Simon & Schuster Children's Books Acquires Two Novels from Abi Elphinstone

Simon & Schuster Children's Books (UK) today announced the acquisition of two further novels from rising star in the children's Middle Grade arena Abi Elphinstone.

Jane Griffiths, Senior Commissioning Editor, S&S UK, bought world rights in two books from Hannah Sheppard at DHH Literary Agency.

The first book of the deal will be the final title of the trilogy that began with The Dreamsnatcher in 2015, followed by The Shadow Keeper in February 2016. The Times recently compared the series to Enid Blyton's The Famous Five: 'A gypsy Famous Five or, rather, four, but with messier clothes and fewer home-baked treats for tea...the plot careers along with thrilling, edge-of-seat moments of high jeopardy.'

Combined TCM sales for the series are now over 10,000 and Abi Elphinstone was one of the top 10 children's fiction debut authors of 2015 with sell-out events at many of the leading literary festivals including the Hay Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. The third title, The Night Spinner, will publish in Spring 2017 in paperback original and concludes this magical and enchanting adventure trilogy starring twelve-year-old Moll, her wildcat Gryff and a rich cast of characters.

The second book acquired is the first in an as yet untitled new series for readers aged 8-12, set in a magical kingdom of snow and ice - publishing Spring 2018 in paperback original.

Jane Griffiths said, 'Abi is truly one of Simon & Schuster Children's rising stars, writing novels full of warmth, adventure and spirit that have already captured the hearts of many fans. I couldn't be more thrilled to be have acquired these two new novels and am very much looking forward to continuing working with her again.'

Abi Elphinstone has worked as a teacher in the UK and Africa, and is now a full time author and explorer. She volunteers for Beanstalk, and blogs about her adventures at abielphinstone.com.

One of the leading global publishers, Simon & Schuster is home to a roster of bestselling brands, critical hits and popular titles - with a stellar list of authors and illustrators as diverse as Philippa Gregory, Tom Rob Smith, Santa Montefiore, Lynda La Plante, Rachel Renee Russell, Danny Wallace, Darren Shan and Sue Hendra.

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