Hachette Children's to Publish Illustrated Edition of Jerusalem

Hachette Children’s Group has acquired world rights to publish JERUSALEM: CITY OF STORIES, a new children's version of the classic JERUSALEM: The Biography by Simon Sebag Montefiore, that has now sold over a million copies worldwide. Wren & Rook will publish the book in October 2024.

The story of Jerusalem is the history of the world - the greatest story ever told, featuring amazing stories and giant characters from the Bible and throughout history: David and Solomon, Cyrus the Great and Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great, Caesar, Augustus, Nero and Caligula, Cleopatra, Jesus Christ, the Prophet Mohammed, Constantine the Great, Saladin and Richard the Lionheart, Suleiman the Magnificent to Lawrence of Arabia and Winston Churchill and up to modern times. Much like his bestselling classic for adults, Simon Sebag Montefiore’s children’s book will be a collection of stories, a chronology of characters and epic events that have shaped Jerusalem’s past, highly illustrated throughout and magically retold for children aged 10+.

Debbie Foy, Publishing Director, Wren & Rook said: “JERUSALEM: The Biography is a modern classic, so we are absolutely thrilled and honoured to welcome Simon Sebag Montefiore to the Wren & Rook list for this children’s edition. Montefiore is a compelling storyteller, uniquely qualified to bring the story of Jerusalem brilliantly to life for children. Studying the past can help us to explain the present, and Jerusalem remains such a focal point for world affairs so this book will have an essential place in every household, school and library.”

Simon Sebag Montefiore commented: "Jerusalem is the universal city, the holy city for three faiths, the only city that exists on heaven and earth: it is a golden name that means something to people all over the world and I want to write a version of its history and stories for children all over the world. My aim is that it will be readable by all ages, with beautiful illustrations. I am very excited to be doing this.”

The full press release is available here.