London, Thursday 18TH July 2024: This morning Sunday Times bestselling author and philanthropist Sarah, Duchess of York revealed the details of her brand-new picture book Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods, sharing the news with her followers on Instagram. The book is the first in a new series, illustrated in full colour by Denise Hughes and to be published by New Frontier on 10th October 2024, with a second book to follow in 2025.
Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods is a festive picture book with a message of community and sustainability at its heart, that follows Flora and Fern on a snow-filled woodland adventure as they prepare for a festive party.
The charming tale champions determination and friendship through an ensemble of adorable animal characters alongside plenty of mischief, wonder and joy – and will delight young readers aged three and above.
Flora & Fern are getting ready for their FESTIVE party. But when they head out into the snow to gather everything for the occasion, things don’t go according to plan. Will they still be able to have their woodland friends over and celebrate?
Wonder in the Woods not only reflects the Duchess of York’s commitment to children’s literacy and storytelling, but her passionate advocation of sustainability, and will encourage children to appreciate the natural world around them.
Sarah, Duchess of York said: “I am so thrilled to be working with New Frontier on my brand-new children’s picture book series and I can’t wait for families to meet Flora and Fern and join them on this festive adventure. And I can’t thank Denise Hughes enough for bringing their woodland world to life with the most beautiful illustrations. Alongside plenty of joy and celebration, I also wanted to leave readers with a message about the power of community and being connected to the world around you – an ethos which is very close to my heart.”
About Sarah, Duchess of York:
Sarah, Duchess of York is a Sunday Times and New York Times best-selling author, award-winning producer, philanthropist, creative founder and public speaker. For over 30 years, she has been committed to being a voice and ambassador for undeserved women, children and communities around the world. Passionate about literacy and storytelling, she has published over 70 books, including children’s stories. Budgie the Little Helicopter was adapted into a highly successful animated series on US Primetime Fox, and Tea for Ruby debuted at the top of the New York Times bestseller list. Storytime with Fergie and Friends, her YouTube show, has received over 20 million views, and Sarah was recently given the ‘Special Recognition of Services to Storytelling’ Award by the Montessori Group. The Duchess is mother to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York and is a grandmother four times over. Known as ‘Super Gran’ for her passionate dedication to the hearts of children all over the world, she lives in Windsor with five Norfolk terriers and two corgis.
About Denise Hughes:
Denise Hughes studied Fine Art at Winchester School of Art. Soon after graduating, she began her career in illustration. Her work is character driven and combines both digital and traditional drawing methods. Denise loves to illustrate full-colour picture books and board books. A perfect project would be one that includes playful characters and lots of hand-drawn patterns and textures. Denise has worked with worldwide publishing
companies, including Penguin Random House, Little Tiger Press, New Frontier, Hachette, Scholastic, Bloomsbury and Zonderkidz. Denise works from her shared studio in Hampshire and can be contacted on Instagram @denisehughesdesign
About New Frontier:
New Frontier Publishing is an award-winning children’s publisher based in London with a sister company in Sydney. Under three imprints, Catch a Star, Bright Stars and Little Steps, New Frontier publishes board books, picture books, junior fiction and middle grade fiction. New Frontier is proud to publish debut authors alongside well-known talent, creating books children will want to read again and again.
For media enquires please contact MIDAS:
Phoebe Williams | phoebe.williams@midaspr.co.uk | +44 (0)20 7361 7860
