Erin Murphy Literary Agency

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Jan 17th, 2020

We recently had an incredible starred review for Deborah Underwood’s April 2020 picture book, OUTSIDE IN, illustrated by Cindy Derby: Kirkus said, "Lushness without sweetness—wild, darkly romantic, and exquisite.” Isn’t that wonderful?

Shortly on the heels of that came the word that a new Deborah Underwood picture book is underway, this time to be illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier, who, like Cindy Derby, is repped by Jen Laughran of Andrea Brown. Are you sensing a trend?

This time, the story skews younger and more personal, less philosophical. It’s about a young character named Walter who goes through his first-ever friendship breakup and finds his way to wonderful new possibilities. When I sent it to Andrea Welch at Beach Lane, it took her about five minutes to make an offer. Turns out her little one was going through what Walter goes through, so she could see how much this book hits a chord instantly.

WALTER is scheduled to release fall 2022, and we can’t wait! Congratulations, Deborah!

—Erin

Melissa Stewart’s MEGA PREDATORS OF THE PAST to Wow a New Generation of Readers in 2021!

Jan 16th, 2020

A book of predators that will keep adults up at night (the kids will be delighted!) may be the new standard for books about our earth’s past. Think you know everything? You will learn a few new killer animals with this collection!

Vicky Holifield/Kathy Landwehr at Peachtree Publishing has acquired Mega Predators of the Past by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Howard Gray, an entertaining and informative look at some of the prehistoric creatures who have until now not had their day in the spotlight. Instead of featuring the usual suspects like T. rex, this book will introduce readers to some of the lesser-known but equally oversized and ferocious predators from the distant past, such as the griffenfly, the giant ripper lizard, and the terror bird. Publication is scheduled for Spring 2021; Tricia Lawrence at Erin Murphy Literary sold World rights on behalf of the author; Anne Moore Armstrong of the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.

Melissa and I are thrilled to be partnering with Peachtree and Howard Gray for this book and we can’t wait for you all to see what we’ve been up to. But you’ll have to wait until 2021!

Congratulations, Melissa!

- Trish

Elizabeth Shreeve’s New Picture Book Deal Is Not OUT OF THE BLUE!

Jan 13th, 2020

Pat Zietlow Miller Wants to Tell You WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A ROCK?

Jan 10th, 2020

Coming Soon – More Adventures in the World of THE FALSE PRINCE!

Jan 6th, 2020

Alice Faye Duncan and Chris Raschka’s YELLOW DOG BLUES Coming in Spring 2022!

Dec 18th, 2019

Jill Esbaum’s Done It Again with WE LOVE BABIES! and You Won’t Be Able to Resist this One!

Dec 16th, 2019