Quentin Blake in HCCB picture book collaboration

HarperCollins Children’s Books is to publish a picture book by Sir Quentin Blake and Emma Chichester Clark in a “landmark acquisition”.

Executive publisher, Ann-Janine Murtagh acquired world rights for the picture book, titled Three Little Monkeys, from Caradoc King at AP Watt and Laura Cecil at the Laura Cecil Literary Agency

Three Little Monkeys is a “remarkable collaboration” between Blake and his former student Chichester Clark. Blake's story tells of Hilda Snibbs and the three mischievous monkeys who “turn her life upside down”, and it is illustrated by Chichester Clark whose "artwork brings to life the monkey’s chaotic trail of destruction, with colourful, glorious aplomb – and with an exquisite tenderness for the book’s impish but loveable heroes.”

Murtagh said: “We are incredibly proud and honoured to be publishing this exquisite creative collaboration on the HCCB picture book list. Quentin Blake is the Godfather of British illustration and Emma is one of our brightest stars. Together they have created the most extraordinary picture book which is a testament to the sheer magic of words and pictures on the page. Emma's artwork is breath-taking in this book – it is the perfect partner to the deliciously mischievous text – and creates a book that will appeal to both adults and children. Its publication this autumn will be a defining moment for the HC list and a signal of our passionate commitment to picture books.”

HarperCollins will publish the picture book in a "lavish" hardback edition in October, supported by a major marketing and PR campaign.