A&U acquires Silvey and Acton’s latest Runt story
Allen & Unwin (A&U) has acquired ANZ rights to Craig Silvey and Sara Acton’s Annie and Runt from Lesley Thorne at Aitken Alexander Associates and Margaret Connolly at Margaret Connolly & Associates.
A new picture book from the world of Upson Downs, Annie and Runt follows Annie, who lives on a farm in the town of Upson Downs, and Runt, a little dog in a big city.
“This is the story of how Annie and Runt found each other and began their life-changing friendship,” said the publisher. “Set in the world of Craig Silvey’s bestselling, award-winning classics Runt and Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping, this beautiful picture book is the perfect story for families to share together and enjoy over and over again.”
From Fremantle, WA, Silvey is an author and screenwriter. He is the author of the adult novels Jasper Jones (A&U, 2010) and Honeybee (A&U, 2021).
Silvey said, “I am thrilled to be telling the story of Annie and Runt’s beautiful friendship in the upcoming picture book: Annie and Runt. This will be a gorgeous companion to the Runt novels, and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary talents of Sara Acton.”
Based in the NSW, Acton is a children’s book illustrator. Her first picture book, Ben and Duck (Scholastic, 2012) was a winner of the Children’s Book Council of Australia Crichton Award for new illustrators.
Acton said, “I am over the moon to jump back into the world of Upson Downs and draw the story of Annie and Runt, whose characters are so full of heart. I fell in love with these two while illustrating the previous Runt titles, and I am excited to explore their journey and the special connection between them through pictures.”
A&U’s children and young adults publishing director Eva Mills said, “Craig’s elegant text brings to life the moments that led up to Annie and Runt’s serendipitous meeting, and the full-colour picture book format will give full range to Sara’s beautiful illustrations for the first time. This will be the perfect book for families with young children to read together, to read at bedtime, and to enjoy over and over again.”
A&U plans to release Annie and Runt in late 2026.
Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions
