Elys Dolan series to OUP

Oxford University Press Children's has bought three young fiction titles by author and illustrator Elys Dolan.

The books will all be aimed at readers aged 7+. The first, Knighthood for Beginners, is about Dave the Dragon’s quest for knighthood with his trusty steed, a goat called Albrecht, and will be published in 2017. The second book Wizarding for Beginners will be published in 2018 and the third book will be in 2019.

Commissioning editor Clare Whitston, who bought world rights from Frances McKay at Frances McKay Illustration, said: “Brilliantly bonkers, always surprising, and never, ever boring – working with Elys is an absolute dream! I can't wait for kids to get their hands on Knighthood for Beginners and immerse themselves in the weird and wonderful world that Elys has created.”

This is the first fiction deal for Dolan, who has published several picture books, including Steven Seagull Action Hero, Mr Bunny’s Chocolate Factory and Nuts in Space (Nosy Crow).