While it's true that many people were involved in the process, from agents to editors to publishers, Cunningham was the one who ultimately gave the green light for the book's publication.
He was initially hesitant, believing a book for children would be commercially unsuccessful. However, his daughter, Alice, convinced him to read the manuscript, and he was immediately captivated by the story. He then championed the book within Bloomsbury, ultimately leading to its publication in 1997.