Simon Trewin

Jonathan Cape is delighted to have acquired World English Language rights to a new novel by Andrew Motion titled RETURN TO TREASURE ISLAND and will publish in Spring 2012. The novel was bought from Simon Trewin at United Agents. Random House US and Random House Canada will publish at the same time as Cape. Random House Children’s Books will publish their own edition alongside the Vintage paperback in 2013.

At the end of Stevenson’s classic novel Treasure Island several pirates are left marooned on the island, much of the loot is left in situ, and Long John Silver survives… leaving Andrew Motion to pick up the story a generation on. Jim Junior is living with his father in a pub on the Thames outside London where he is visited by a woman who turns out to be Long John Silver’s only daughter. She convinces Jim Junior to steal the original map of Treasure Island from his father and go on a trip organised by Silver so they can find the remains of the treasure and Jim can make a name for himself in his own right. Motion’s Return to Treasure Island promises arduous journeys, terrifying pirates, kidnappings, battles and dramatic storms, resulting in an enthralling story that is sure to become a classic in itself.

Andrew Motion said: ‘Treasure Island is itself a treasure trove, and has long been a particular favourite. In my own book I want to create a world that is sympathetic to the original, but packed with its own adventure, excitement and pathos’.

Dan Franklin, publisher at Jonathan Cape, said: ‘Andrew Motion’s sequel to Treasure Island is an extraordinary bit of literary ventriloquism. Anyone who loved Stevenson’s original will fall on this book with cries of delight. Indeed, I don’t think I have seen such enthusiasm for a book proposal from every department of the company.’

Simon Trewin at United Agents said ‘Stevenson’s original novel lives on in the imaginations of generations of readers and I feel certain Andrew’s astonishing sequel will achieve a similar longevity’.

Jessica Craig and Jane Willis at United Agents will be handling foreign rights and Charles Walker is handling film rights for the book.

Andrew Motion was born in 1952. He read English at University College, Oxford and subsequently spent two years writing about the poetry of Edward Thomas for an M. Litt. From 1976 to 1980 he taught English at the University of Hull; from 1980 to 1982 he edited the Poetry Review and from 1982 to 1989 he was Editorial Director and Poetry Editor at Chatto & Windus. He is currently Professor of Creative Writing at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and lives in London. Andrew Motion was appointed as Poet Laureate in May 1999 and was knighted in 2009.

For further information please contact Chloë Johnson-Hill, Publicity Director, Jonathan Cape on 020 7840 8490 or cjohnson-hill@randomhouse.co.uk

David Fickling Books is delighted to announce the publication of a new children’s novel from John Boyne, NOAH BARLEYWATER RUNS AWAY. The book will be illustrated by award winning artist Oliver Jeffers. The deal, which was agented by me at United Agents, is for World English Language rights.

Pictured with John Boyne  (from left to right) at the Bologna Book Fair are Bella Pearson (Fickling Books), me (!) and Jane Willis (Head of Children’s Rights at United Agents). Jane has already secured deals/offers from upwards of 16 publishers in the last thirty-six hours.

NOAH BARLEYWATER RUNS AWAY is an enchanting story about a boy who runs away from home one morning deep into a forest. At the heart of the forest he discovers a small puppet shop, owned by an old man who has a host of stories to tell.

NOAH BARLEYWATER RUNS AWAY will be published by David Fickling Books on 29^th September 2010.

John Boyne comments, ‘I’m excited to publish my second children’s book, NOAH BARLEYWATER RUNS AWAY, this autumn and to be re-teaming with David Fickling and Random House Children’s Books on the novel. It’s a very different book to THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS – more fairytale than fable – with a mystery at the centre and a surprise at the end. I am a huge fan of Oliver’s work, and when we decided to illustrate the book, he was the person I wanted to do it. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed the act of writing a book more than this one.’

David Fickling comments, ‘NOAH BARLEYWATER RUNS AWAY is a wonderful adventure part humorous part moving and a thoroughly traditional story from end to end, warm and inventive and satisfyingly written. At the heart of the story is an idea that looks at something familiar in an entirely original way. John Boyne’s readers will remember that he has the wonderful ability to do just that. Oliver Jeffers’ illustrations are the icing on the cake.’

Simon Trewin, from United Agents, comments, ‘John has excelled himself with this wonderful new book and Noah Barleywater  will swiftly cement himself as a firm favourite in the canon of children’s characters worldwide.’

John Boyne is the multi award-winning author of the bestselling THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS, which was first published by David Fickling Books in 2006. It was made into an award-winning film starring Vera Farmiga and David Thewlis and published in 42 languages in 50 countries, with sales of over 5 million copies. John is also the author of several adult novels.

Oliver Jeffers is an internationally acclaimed author/ illustrator. His first picture book, How to Catch a Star (HarperCollins) was published in 2004 and since then he has created a further five picture books to much critical acclaim including, Lost & Found (HarperCollins), which has also been made into a BAFTA award winning animation. He has won the Irish Book Award (where he first met John), the Blue Peter Book of the Year and the Nestle Children’s Book Prize as well as a host of shortlistings including the prestigious, Kate Greenaway Medal.  His books have been translated into 19 languages with sales of over 1.6 million worldwide.

 For media enquiries – please contact Clare Hall-Craggs tel: 020 8231 6412 email clarehallcraggs@randomhouse.co.uk

For foreign rights sales – please contact Jane Willis at United Agents tel: 020 8231 0892 jwillis@unitedagents.co.uk

For film enquiries – please contact St John Donald at United Agents sdonald@unitedagents.co.uk

I am going to this tonight at the Lyric Hammersmith and I am actually scared.