HCB signs Mo Farah picture book

Hodder Children’s Books has signed a picture book inspired by Olympic champion runner Mo Farah.

Ready Steady Mo!, which encourages children to exercise, was created with Farah’s input but written by Kes Gray and illustrated by Marta Kissi.

The deal was brokered by Anne McNeil, publishing director at Hodder, with Gray, agency freuds (who was acting on behalf of Mo Farah), and Nicky Lander of Bright Agency (for Marta Kissi). Hodder has world and e-book rights.

Farah said: “I’m very excited to be working with Hodder Children’s Books to create something really special – a book that will hopefully capture the imagination of kids across the world and build their sense of adventure and fun. Many struggle with reading so it’s important we make books as exciting as possible, and Hodder has published some amazing ones over the years.”

McNeil said Farah, Gray and Kissi are a “dream team”, adding: “We are absolutely delighted to have acquired Mo’s first picture book. He’s an inspirational figure to families around the world, as well as a dad who appreciates the power of a great children’s book.”

Hodder will publish Ready Steady Mo! in paperback in July (r.r.p. £6.99).