Puffin to publish Wreck this Picture Book

Puffin has acquired the first children’s book from author–illustrator Keri Smith, Wreck this Picture Book, due to publish in autumn 2020 as part of a global release.

Smith is the author behind a number of creativity-boosting books, including the internationally bestselling Wreck This Journal that, according to PRH, has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. Through Nielsen BookScan Wreck This Journal has sold over 500,000 copies in paperback, while various spin-offs of the book bring the author's total BookScan sales to 892,099 copies sold for £6.6m.

Smith's new interactive children’s book is for readers aged 5–8 and aims to explore "the very active experience of reading", teaching children that reading can engage all five senses.

Excited to see Smith "inspire the next generation of wreckers", Puffin editorial director Anna Barnes Robinson acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Draga Malesesvic, senior rights manager at Dial Books for Young Readers. 

Smith commented: "I am very excited to work with a younger audience and to get them thinking about the 'book as object' in different ways."