Berbay sells Canty picture books to US

Berbay Publishing has sold rights to Melbourne author and illustrator John Canty’s Heads and Tails: Insects in three territories, including North America.

Rights to the picture book, which is the companion title to Canty’s 2017 Heads and Tails, have sold to Le Genévrier in France, to Carl Hanser Verlag in Germany and to Candlewick Press in North America.

Berbay Publishing managing director Alexandra Yatomi-Clarke said she is delighted to have licensed the book to these territories. ‘These markets are very selective and sophisticated and John Canty’s books confirms his originality, creativity and talent,’ she said.

Candlewick Press editorial director Elizabeth Bicknell, who acquired North American rights to both Heads and Tails and its insect-focused follow-up, said both books are ‘exactly’ what she looks for in picture books: ‘fresh, interesting artwork that perfectly reflects its subject matter in addition to being playful and accessible’. ‘It is often said that a child’s first art gallery is inside a picture book, and these two books exemplify that,’ said Bicknell.

Heads and Tails and Heads and Tails: Insects both incorporate visual prompts and clues on each page to help children identify different animals and insects.

The US edition of Heads and Tails: Insects will be published in the US Spring 2020.

Category: Junior Local news Rights and acquisitions