Studio Press acquire How to Mend a Friend – a ‘heartfelt and hopeful’ picture book from Karl Newson with illustrations by Clara Anganuzzi
Studio Press, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, is excited to announce the acquisition of How to Mend a Friend by Karl Newson with illustrations by Clara Anganuzzi.
World rights were acquired by Frankie Jones, senior commissioning editor, from Emily Talbot on behalf of Jodie Hodges at United Agents and illustration rights were acquired from Amy Milligan at Illo Agency.
How to Mend a Friend will publish in paperback in June 2021. The picture book follows a young child and her menagerie of animal friends as they learn how to support one another during times of sadness in this genuine and positive story.
‘I am delighted to be able to share my story and hope that it will help others to see that just being ‘you’ is as perfect as can be.’
Karl Newson
On the creation and acquisition of this very personal title Karl said: ‘This story was written in the middle of spring 2019, in the middle of my chemotherapy treatment for cancer, when the days were a haze and the future was quite uncertain. Although it was without a doubt one of the darkest times of my life I found myself filled with love and support from all those around me: my partner, friends, family and, of course, the amazing NHS staff who made a very strange and surreal time easier. This story is my ‘Thank You’ to them all for getting me through. I’m thankful to Clara Anganuzzi for bringing my words to life in such a wonderful way, and to my editor Frankie Jones and all at Studio Press for publishing me. I am delighted to be able to share my story and hope that it will help others to see that just being ‘you’ is as perfect as can be.’
‘During recent times we’ve all come to realise what is significant in our lives; friends, family and community … How to Mend a Friend is a heart-warming, important story and it’s been a great joy bringing the story and characters to life.’
Clara Anganuzzi
Illustrator Clara added: ‘During recent times we’ve all come to realise what is significant in our lives; friends, family and community. We’re constantly learning how to care better for the ones who are important to us in different ways. How to Mend a Friend is a heart-warming, important story and it’s been a great joy bringing the story and characters to life.’
‘Karl’s beautiful text will move children and adults alike as they recognise the ways we all need emotional support, whether our heart aches from a broken toy or the loss of a loved one.’
Frankie Jones, Senior Commissioning Editor
Frankie Jones said of the acquisition: ‘How To Mend a Friend is a book filled with hope and heart. Karl’s beautiful text will move children and adults alike as they recognise the ways we all need emotional support, whether our heart aches from a broken toy or the loss of a loved one. Clara’s stunning artwork adds warmth and humour as the reader is transported across landscapes to encounter the menagerie of animals who need a friend at a tough time. We are absolutely delighted to be publishing How to Mend a Friend on the Studio Press list.’
About Karl Newson
Karl Newson is an award-winning children’s book author. He spends his days scribbling story ideas in his notebook or searching for them in the great big world outdoors. Karl was inspired to write his first picture book when his children were small and he’s been writing stories ever since. His stories have been shortlisted for numerous children’s books awards and are translated in over twenty languages around the world. He is also an illustrator of other people’s stories and a writer of nonsense poetry. When he isn’t writing or drawing, he dreams of castles made of books and of rocketing to the moon to watch the world go by. Karl lives in London, with his partner and a forest of pot plants.
About Clara Anganuzzi
Clara Anganuzzi would draw on every surface she could find (including some very unhappy tortoises) whilst growing up in the Seychelles. She has always had a fond love for animals and creating characters with subtle gentle humour. Using a mixture of traditional techniques, ranging from monoprinting to pencil marks, Clara enjoys creating narrative images and a sense of place in limited colour palettes. After studying BA illustration at Falmouth University, she went on to complete a MA Children’s Illustration course at Anglia Ruskin, which helped her gain personal voice, inspiration and motivation.
