No place like gnomes: Magic Cat moves for Anna James' cosy fantasy anthology

Magic Cat is to publish Anna James’ “heart-warming” cosy fantasy anthology about gnomes; aimed at ages four to eight, it is the bestselling author’s first foray into books for younger readers.   

Rachel Williams, Magic Cat co-founder and publisher, bought world rights to Cosy Gnomes from Claire Wilson at RCW.

The book will be illustrated by Bulgarian-born and Netherlands-based Mona K, with rights acquired directly. Mona K has previously worked with Magic Cat for Gabby Dawnay’s 5 Minute Story series.

Williams said James “has a unique ability to sprinkle magic on her readers, allowing them to inhabit the worlds in which her characters belong. Her stories are full of whimsy, wonder and fun – and are pitched perfectly for that reassuring read at bedtime”.

Cosy Gnomes is set on the “gnomestead”, a magical miniature farm where a group of hardworking gnomes each play a special role in keeping their world thriving. Characters include Lilac, the gnomestead’s gardener who organises spring planting day; Marigold, who tends the crops and is on the lookout for a very hungry worm; and Peanut, the farm’s tailor, who loves to make and mend.

The publisher said the books would “invite younger readers to discover a cosy land where the sun shines, the bees hum, the flowers bloom and the farmyard is always busy”.  The anthology features seven stories and seven gatefolds, each of which invite a reader to open the front door of a gnome’s house and explore their world.

The stories have “light” educational elements on topics such as planting and harvesting vegetables, pollination, sewing, caring for animals and baking.

James, whose work has been published in 24 languages, has previously written for the middle-grade space, including with her Pages & Co and Chronicles of Whetherwhy series. Her and illustrator Matthew Land’s standalone retelling of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice with a Why, won the 2025 Blackwell’s Children’s Book of the Year. James recently sold her adult debut novel, Good Fortunes, to HQ.

James said: “It has been such a joy to create the world of the gnomestead with Mona, whose art is utterly beautiful. I grew up with stories like Brambly Hedge and the Flower Fairies so I’ve loved coming up with my own whimsical, cosy, miniature world.”

Cosy Gnomes is scheduled for an August 2027 release.