Templar Books, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, is delighted to announce the acquisition of Bessie’s Bees from debut author George Kirk, illustrated by Ana Gómez. It will be the first in an uplifting own-voices series celebrating the multifaceted experience of growing up with ADHD.
Amelia Warren, commissioning editor for picture books, acquired world rights to two books from Alice Williams of Alice Williams Literary and commissioned artwork from Becky Wilson of The Plum Agency.
The first in the series sees bubbly, neurodiverse Bessie starting nursery and navigating new experiences through the visual, accessible metaphor of bees. This impactful read will enable children to see themselves – and their friends – represented in a picture book. It’s also a story to inspire teachers and help parents understand their neurodiverse children.
With Bessie’s Bees coming from her heart, George Kirk said: “The first time Templar met Bessie, they saw exactly who she was. Now, with their support and the brilliant illustrations of Ana Gómez, Bessie and her bees are going to be very busy, not just celebrating neurodiversity, but helping normalise it so every child can feel they are okay just as they are. I’m thrilled they’re letting me come along for the buzz.”
Ana Gómez said: “It has been a great pleasure to work with the creative team at Templar Books. George Kirk’s wonderful text has given me the opportunity to empathise with and understand how children with ADHD feel in a relatable and fun way. I adore Bessie and her bees and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.”
Amelia Warren, commissioning editor said: “Since I started commissioning picture books, I’ve felt strongly that more neurodiverse stories and voices are needed in this space. So, when George, Bessie and her bees buzzed onto my desk, I was absolutely delighted. Working with both George and Ana has been a pleasure at every stage, and I can’t wait to share this special book with young readers. We are so proud to have Bessie’s Bees on the Templar Books list.”
Some people think George Kirk is a reformed primary teacher turned librarian. George Kirk knows she’s really a vigilante, ukulele playing, storyteller. Some people think the reason George Kirk’s a fussy, fidgety foghorn is because she has AuDHD. George Kirk knows it’s just because the stories in her head are desperate to get out. But everyone agrees the only thing that makes George Kirk still and quiet is writing the stories down. So that’s what she does, somewhere between the City of Manchester and the hills of Pendle.
Ana Gómez studied Fine Arts in Salamanca, before continuing her education in Canterbury and then in Milan. After a lot of searching, she finally found her most beloved profession: being an illustrator. Since then, Ana’s had the privilege of working with publishers from all over the world. Ana resides in Madrid, Spain.
Bessie’s Bees will publish in hardback on 3rd July 2025, followed by the paperback and the hardback of Bessie’s Bathtime in 2026. George Kirk is available for events, features and interviews.
