Anna Valentine, Managing Director of the Orion Publishing Group, will publish the emotional and beautifully crafted new book from Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, author of three No.1 memoirs, in hardback and ebook on 26th October 2023. World rights (including translation, ex North America) were acquired from Amanda Harris, Managing Director of YMU Books.
Based on Noel’s real-life relationship with Border Terrier Keira, who passed away in 2021, Keira & Me captures the true, powerful bond between human and animal. Inspiring, healing and a heartfelt celebration of love, the illustrated fable teaches us all how to embrace the ups with the downs, the joy and the sorrow, and the many shared lessons that make up a life. It is illustrated by Laura McKendry and promises to break your heart – and put it back together again in the most extraordinary way.
Anna Valentine, Managing Director of the Orion Publishing Group said:
With over 800,000 books sold and three Sunday Times number one bestsellers to his name, Noel Fitzpatrick is proven to be a much-loved author. His new book, Keira & Me, promises to be just as emotional and heartfelt as his memoirs – based on his very real love for and connection with Keira, who was by Noel’s side until her passing in 2021. We are a nation of animal lovers, and the bond between human and dog is like no other. This is a universal story that will bring much comfort to readers of all ages this Christmas.
Professor Noel Fitzpatrick said:
These are the most important words I have ever written because they come from the blood pumping through my body, which still aches for the loss and rejoices in the joy of my best friend in the whole wide world. I have written more than a hundred scientific papers and a few other books here and there, but all pale by comparison with what Keira gifts to all of us in these pages. Only she could lay my soul bare and see the raw truth that was impossible to speak out loud, until now. I have cried, laughed, despaired and felt the radiant light of eternal hope as I held her paw and she guided me through these words, which we have written for you in our book. Thank you to Laura for bringing her cheeky whiskered smile to life so incredibly beautifully. Our world has never needed her wisdom more than it does now, and it is my humble honour to share her unconditional love with you too. Thank you Keira for helping me believe that anything is possible if your dreams are big enough and thank you for sharing your light with all of us…. just when we needed it most.
Keira & Me is available for pre-order now from Waterstones