Egmont spots gap in the market...

Egmont is to publish the first picture book iteration of Dodie Smith’s children’s tale The Hundred and One Dalmatians.

An Egmont spokesperson said the story had been “reimagined with [writer Peter] Bently’s fun, skilfully crafted text and [illustrator Steven] Lenton’s stunning illustrations, transforming the classic tale for a younger audience”.

Melissa Fairley, Egmont’s publishing director for picture books and gift, acquired world rights from Jodie Hodges at United Agents (representing Bently) and Sallyanne Sweeney at Mulcahy Associates (acting on Lenton’s behalf).

Fairley said: “We’re absolutely dotty about this book. The story conjures such strong visual images that it lends itself perfectly to being brought to life as a picture book—and Steven’s illustrations have made it look better than I’d ever imagined.”

The title will be issued in hardback on 5th October, priced £10.99.