. Bella Pearson, Publisher
Hodder Children’s Books
We’re so excited to welcome superstar author Maz Evans. The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife (May) is heartfelt and hilarious, perfect for fans of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. Scarlett Fife is logical, mathematical – but when it comes to her BIG FEELINGS, completely out of control… Scarlett’s in big trouble after a BIG FEELINGS episode leads to a runaway hamster getting into the vicar’s trousers at her aunty’s engagement party. Scarlett notices that every time she pushes her feelings down, something explodes. Like … really, properly explodes. We love this book, the start of a new series – it’s comedy gold, with a timely, important message at its heart, and brilliantly illustrated by rising star Chris Jevons. Rachel Wade, Senior Commissioning Editor
Hot Key (Bonnier)
The House of Hollow (April) by the incredibly talented Krystal Sutherland, is one of the most extraordinary YA horror novels I have read in years. The Hollow sisters are as glamorous as they are seductive, and they are more dangerous than even they themselves know. The darkly twisting narrative literally grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go until you are thrown out, gasping at the other end. We have received advance praise already from Louise O’Neill and Kiran Millwood Hargrave and I cannot wait to share this deliciously serpentine novel more widely. Emma Matthewson, Executive Publisher
Knights Of
I’m excited to be kicking off 2021 with the second middle-grade novel from Elle McNicoll, author of A Kind of Spark. Set in the near future, Show Us Who You Are is beautifully written and so absorbing, with twists and turns that will keep readers gripped. The themes of grief, resilience and true friendship will definitely pull on everyone’s heartstrings. Elle is so committed to accurately representing Neurodivergent characters in her books; once again she’s written a captivating story – this time about a mysterious company that’s creating holograms with AI technology – that all children can see themselves in. Eishar Brar, Editorial Director
Lantana
After a year like 2020, we all need a bit of cheering up.SuperJoe Does NOT Do Cuddles (September) by Michael Catchpool and Emma Proctor follows SuperJoe – superhero in the making – who is convinced he doesn’t need cuddles from his mum. He flies around the neighbourhood rescuing people from escaped tigers, runaway trains and raging rivers, all while battling his nemesis the Grey Shadow. Naturally, he refuses all cuddles. Until one night, when he can’t sleep… Michael and Emma’s brilliantly funny SuperJoe is bound to get children smiling again, while adding some much-needed diversity to the superhero pantheon. Alice Curry, Publisher
Levine Querido
Willow the rabbit is SO shy that she’d rather not leave the abandoned mailbox she calls home. But then a little boy drops a letter into the box, addressed to the moon. Willow is faced with a dilemma; should she try to deliver the letter, even though she’s scared? Which is stronger – her very real fears, or her powerful empathy for another? Shy Willow (February) is the debut of Cat Min, a writer and artist with the incredible visual talent to match her storytelling ability. Cat Min’s lush, expressive watercolours create a welcoming world for all, no matter how shy they are. Arthur Levine, Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Little Island Books
When we are considering a manuscript at Little Island, we ask ourselves: is there a chance that a child who reads this book will, in 20 or 30 years, want to buy it for their own child? Few books clear that bar, but Wolfstongue (May) by Sam Thompson feels like a future classic. It has everything we look for in a book like this: absolutely superb writing, thoughtful ideas interwoven with gripping storytelling, and a sensitive treatment of a child protagonist with depth. We can’t wait for the world to read this brilliant, beautiful book. Matthew Parkinson-Bennett, Publisher
Macmillan Preschool
If there’s a book on my desk to distract me from doing my job, it has to be Ben Newman’s brilliant Snip Snap. Helping to launch Macmillan’s exciting new Preschool list, the story begins with a crocodile and a nasty nip on the tail. Crab is the culprit – loveable for his naughtiness – and chaos soon ensues, brought to life by transforming die-cut pages and non-stop noisy wordplay. But amid all the slapstick humour, true relationships are slowly forming. Ben juggles all of this, yet creates a book that delights in simplicity. I keep coming back for more, and don’t doubt that a host of preschoolers will too. Barry Timms, Publishing Director of Preschool
Macmillan Fiction
Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City is award-winning, record-breaker Rob Biddulph’s first middle-grade novel and, oh boy, it’s a stunner! It is one of those dream books – fresh and funny, exciting and tender. It’s packed with exceptional integrated illustrations throughout and offers perfect escapism for readers of 8+ – don’t we all need a bit of that at the moment.The first in a three-book series, Peanut Jones has creativity in all its forms (art, science, mystery solving) at its heart in this story about a girl who is determined to find her missing dad and bring him home. Sarah Hughes, Associate Publisher
Macmillan Poetry
Wild Child is multi-award winner Dara McAnulty’s first book for children and is illustrated in full colour by Barry Falls.Dara is one of the most exciting nature writers of the moment and in this astonishingly beautiful book he guides us on a multi-sensory walk showing us just how extraordinary and precious the natural world is. It begins in Dara’s own back garden and he takes us on to hills, woods and ponds – pointing out his favourite animals, birds and plants – and all the while explaining migration, life cycles and giving us projects to make at home. Bliss! Gaby Morgan, Editorial Director, Non-fiction and Poetry
Macmillan Picture Books
I can’t wait for young readers to enjoy award-winning Gemma Merino’s The Dragon Who Didn’t Like Fire. We all know that dragons love breathing fire and flying, but hate water. So what’s a young dragon to do when she finds she can swim like a fish, and it feels … amazing! I love this story about difference and acceptance, being true to yourself, and family love. It’s also very funny, and full of gorgeous, witty details to discover. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a small dragon in a crash helmet? It is a big-hearted joy from start to finish. Hannah Ray, Publishing Director, Picture Books
Macmillan Non-Fiction
Of all the exciting new voices to arise in 2020, none could be more impactful than that of Marcus Rashford – England International footballer, child food poverty advocate and real-life superhero – who is committed to inspiring real and positive change in children. And Marcus’s debut does just that.You Are a Champion is an empowering guide for tweens on mental resilience, grit and positive mindset, showing children everywhere how to be their own champion, and crucially champion others as well. Written with journalist Carl Anka and filled with infographics and illustration, this is the positive, uplifting manual for life that all kids need.Cate Augustin, Editor, Fiction and Non-Fiction
Michael O’Mara
We’re so excited to be publishing the hilarious Does a Bear Poo in the Woods? by debut picture book author Jonny Leighton and bestselling illustrator Mike Byrne. This is the story of Barry the shy bear – all he wants is a private place to poo, but he just can’t find a spot to get away from the prying eyes of the other woodland animals. A laugh-out-loud, rhyming tale filled with side-splitting illustrations and a surprise ending, children and parents alike will love reading about this universally popular topic. Susannah Bailey, Publisher
Nosy Crow
Published in collaboration with the British Museum, A History of the World in 25 Cities by Tracey Turner and Andrew Donkin, illustrated by Libby VanderPloeg, is a gorgeously illustrated big book of maps that explores how people have shaped cities and how cities have shaped history. From Jericho over 10,000 years ago to the modern-day metropolises of Tokyo and San Francisco, travel the world and city-hop through pivotal moments in history. Featuring vibrant artwork and 25 unique and carefully researched maps, discover what life was really like for the people that lived there. Stunningly original, child-friendly and full of intriguing information, this is an absolute treasure trove of facts and illustration that will inform and delight readers of all ages. Rachel Kellehar, Head of Non-Fiction
