If, like me, you have been worrying about the future, you’ll be pleased to know that we have plenty of new and upcoming titles that might give you something new to think about.
We’re publishing some new children’s books about imaginative adventures in the rain as well as adventures in learning new languages, plus a new collection of LGBT themed poems about Scottish myths.
Our anthology of poems about the future, Everything That Can Happen, contains poems about new technologies, political predictions, and hopes for personal futures. We’re also having a launch party for the this book next week in London – read on below for more details and to find out more about what we’re publishing.
1. New books. In case you missed some of the books we published at the end of last month and beginning of this month, here’s a reminder:
A collectible series of pocket-sized picture books containing modern nursery rhymes by Latvian authors, translated into English for the first time by Žanete Vēvere Pasqualini, Uldis Balodis, and Kate Wakeling. There are six books in the series and they are available as a set or individually.
The poems in this anthology explore changing landscapes, future selves, uncertainty, catastrophe and civilisation and come together as a guide on preparing for a future that edges closer every day.
This illustrated children’s book follows Lela, a stubborn but clever little girl. After feeling embarrassed at her parents’ dinner party with multi-lingual diplomats, she vows to learn all the languages of the world, one word at a time…
2. Upcoming books. Get excited for our upcoming titles for young readers (though they’re suitable for all ages) and a new poetry pamphlet. They are all available for pre-order now:
Elastic Glue, by Kathy Pimlott, with illustrations by Emma Wright
A follow up to Goose Fair Night, this pamphlet examines our relationship to places and homes, and the fast-paced changes, particularly in large cities, that make it harder to hold onto a home.
Wain by Rachel Plummer, with illustrations by Helene Boppert
A collection of LGBTQ+ poems retelling Scottish myths, featuring kelpies, selkies, and the Loch Ness Monster, alongside some lesser-known mythical people and creatures, such as wulvers, Ghillie Dhu, and the Cat Sìth. Aimed at teenagers but suitable for all ages.
The Adventures of Na Willa by Reda Gaudiamo, translated from the Indonesian by Ikhda Ayuning Maharsi Degoul and Kate Wakeling, with illustrations by Cecilia Hidayat
A collection of stories of curious adventures and musings of Na Willa, a bright, adventurous girl growing up in suburban Indonesia with a Javanese mother and a Chinese-Indonesian father. Suitable for ages 6+.
When It Rains written and illustrated by Rassi Narika, translated from the Indonesian by Ikhda Ayuning Maharsi Degoul and Kate Wakeling
A picture book following Kira, a young girl who joins her friends to play outside in a rainstorm and discovers that rain is not as gloomy as she thinks, finding joy, excitement, and adventure in the downpour. Suitable for ages 4+.
3. Launch events. Come along to our launch parties for two exciting new titles!
Everything That Can Happen: London launch party - our anthology of poems about the future will be launching at the Betsey Trotwood on the 18th February (this coming Monday). RSVP on Eventbrite.
Wain: Edinburgh launch party – Wain will be launching at the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh on the 15th March, with readings and a discussion with Rachel Plummer. RSVP on the SPL website.
4. Call for picture book manuscripts. There’s just over two months left to submit your picture book manuscripts to us. We are looking for new stories and fresh perspectives. We are particularly keen to see picture book manuscripts from authors who are underrepresented in publishing. For an idea of what we’re looking for, take a look at the picture books we’ve published so far: The Dog Who Found Sorrow and Queen of Seagulls, both by Rūta Briede, and the Bicki-Books series.
5. Mslexia call for themed writing. Mslexia are also running a call for submissions for themed writing on the topic of clothing. They’re looking for stories of up to 2,200 words, poems of up to 40 lines, and short scripts (for theatre, radio or film) of up to 1,000 words (including character names and stage instructions).
5. 
Yen-Yen Lu from the Emma Press
