Miller writes three more for S&S UK including new middle-grade strand

Simon & Schuster Children’s Books has acquired three books from bestselling author Ben Miller as part of a new middle-grade strand for the company. 

World English rights for two fiction titles and world all-language rights for one non-fiction title were acquired by fiction publisher Lucy Pearse from Luigi Bonomi at LBA.  

These three titles, plus previously contracted titles, will form part of an all-encompassing long-term publishing plan for Miller to include picture books, fiction and non-fiction, S&S UK said.

In March 2024 the company said it will launch a new strand of publishing for younger middle-grade readers "that turn traditional fairytales on their heads".  

“This highly illustrated series for readers aged six plus will launch with Diary of a Big Bad Wolf and share the hilarious story and secrets of the misunderstood villainous wolf. For Christmas 2024, Ben Miller will join S&S’ acclaimed picture book list with a stunning Christmas gift. Miller’s warm-hearted debut picture book will be an adaptation of The Night I Met Father Christmas, delivering a festive message of sharing.  

“Autumn 2025 will see the launch of a non-fiction strand, with a full-colour title exploring the real magic to be found in nature. Ben Miller’s World of Wonders written in Miller’s signature storytelling style and packed full of beautiful illustrations and amazing facts will be the perfect factual toolkit for discovering the wonders of the world.” 

All forward publishing will be illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. “In a six-book deal negotiated across the publishing Elisa’s artwork will unify the Ben Miller brand across all age ranges,” S&S UK said.

Rachel Denwood, m.d., said: “Ben Miller’s books are beloved by families across the country and it has been an exciting journey watching him grow into one of the most successful children’s writers working today.  

“We’re taking the next step to deliver something for everyone on the Ben Miller bookshelf and believe wholeheartedly in supporting Ben’s passion for promoting reading together as a family through fiction, picture books and now, non-fiction.  

“Diary of a Big Bad Wolf had the whole team laughing aloud to this clever twist on a classic fairytale, and the beautiful The Night I Met Father Christmas brought to magical life by Elisa Paganelli will be a treasured gift for years to come.”  

Miller said: “Discovering that so many children have loved and shared my stories is a real pinch-me moment. I want to make sure that every child in the family can find both magic and wonder within the pages of a book, and to be able to reach more readers with picture books and non-fiction is a wildly exciting step.

"I’m beside myself, too, that the unfeasibly talented Elisa Paganelli, whose artwork brims with energy, humour, and heart, will be illustrating my work across the board. Together with the exceptional team at Simon & Schuster, I can’t wait to bring my adventures to even more readers.” 

Miller has now published eight books with his last deal, for three titles, announced back in 2019. His next, Once Upon a Legend, will be published by S&S UK on 1st September 2023. He is also film, television and stage actor including roles in ITV series “Professor T” and “Death in Paradise” on the BBC.