Puffin pairs Bryon and Adeola for picture book series

Puffin, part of Penguin Random House Children's, has acquired a three book picture series about an “irrepressible” girl called Rocket by debut author and illustrator duo Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola.

Look Up!, the first book in the series, is about Rocket’s desire to be the the greatest astronaut, star-catcher and space- traveller that has ever lived. But first she needs to convince her big brother to stop looking down at his phone and start looking up at the stars.

Commissioning editor Joe Marriott said: “From the moment I read the first draft of Look Up! and saw a few early character illustrations I knew this would be a book – and series – Puffin had to publish. The message about logging off and delighting in the world around you; the inspirational central character, Rocket, bursting with energy and passion about space; and the heart-warming, oh-so-recognisable sibling relationship... Look Up! has it all! It’s a powerful, heartfelt picture book from two incredibly talented debut picture book makers – I can’t wait for readers to discover it.”

Marriott acquired world rights for three books at auction from Sallyanne Sweeney at MMB Creative and will publish in June this year.

The book was also acquired in the US by Random House Books for Young Readers in a six-figure, two-book deal. There it will be published as Rocket Says Look Up!.

Dapo Adeola and Nathan Bryon