Puffin snaps up Tom Fletcher's fourth middle-grade novel

Puffin will publish Tom Fletcher's fourth middle-grade novel, The Danger Gang, illustrated by Shane Devries, this autumn.

Editorial director Natalie Doherty acquired world rights from Stephanie Thwaites at Curtis Brown.

She said: "Tom writes adventure stories that are jam-packed with heart, humour and unforgettable characters, and have huge appeal for readers and families, in no small part thanks to Shane Devries’ wonderful illustrations; they’re always a complete thrill and privilege to read and publish. This new book brilliantly celebrates being different, with a gang of fantastic kids and their friendship at its centre. We can’t wait to share it with thousands of readers later this year."

The new story follows a 10-year old on an "electrifying adventure" in the aftermath of a "mysterious storm".

In total, Fletcher has sold 2.5 million books for £12.5m through Nielsen Bookscan's UK TCM, including his picture book series with Dougie Poynter, his YA series with his wife Giovanna Fletcher, his solo children's titles The Christmasaurus, The Creakers series, and his interactive picture book series There's a... in Your Book. His bestseller is The Dinosaur That Pooped a Planet co-written with Dougie Poynter and illustrated by Garry Parsons, at 280,909 copies sold.

His books have been translated into 23 languages, according to the publisher.

Fletcher said: "I’m excited to be announcing my next novel and can’t wait for my readers to meet the Danger Gang later this year. It’s been an absolute blast to write this book and I’m the luckiest author on the planet to have the one and only Shane Devries to bring my words to life with his ridiculously brilliant illustrations. So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure… a dangerous adventure!"

The Danger Gang will be published in hardback on 1st October 2020.