Sammy Goes Flying (Again!) Odette Elliott

In 2009 I had the rights of my four “Sammy” picture books reverted to myself.

“Sammy Goes Flying” was first published in 1990 by Andre Deutsch  then by Picture Puffin in 1991. It was also broadcast on Playbus by the BBC and transmitted in many other countries.  In 2010 I received a contract from Tamarind Books to publish it in a new version, with a different illustrator.

The text was to be pared down.  I enjoyed that process, with ‘give and take’ by the editor and myself.  It took many exchanges of emails before we finally agreed on the words.  I think the end result is better than the original.

I spent a long time wondering what “my” Sammy would look like in the new version.  It was almost like sending one of my children to an unknown person to dress them up in clothes I would never have thought of.  But it was even more drastic, as the face would be different!

I shall never forget the day I received the pencil roughs.  I liked them.  I then had to wait and see what colours Georgina McIntyre, the artist, would use.  Fortunately, once again I was happy.

The next test will be whether young readers will again enjoy the story.  The book is due to appear April 2011.  I am hoping that the new “Sammy” will emerge with flying colours.