Templar Books, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Tiger’s Last Roar. The first in a two-book deal from debut picture book author Harriet Howe, Tiger’s Last Roar is illustrated by Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlistee and Carnegie nominee Katie Cottle.
Amelia Warren, commissioning editor for picture books, acquired world rights for Tiger’s Last Roar from Clare Wallace and Chloe Davis at Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency. Laura Hall, art director, acquired world illustration rights from Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary.
A profoundly moving and lyrical story about grief, the loss of a pet and the unbreakable bond between a child and their furry friend, Tiger’s Last Roar is a tool for navigating tricky conversations around bereavement, while also offering true moments of warmth, joy and hope. Complete with an activity at the back to help young children remember their pet for years to come, Harriet’s debut will make every family feel it’s been written just for them.
Harriet Howe said: “It has been a joy creating Tiger’s Last Roar with Amelia, Laura and the terrific team at Templar. From our first meeting, their passion for the project was clear, and their vision for the book inspiring. Being partnered with Katie Cottle was a real ‘pinch me’ moment. It’s been a privilege watching her bring Tiger and Mae’s world to life. I’ve been blown away by the relationships created and emotions conveyed in each and every illustration.”
Katie Cottle added: “It’s been a treat to work with the Templar team on Tiger’s Last Roar. Harriet’s text is moving, with plenty of different emotional scenes—certain pages had me taking breaks to give my own cat a huge hug! Capturing those moments was a brilliant challenge, and I hope that readers who relate to Mae and Tiger find this book a useful touchpoint for exploring those feelings.”
Amelia Warren, commissioning editor, said: “I’ve always felt that Harriet’s stories were written specially for me, and Tiger’s Last Roar landed on my desk just when I needed it most. It sparked such a deep, visceral reaction in me that I knew from that moment how important this book would be. I knew if it offered me such comfort, it could do the same for many children faced with the loss of their furry friends. It has been a pleasure to see our teams unanimously get behind this book, to find such a wonderfully creative and passionate illustrator in Katie and to watch the book come to life. This book holds a very special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
From art director, Laura Hall: “Harriet’s beautiful story is told with such sensitivity and honesty that it conjured strong imagery of the wonderful characters and scenery from the very first read. Collaborating with Katie to bring Tiger’s Last Roar to visual life has been a true joy. We hope her imaginary jungle world will captivate young readers and feel relatable and comforting. These fabulously talented creators are a match made in picture book heaven, and we are so excited to share this special story.”
Harriet Howe’s first word was ‘book’, she’s loved stories ever since, so it’s a dream come true to end up writing her own. Originally from London, she now lives in Suffolk with her family. When not writing, Harriet works in television; she’s filmed talking horses, chefs in jets and pop princesses in fabulous dresses. But she’s happiest with a pencil in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, brewing up her next story.
Katie Cottle is a freelance illustrator and picture-bookmaker based in Bristol. Originally from Swansea, Katie graduated from the Illustration course at the University of the West of England in 2017. She enjoys telling stories through drawing, and uses a variety of media, including a mix of traditional and digital techniques. She was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for The Blue Giant. She particularly enjoys using bright colours and drawing grumpy faces.
Tiger’s Last Roar will publish in paperback on 11th September 2024.
