Andersen Press nabs 'accessible and well-researched' KS2 historical fiction series

Andersen Press has nabbed a history series that uses the Key Stage 2 history curriculum to "bring the topics alive in an accessible and engaging format".

Commissioning editor Eloise Wilson secured world rights for the first four books in the Time Travel Twins series by Josh Lacey and Garry Parsons from Lacey, and Claire Meiklejohn at Meiklejohn Illustration. Audio rights have already been sold to Ulverscroft for the first two titles in the series.

The series follows the adventures of twins Scarlett and Tom. The first book, The Viking Attack, will be published in June 2023, followed by The Roman Invasion the following September.

Lacey and Parsons are the team behind the bestselling Dragonsitter series. Lacey is also the author of children’s books such as the series Hope Jones, The Island of Thieves and Grk, as well as the adult title God is Brazilian. His first book for children, A Dog Called Grk, was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award.

Parsons has illustrated books for children, including the The Dinosaur That Pooped series. Both will be supporting the series with school events, online content and point of sale material for schools.

Lacey said: "I’ve always dreamed of building a time machine, and although I haven’t managed that yet, this series has let me do the next best thing: sending the Time Travel Twins back through history to witness the Vikings wading ashore, meet a young Alfred the Great, ride on the back of a Roman elephant, and watch the construction of Stonehenge.

“I want this series to break artefacts out of museum cases and yank characters from manuscripts to bring them alive for modern kids.”

Josh added: "It’s great to be working with Garry again. Of course, I knew he could draw amazing dragons and dinosaurs, but I’ve been so impressed by his detailed, dynamic and historically accurate drawings for the series.

"Whether he’s depicting a longship plunging through the waves, the chaos of a battle, or a funeral pyre, surrounded by warriors mourning their lost comrade, he’s really brought the Time Travel Twins and their adventures to life."

Wilson commented: "I’m so excited to work with author/illustrator dream team Josh Lacey and Garry Parsons. Lacey’s brilliant research, action-packed stories and accessible writing, alongside Parsons’ lively and atmospheric illustrations, bring the history kids are learning in the classroom to life."