Simon Cowell children's series delayed until 2023 owing to workload and pandemic

Hachette Children's Books has confirmed Simon Cowell's Wishfits series, originally due to be launched last spring, has been delayed until 2023.

The publisher said this was owing to "challenges as a result of Simon’s workloads and the pandemic".

A spokesperson added: "I can confirm we have moved the launch of the Wishfits series to 2023. This is to enable us to do this exciting series full justice creatively and strategically and we are very much looking forward to taking this to market next year. The exact date is still to be confirmed."

Cowell and his son Eric are working together on the picture-led children’s book series which centres on a group of “magical and unusual” creatures that combine two different species to form hybrid animals with distinct characteristics.

HCG senior publisher Ruth Alltimes acquired UK and Commonwealth publishing rights for all formats from Matilda Forbes Watson at the WME Agency in 2020.  As part of the original seven-book deal, the first three books had been due for launch in spring 2021, with the next four books to follow in 2022.

A portion of Cowell’s takings will go to two children’s charities, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and Together For Short Lives.