Red Shed, the award-winning non-fiction imprint of Farshore, is thrilled to announce ‘Little Experts’, a ground-breaking new series for children aged 6-9, which sees leading experts introduce curious young minds to hot topics.
The major publishing programme will see Red Shed launch six titles in the first year, with further titles to follow. The first three titles will launch in July 2023, with experts James May, Deborah Meaden and Dr Ronx covering topics as wide-ranging as human-powered vehicles, the human body, and how money shapes the world we live in.
Three further titles will launch on 1st February 2024, with George Clarke’s Building a Home, Dr Amir Khan’s How Families Are Made and Chris Packham’s Superhero Animals. Exploring every corner of their topics – from the familiar to the unexpected – the experts reveal the most surprising and incredible facts, all relayed through their unique perspectives and with their unrivalled enthusiasm.
Writer and broadcaster James May’s Marvellous Vehicles will take young adventurers on a road trip to discover human-powered vehicles – from bicycles and submarines to amphibious vehicles and even a helicopter. May said, “I’m fascinated by human-powered vehicles. I’ve been lucky to have driven the world’s greatest cars. But the mode of transport I use the most – almost every day – is my bicycle. Human-powered vehicles are good for you because they’re a form of exercise; they don’t produce pollution; and they are free to use. I hope the next generation of engineers and inventors will enjoy joining me to discover a world of remarkable machines.”
Entrepreneur and BBC Dragon’s Den investor Deborah Meaden shares her wisdom in Why Money Matters, an accessible introduction to how money shapes the world we live in. Meaden said, “Money may not literally make the world go round, but it is a very big part of the human world we all live in now. I’m excited to take young readers on a fascinating journey to discover where money came from, how it shapes the world we live in today, and empower all children to become money experts.”
Award-winning trans non-binary emergency doctor and TV presenter Dr Ronx takes readers on a tour around the human body. From spongy brains to gooey guts and everything in between, Amazing Bodies is a fun introduction to human anatomy for budding experts. Dr Ronx said, “I was inspired to become a doctor after seeing a TV programme set in a hospital. The doctors were kind, caring, and were of all ages, abilities, races and genders. Now I want to inspire children to become experts on the human body and wow their friends, family, and teachers with fascinating facts.”
Each beautifully designed hardback book is brought to life through vibrant and inclusive artwork with hand-picked artists from across the globe. UK-based Ashton Attzs illustrates Amazing Bodies, Italian-Brazillian Emans illustrates Marvellous Vehicles and Bejing-based Hao Hao illustrates Why Money Matters.
Little Experts is the flagship new series from Red Shed, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023.
Cally Poplak, Executive Publisher of Farshore and HarperCollins Children’s Books, said “This major new series from Red Shed fulfils Farshore’s mission to make every child a proud reader, taking all children on unforgettable adventures, inspiring them to discover more about the incredible world they live in, and giving all children the opportunity to be little experts.”
Senior Commissioning Editor Emma Dods said “Who better to inspire the experts of the future than the UK’s top experts? The passion and energy each of the authors bring to their topics really sets this series apart and ensures that it will spark a life-long love of learning in so many children.”
Dods secured world rights with Jess Stone at Independent Talent for Dr Ronx’s Amazing Bodies, Charlotte Robertson at Robertson Murray Literary Agency for James May’s Marvellous Vehicles, and directly with Deborah Meaden for Why Money Matters.
About the authors:
JAMES MAY is a writer and broadcaster. He’s best known for co-presenting The Grand Tour and Top Gear, and his previous books for adults include Carbolics and Car Fever. This is James’s first official book for children.
DEBORAH MEADEN is a highly successful entrepreneur and one of Britain’s best-known business names. Deborah has been an investor on Dragon’s Den since 2006 and she also hosts BBC Radio 5 Live’s The Big Green Money Show podcast.
DR RONX is an award-winning non-binary emergency medicine doctor, TV presenter and loveable loudmouth with an unwavering desire to be the representation that young people need to see more of.
Amazing Bodies, Marvellous Vehicles, and Why Money Matters all publish 6th July 2023.
Building a Home, How Families Are Made and Animal Superheroes all publish 1st February 2024.
