Hachette Children’s Group signs Athena Kugblenu’s books on historical fibs and fails

Hachette Children’s Group has acquired History’s Most Epic FIBS and History’s Most Epic FAILS by Athena Kugblenu, comedian, podcaster and author.

Publishing director Laura Horsley bought world rights from Sophie Chapman at Sophie Chapman Talent. The titles will be published in September 2024 and September 2025 by Wren & Rook.

History’s Most Epic FIBS is described as “a hilarious beginner’s guide to some of history’s most epic fibs”, wherein the author “separates the truth from the historical whoppers and uncovers the historical fact behind the fake news, from ancient Rome to the Vikings and beyond”.

History’s Most Epic FAILS is “an inventive new collection of true stories that will take children aged eight plus on a riotous ride through history, discovering that the most epic fails weren’t always in vain – sometimes, they changed the world”. The publisher continues that the book will show how failures have been “stepping stones to amazing inventions and discoveries".

Jonny Leighton, senior editor at Wren & Rook, said: “We are thrilled to be publishing Athena – her hilarious voice and fresh perspective is the perfect combination and makes history for middle-grade readers truly epic! We can’t wait to publish these brilliantly inventive and clever collections of true stories that will take children on a riotous ride through hidden histories, learning all about the past in a high-interest, fun and accessible way.”

Kugblenu, a stand-up comedian and writer, said: “I am thrilled to be taking young people on a very funny tour of history’s most epic fibs and failures. We’ve got stories of creative truth-telling and questionable decision making that will make young readers gasp at the past. I can’t wait to share these historically humbling tales with the world.”