Scholastic UK signs two-book deal with Bethany Walker alongside illustrators Katie Abey and Sophie Kent
Scholastic UK has acquired the rights to two books from Bethany Walker, with illustrators Katie Abey and Sophie Kent. Medusa Gorgon’s Bad Hair Day will be illustrated by Abey, while How to Train Your Teacher will be illustrated by Kent.
Lauren Fortune, Scholastic UK fiction publisher, bought world rights to Medusa Gorgon’s Bad Hair Day from Jo Williamson at Antony Harwood Literary Agency. Aimee Stewart, design manager – illustrated books at Scholastic UK, acquired world rights to the illustrations from Bhavisha Patel at Advocate Art. The book has been edited by Isabella Haigh, junior editor at Scholastic UK.
Sophie Cashell, editorial director – picture books, acquired world rights for Kent’s illustrations in How To Train Your Teacher from Nicky Lander at The Bright Agency.
How to Train Your Teacher will be published in July 2025, with Medusa Gorgon’s Bad Hair Day publishing in August 2025.
Medusa Gorgon’s Bad Hair Day gives readers a glimpse into the doodled diary of young Medusa, who has been banished from Ancient Greece to a modern-day school after angering the Goddess of War.
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How to Train Your Teacher is a “laugh-out-loud” picture book about starting school where roles are reversed, and the children help their teacher get through their first day with funny tips.
How to Train Your Teacher is Walker’s debut picture book, after previously writing middle-grade fiction. She was previously a teacher and educator in museums and galleries. Kent is an upcoming illustrator of picture books who has been highly commended by the Carmelite Prize.
The illustrator of Medusa Gorgon’s Bad Hair Day, Abey, is an award-winning illustrator of 50 books.
Walker said: “I can’t wait for my new books to be out in the world. It’s wonderful to have a picture book with Scholastic, and starting school is such a massive event in a young child’s life, so it feels very special to be publishing a book that introduces school starters to the school day in a funny and warm way.”
Abey added: “This book is such a fresh new way of getting immersed in Greek mythology while bringing humour and adventure. It is proving lots of fun to bring to life visually and I can’t wait for the world to see Medusa in this way.”
Haigh said: “Bethany will have kids laughing out loud as 12-year-old Medusa gets catapulted into a 21st- century school, in this new, fresh and funny illustrated story, inspired by the myth of Medusa… Bethany is a huge talent and we’re so thrilled to be publishing this standout new story by her.”
Kent said: “Working on How to Train Your Teacher was a delightful experience. Bethany’s fun story was such a pleasure to illustrate, and I loved bringing it to life.”
