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Scholastic UK has bought two books from Australian writer Matilda Woods and has sold her debut to 10 territories.
The publisher has sold the “magical literary middle-grade debut” The Boy, The Bird and The Coffin Maker to Australia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Thailand, The Netherlands and USA. The title was published in the UK on 4th May and featured illustrations by Anuska Allepuz.
Lauren Fortune, Scholastic’s UK editorial director, has acquired world rights for two further untitled books by Woods from Polly Nolan at the Greenhouse Literary Agency, publishing in 2018 and 2019.
The tale follows lonely coffin-maker Alberto who lives in the town of Allora “where fish fly out of the sea and everyone knows everybody's business”.
Fortune said: “The Boy, the Bird and the Coffin Maker is a bright gem of a read: heart-breaking but ultimately life-affirming, it celebrates small acts of gentleness and goodness and has a lyrical, fairy-tale tone that gives the story a timeless feel."
She added: "We are very excited about Matilda’s writing career going from strength to strength.”
Emily Landy, Scholastic’s senior rights manager says: “We are thrilled that this incredibly special title is finding its home with so many equally passionate editors across the globe; Matilda Woods has created a truly unique and wonderful world and one that is a joy to share.”
Woods lives in the Southern Tablelands in New South Wales, Australia.