Husband-and-wife series to Egmont after 'hotly contested' auction

Egmont has acquired the first joint series from writers Katie and Kevin Tsang following a "hotly contested" auction. The illustrated fiction series for 6+ readers will be about family, friendship and, most importantly, facing your fears as it follows "the bravest scaredy-cat in the world" Sam Wu.

Egmont secured world rights in a deal signed with Claire Wilson at RCW in the "funny and universally appealing" new series.

The first book in the series is Sam Wu is NOT afraid of Ghosts!, due to publish on 8th February 2017 at £5.99. The second follow-up adventure is Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Sharks!, due to publish in July 2018. Artwork will be provided by illustrator Nathan Reed.

Ali Dougal, fiction publishing director, commented: "Like Katie and Kevin themselves, Sam Wu is a breath of fresh air. Centred around familiar childhood fears, the series is relatable, warm and culturally rich. The fun that Katie and Kevin have had in writing this really shines through and Nathan Reed’s deliciously funny artwork is a perfect fit for Sam’s madcap adventures."

Katie Tsang, also known as Katherine Webber, studied Chinese literature and language at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where she met her husband, and co-author on the series, Kevin Tsang in 2008. She is also the author of debut YA novel Wing Jones (Walker, January 2017). Sam Wu is based on the childhood experiences of Kevin Tsang, who currently works as a healthcare technology consultant.