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Post Wave snaps up two rhyming picture books from Will Hamilton-Davies
Post Wave Children’s Books has bought two rhyming picture books from previously self-published author Will Hamilton-Davies. Joanna Perdoni, editorial director, and Lily Hawkes, junior editor, acquired world all-language rights to two titles from Mandy Suhr at StoryWise.
The Mole and the Mound (and the House Underground) will be illustrated by Kasia Fryza and publish simultaneously in paperback and hardback in spring 2026, with a further book to follow in spring 2027.
Hamilton-Davies successfully crowdfunded and self-published his debut picture book The Shrew with the Flu, and his latest "offers a laugh-out-loud tale of resilience and acceptance". The synopsis reads: "When Mole’s friends dismiss his mound, they soon realise its true value when a storm leaves them seeking shelter."
Hamilton-Davies said: "Sometimes you meet creatives who seem to finish each other’s sentences, and working with Post Wave on The Mole and The Mound has been exactly that. The intuitive understanding, shared vision and boundless creativity of the team has me ready to run laps around schools and festivals.
"Looking at Kasia’s brilliant illustrations makes me feel the same way. I wanted The Mole and The Mound to inspire young people to explore animal habitats and to unearth what really exists beyond the surface of our soils."
Suhr called Hamilton-Davies a "vibrant and passionate new talent, and what better publishing home for him than a list which is also making its mark as a new and ambitious creative force".
Hawkes said: "The passion and dedication behind Hamilton-Davies’ storytelling captured everyone’s attention, he brings a huge amount of talent, a brilliantly engaging voice and characters that children will adore."
