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S&S is to publish an illustrated gift book by nature writer and conservationist Simon Barnes next year.
The History of the World in 100 Animals will feature illustrations by Frann Preston-Gannon, winner of the Waterstones Children's Gift of the Year 2018 for I am the Seed that Grew the Tree (Nosy Crow).
Helen Mackenzie Smith, picture books editorial director, bought world rights in the text from Georgina Capel at Georgina Capel Associates and world rights to the illustrations from Jodie Hodges at United Agents.
Mackenzie Smith said: "We are absolutely delighted to be bringing Simon’s extraordinary, brilliant book to a younger audience, and we could not have wished for a more perfect illustrator than Frann Preston-Gannon. This captivating, fascinating, beautiful book will be the must-have gift for children next Christmas."
The synopsis describes the book as "a powerful and fascinating insight into the 100 animals – from the mosquito to the blue whale – that have had the biggest influence on humanity through the ages. The new book for children, inspired by the adult book of the same name (S&S, October 2020), combines enthralling facts and Preston-Gannon’s bold and beautiful artwork, with the result promising to be an irresistible and highly giftable book depicting the way that animals have shaped our history".
Barnes' latest book, Rewild Yourself (S&S), is currently the Waterstones non-fiction book of the month. The History of the World in 100 Animals will be published in October 2021.