Hachette Children's signs Inky Willis series

Hachette Children’s Group has signed three books in a new series aimed at seven to nine-year-olds called Scribble Witch, by Inky Willis.

World rights were acquired from Chloe Seager of the Madeleine Milburn Agency by Emma Goldhawk, the publisher’s former senior commissioning editor who has since left to go freelance.

The synopsis explains: “When Molly’s best friend announces that she’s moving to a new school, a blue Wednesday becomes the Worst Wednesday Ever. That is until some unexpected magic brightens up Molly’s day. Notes, a tiny paper witch who has been lurking in a pen pot, springs to life – and into action! Some of the things Notes does are absolutely NOT helpful and get Molly into trouble with her grouchbag teacher. But it’s surprising what one tiny witch, armed with nothing more than a pencil, can achieve before the bell for home time rings.”

Kate Agar, editorial sirector, said: “Scribble Witch has it all – magical mischief, stationary galore and a hilarious narrative told through the notes kids pass around during class. The unique voices and vibrant illustrations were an instant hit at Hachette Children’s Group and I’m certain young readers will feel the same.”

Willis is the pseudonym of author and illustrator Kate Willis-Crowley, who has launched a website full of resources for the new series.

She said: “Creating Scribble Witch has been a total joy; a chance to channel my excessive doodling into storytelling. Thirteen years in primary school classrooms has given me lots of good material. Kids have a healthy appreciation of the ridiculous, which makes writing humorous books for this audience really fun. I’m excited to be working with Hachette’s expert team to bring the Scribble Witch series into the world.”