Antony to move to Macmillan Children’s Books with four-book deal

Picture book creator Steve Antony will move to Macmillan Children’s Books with a four-book deal. His new series will take a "funny and relatable" look at key childhood moments, emotions and milestones.

Emily Ford, senior commissioning editor for the fiction, non-fiction and picture books list, acquired world rights in the four books from Elizabeth Roy at the Elizabeth Roy Literary Agency. Ford bought the rights shortly before Roy retired after nearly 50 years in the industry, making this one of her last deals.

The new picture books will launch in spring 2024 in a sturdy square paperback format. They promise to be a "stand-out, character-led series perfectly capturing what it what it feels like to be – and have – a young child". The synopsis says: "Bursting with soon to be favourite characters, this series looks at nap times, potties, food and bath time, bringing Steve’s trademark wit, inimitable warmth and humour to the youngest children."

The first title, Cat Nap, will be a 2024 super lead title for Macmillan Children’s Books and will launch with a wide reaching and creative multi-channel marketing and PR campaign targeted at parents, grandparents, carers and gifters. Three further titles—Bird Bath, Hippo Potty and Chick Pea—will follow at six-monthly intervals. 

Ford commented: “Steve is a seven times Kate Greenaway Medal Nominee, an Oscar’s Book Prize winner and fabulous force for good in the world of children’s books. As with all great picture book creators, his ability to engage the reader is instinctive – he understands and respects them and the result is a joy. 

"I am thrilled to be welcoming him onto our bestselling list with this standout series that will ensure even the youngest children can start their journey into books with Steve.”

Sam Smith, publisher for the fiction, non-fiction and picture books list, added: “This brilliant acquisition is part of our strategy to identify and work with some of the very best talents around. We couldn’t be more thrilled that Steve is joining our stellar picture book list with his new series for young children.  

"We see this as the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with a standout picture book creator.”

Antony is the creator of The Queen’s Hat series (Hodder’s Children’s Books) as well as a string of titles with writer, comic and composer Tim Minchin.  His Mr Panda Series (Hodder Childen’s Books) has sold over one million copies worldwide and is being developed as an animation series with Magic Light.

He said: “I am so happy that my little animal tots have found their publishing home. I know they’re in great hands and look forward to sharing this fun new series with my newborn nephews and families far and wide.”