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 29th 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
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