This Super Thursday, take a look at what’s publishing across our children’s and adult imprints…
Children’s
An Encyclopedia of Strategy for Fortniters by Jason R Rich, Studio Press
A full-colour, easy-to-read, unofficial reference tool that explains – from “A” to “Z” – everything players need to know in order to consistently win matches and successfully control their characters.
This book is a must-read guide and the perfect gift for every Fortnite: Battle Royale player.
This book is packed with tips and strategies – I’ve learnt so much from being the editor on the project. It’s full of detail, easy to follow and navigate through with its A-Z format, and complete with full-colour screenshots. Fortnite fans are going to love it!
-Kirsty Walters, Managing Editor, Studio Press
The Atlas of Heroes by Sandra Lawrence and Stuart Hill, Big Picture Press
Cultures all over the world have great heroes and heroines whose exploits have made them the stuff of legend. In this wondrously illustrated atlas, explore some of the great figures of mythology and their incredible exploits. From Heracles of Greece, to Maui of the Pacific, to the Empress Jingu of Japan, The Atlas of Heroes is full of fascinating stories of bravery and cunning.
This brilliant book follows the publication of the excellent Atlas of Monsters last October and is perfect for children (or adults) with curious minds.
The idea partly came about because we wanted to make a book that felt like a collection of beautiful old maps (because, let’s face it, who hasn’t dreamed of stumbling across an ancient manuscript in a dusty attic.) The other reason we made these titles is because we’re a bit obsessed with mythology in Big Picture Press – the stories and characters you encounter are so rich. Every society in the world has heroes in their myths and legends. Some, like Heracles, are famous for pure brute strength, while others, like Mulan from China, are heroes because they break the rules of society. This is a book of wonderful myths and sometimes surprising folk heroes from all over the world. Stuart Hill’s superb illustrations make this a thing of beauty, while Sandra Lawrence’s tales of wise women and fierce fighters will fascinate anyone entangled in these pages!
-Katie Haworth, Editorial Director, Templar Publishing
The Mighty Mince Pie Massacre by Mark Lowery, Piccadilly Press
The sixth book in Mark Lowery’s hilarious and anarchic Roman Garstang Adventure series, which includes other epic stories such as Revenge of the Spaghetti Hoops and Attack of the Woolly Jumper.
In this adventure, it is the month before Christmas, and Roman’s class is preparing for the Christmas fete and the school pantomime. The new teacher at the helm – the awful Mr Le Salle, a flamboyant, theatrical and downright nasty piece of work – is the least of Roman’s worries. He also has to contend with the most rubbish role in the panto (being a box) as well as organising the Santa’s grotto stall at the Christmas fete with loose cannon Darren Gamble. As the panto nears, it seems that everything that could possibly go wrong is about to. It is left to Roman to save the panto and the day…
In this wonderfully Christmassy adventure we see Roman endure a Christmas show featuring a Raisin King and his raisin subjects, some unexpected (and quite festive) beard growth and possibly the most enormous mince pie fight ever recorded. This is such a gloriously fun and madcap story – Mark Lowery never fails to deliver with his Roman Garstang books. He is such a marvellously funny writer and will have both kids and parents in stitches with his brilliantly irreverent storytelling and jokes.
-Georgia Murray, Commissioning Editor, Children’s Fiction
Young adult
Women in Battle by Marta Breen & Jenny Jordahl – Hot Key Books
This Super Thursday, Hot Key Books brings you Women in Battle. Spanning 150 years of recent history, this graphic novel celebrates the fight for women’s rights all over the world. From the suffragette movement and female world leaders, to gay marriage and #MeToo.
Freedom. Equality. Sisterhood.
Women in Battle is the book for anyone who wants to learn as much as possible about the history of feminism in as short a time as possible.
We could not be more proud to be publishing Women in Battle – a more timely than every narrative of the 150 year fight for votes for women and the broader fight for rights and freedom. It is impassioned, direct and in its graphic novel format, immensely compelling. Equality and freedom for all is more important than ever. We think this is a vital read for men and women, adults and children.
-Emma Matthewson, Publishing Director, Children’s Fiction
Charmcaster (PB) and Soulbinder (HB) by Sebastien de Castell – Hot Key Books
The third and fourth books in the page-turning Spellslinger fantasy series. Extending the magical world de Castell has created, Charmcaster and Soulbinder take readers to new cities and offer a glimpse into new cultures and societies.
Perfect for fans of The Dark Tower, Firefly, Guardians of the Galaxy, Terry Pratchett, Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher.
I was completely charmed by Charmcaster, a twisty, tricksy story of magic and machines, where Kellen is shown the danger of jumping to conclusions, and the stakes – war is brewing across the continent – are high. I loved every surprise, and seeing Kellen starting to learn from his mistakes.
Soulbinder takes Kellen to the Ebony Abbey, a legendary haven for shadowblacks, where, without Reichis and Ferius, he has to manage alone or rely on untried new friends. This book is the first in the Spellslinger series to have made me cry – I can’t wait for more.
-Talya Baker, Desk Editor, Zaffre
Adult
The Tattooist of Auschwitz (paperback) by Heather Morris, Zaffre and Echo
Super Thursday sees the paperback publication of one of this year’s biggest books, The Tattooist of Auschwitz. The book has sold three quarters of a million copies worldwide since January. Rights have been sold in 32 countries and a major TV deal has just been signed.
A life-affirming, courageous and unforgettable story.
What makes this book so memorable is Lale Sokolov’s zest for life. His story is an example of the very best of humanity in the very worst of circumstances. We are very proud to have published The Tattooist of Auschwitz alongside our Australian sister imprint Echo Publishing.
-Kate Parkin, Managing Director of Adult Trade Publishing, Bonnier Books UK
One Enchanted Evening by Anton du Beke, Zaffre
The King of Ballroom and Strictly Come Dancing royalty, Anton du Beke is one of this generation’s most loved all-round entertainers and now he’s ventured into writing, his childhood ambition, with his first historical fiction novel, One Enchanted Evening.
An excellent storyteller, Anton captivates audiences on the screen and now in writing, as he takes readers away to a world of dance, intrigue, high society and scandal… bringing the golden age of dance to life, page by page.
Anton has been enchanting us for years on the dancefloor and now it’s time to bring his storytelling talent to the world. He’s as charming and creative off stage as he is on it and we could not be more excited to be publishing One Enchanted Evening. I guarantee it will sweep you off your feet!’
-Eleanor Dryden, Publishing Director, Zaffre
A Better Me by Gary Barlow, Blink Publishing
In this extraordinarily honest memoir, Gary tells of his journey back to professional success, as well as mental and physical health. A Better Me is a remarkably frank account of Gary’s life as he battled with his demons, endured personal tragedy, and staged one of the most thrilling professional comebacks in decades. In his warm, witty and authentic voice, Gary recounts his story with compelling insight, captivating sincerity and a human side that people rarely see.
Working with Gary has been a truly great and interesting experience and we were both aware going in to this the pressure to deliver something more than the usual celebrity memoir fare. I think Gary has delivered that in spades with A Better Me. In my mind memoir can be one of the truly great literary forms and some of the best ever books such as Maya Angelou’s I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings have at their very least been inspired by true events. But these books only ever really work if the author is honest, painfully so at times, but it’s that honesty that can touch people. It makes for a book that’s read years after it’s originally published. And with Gary, you have one of the best ever comeback stories and who doesn’t love that?
-Natalie Jerome, Acquisitions Director and Publisher, Bonnier Books UK
Widows (film tie-in) by Lynda La Plante, Zaffre
The groundbreaking thriller from the Queen of Crime Drama and the basis for Steve McQueen’s upcoming major motion picture, starring Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki and Cynthia Erivo.
Widows is a fast-paced heist thriller with an all female cast you won’t forget.
If you like nail-biting crime novels, there is nothing better than Lynda La Plante’s brilliant first novel Widows.
-Claire Johnson-Creek, Desk Editor, Zaffre
The Greatest Showman – The Official Companion To The Hit Film by Signe Bergstrom, Blink Publishing
The Greatest Showman comes to life in this lavish and beautiful behind-the-scenes book, featuring stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams and Zendaya. Find out all you have ever wanted to know about the film through never-before-seen concept art, original cast and crew interviews, stunning photography and beautifully reproduced lyrics to the show-stopping tunes.
With a foreword from the film’s director, Michael Gracey, The Greatest Showman – The Official Companion is the perfect way to celebrate this blockbuster musical and makes the perfect gift for fans.
The Greatest Showman is a beautifully designed official companion with original cast and crew interviews, reproduced lyrics and absolutely stunning photography! I love how the never-before-seen concept art brings to life the incredible story of P.T. Barnum and reading how the cast and crew put together an extraordinary musical is the perfect way to enter this wonderful world again and again!
-Madiya Altaf, Editorial Assistant, Blink Publishing
A House of Ghosts by W. C. Ryan, Zaffre
This Thursday, Zaffre is publishing W.C. Ryan’s unrelentingly gripping mystery with a classic feel, A House of Ghosts. It’s And Then There Were None meets The Silent Companions and makes for the perfect chilling read this winter.
Winter 1917. As the First World War enters its most brutal phase, back home in England, everyone is seeking answers to the darkness that has seeped into their lives.
At Blackwater Abbey, on an island off the Devon coast, Lord Highmount has arranged a spiritualist gathering to contact his two sons who were lost in the conflict. But as his guests begin to arrive, it gradually becomes clear that each has something they would rather keep hidden. Then, when a storm descends on the island, the guests will find themselves trapped. Soon one of their number will die. For Blackwater Abbey is haunted in more ways than one . . .
We are delighted to be launching A House of Ghosts by the wonderful W.C. Ryan. This is a classic haunted house mystery with a twist, set at the end of WW1, hugely entertaining and evocative, and gorgeously packaged as a spooky Halloween or Christmas gift.
-Margaret Stead, Publishing Director, Zaffre
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2 by Paul Joynson-Hicks & Tom Sullam, Blink Publishing
Following the runaway success of 2017’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, Award founders Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam return with the best – as well as some never-before-seen – photographs of wildlife ever printed. Penguins going to church; monkeys riding a motorcycle; a wide-eyed, outraged seal – this is a must-have Xmas gift and a toadly perfect book for animal lovers of all stripes.
Comedy Wildlife is the perfect mix of brilliantly captured photos and hilarious captions, making the most heartwarming book for animal lovers and anyone who wants a good laugh!
-Beth Eynon, Editor, Blink Publishing
Tweet us @bonnierbooks_uk if you read any of our Super Thursday publications!
