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Fearne Cotton will write her first children’s book for Andersen Press which encourages toddlers to copy the characters' yoga poses.
The TV and radio presenter is also a “renowned yoga enthusiast” and her picture book, Yoga Babies, will be published on 7th September with illustrations by Sheena Dempsey. World rights were acquired by Charlie Sheppard at Andersen, from Rowan Lawton at Furniss Lawton agency.
The title features a group of “loveable yogi pre-schoolers” and the illustrations feature a range of poses which the characters try. An Andersen Press spokesman said: “As children are being read the book, they can either have a go at copying the poses or simply enjoy the story and spot the funny details in the pictures.”
Sheppard told The Bookseller: "We are thrilled that Fearne has chosen to work with Andersen Press on her first children's book. She has brought to us an idea and text which chime with the values Andersen Press holds dear - that books for kids should be fun, interactive and engaging. We are also indebted to Sheena Dempsey for the ways in which she has brought Fearne's vision to life. I now can't wait for children everywhere to meet these gorgeous Yoga Babies."
Cotton said: “One of my favourite times of day is cuddling up with my kids at bed time for a snuggle and a read. Yoga Babies combines the joy of reading with my love for yoga, which I like to practise with my children at home. Yoga is such a wonderful activity for all the family and has a hugely calming impact all round. It’s great for coordination as well as health and wellbeing. I hope that Yoga Babies is enjoyed by parents as well as kids and that the book brings lots of joy and fun.”
The text and illustrations in Yoga Babies by Fearne Cotton have been approved by a qualified yoga instructor, Marta Simonetti. She said: "Yoga Babies wasn’t written as a ‘how-to’ guide, but a fun piece of fiction, where you can supervise your children to try out these poses. I’m thrilled that yoga can be positioned in a fun and inclusive way that is encouraging more people to start practising yoga.”
Cotton has written three books previously which were published by Orion. The bestselling Cook Happy Cook Healthy was published last year and the follow-up will be published this June. Happy, which draws on the presenter’s experiences and offers "a practical guide on how we can help ourselves feel more joy” came out last month.
Cotton has been presenting television since she was talent spotted by ITV's "Disney Club" at the age of 15, including Top of the Pops and the Red Nose Day telethons. She was at Radio 1 for a decade, where she hosted prime time slots including the UK Top 40 show and the Live Lounge.
Dempsey recently illustrated for Dave Pigeon (Faber Children's) which was written by Swapna Haddow and shortlisted for the Sainsbury's Children's Book Award 2016.
Cotton has previously published two cookbooks with Orion and a wellbeing title called Happy.