We feel hugely privileged to be asked to reveal the cover which features stunning artwork by Jackie Morris. The Song That Sings Us is an exhilarating new novel from Nicola Davies to be published in October by Firefly Press.

This is a story full of excitement and danger, that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, identity and love, in the context of some of humanity’s toughest problems. Skrimsli and his friends are helped by the Palatine, desert princess and her eagle, a chihuahua who thinks she’s a wolf, a horse with heart of gold and the crew of a very unusual ship. He and his friends, Owl and Elo, must escape the clutches of the tyrannical circus owner Kobret Majak, and his twin assassin-acrobats, then stop a war and save the ancient forest, where the Tiger, and the Owl are sacred guardians. It traces the early life of Skrimsli, the tiger sea captain who stole readers’ hearts in The Song that Sings Us. Skrimsli is the second fantasy adventure from author Nicola Davies set in a world where animals and humans can sometimes share their thoughts. The synopsis from the publisher is as follows: You may recognise this combination of artist and calligrapher (Morris/Raw) from the Robin Hobb books. The cover lettering is by textual artist Stephen Raw, who has exhibited widely, and is currently artist-in-residence at Manchester Cathedral. Nicola recently gave her twitter followers a sneak preview of writing from the new book: Her beautiful map makes the world in my head accessible for everyone.” Nicola told us, “Jackie was one of the first to love my tiger Skrimsli and her cover catches his spirit and the soul of the story. Davies calls Morris’ cover ‘glorious’ whilst Morris says Davies’ novel is ‘a triumph’. Jackie and Nicola have been firm friends for many years, both have a passion for the wild and a belief in active hope.

Both author and artist are hugely talented and it is a real thrill to see them continue their creative relationship with a second collaboration.

Skrimsli, the prequel to double-Carnegie nominated The Song That Sings Us will publish with Firefly Press in September 2023 with a cover by artist Jackie Morris. “I don’t think I’ve ever loved a cover more or been so involved with a character than with Skrimsli,” wrote author Nicola Davies recently.

Hummingbird by nicola davies