Oxford Children’s signs The Glamorous Grandmas by Jodie Lancet-Grant
Oxford Children’s has acquired The Glamorous Grandmas, an “irreverent, queer-friendly and fun-filled” picture book from Jodie Lancet-Grant, the author of The Pirate Mums and associate publisher at Bluebird, Pan Macmillan.
Publisher Katie Haworth acquired world text rights from Anwen Hoosen at Bird Literary Agency and Emma Drage at Oxford Children’s acquired world illustration rights from Georgia Tournay-Godfrey at The Bright Agency. Dutch, Spanish and Catalan co-editions have so far been confirmed.
Partly influenced by the author’s time working with street artist Banksy, The Glamorous Grandmas “explores the power of art to open minds and the importance of diverse depictions of older generations”, the publisher says.
Due to be published in June 2026 to coincide with Pride Month, The Glamorous Grandmas tells the story of a dull town where everyone looks, thinks and dresses the same. Archie’s two grandmas attract attention (and not always the right kind) everywhere they go, with their love for extravagant hats, rock ’n’ roll and unusual outfits. When a new art gallery opens in town, the grandmas seize the opportunity to bring some colour and excitement to their drab town.
As part of a PR and marketing campaign to support publication, Oxford Children’s will collaborate with The Together Project, a charity committed to improving intergenerational relationships, on a joint programme of events and resources to bring children and care-home residents together.
Lancet-Grant, said: “I adored my real-life Glamorous Grandma Jo, so it has been a joy to fictionalise her in my new book. Depictions of cool, colourful older people in kids’ books are rare – queer ones, even less so – so I’m delighted to be redressing that balance, as well as highlighting how great art can open minds and drive acceptance. My grandma taught me many things: that it’s okay to be different, the importance of family and never to be afraid of a flamboyant outfit.”
Illustrator Rose Gerrard said: “I loved illustrating this fun story, because I got to research fabulous outfits for inspiration and draw cheeky, art-loving characters. As the story has art at its core, I wanted to create illustrations with bright, bold colours and lots of hand-painted textures to match the colourful text.”
Emma Drage, senior commissioning editor at Oxford Children’s, commented: “It’s been a joy to work with Jodie and Rose to create such a stylish and fun-filled picture book. Inspired by Jodie’s very own glamorous grandmother, this is a joyful tale about two grandmas who aren’t like everyone else, and the power of art to open hearts and mind.”
Tom Ashton-Booth, senior designer at Oxford Children’s, added: “Working with Rose was a dream. Her artwork is lush and full of detail, and she injected the extra pizzazz and glam that we were after.”
