Chicken House scoops three from ‘hugely talented’ debut author Kavvadias

Chicken House has acquired three books from “hugely talented” debut author Philip Kavvadias.

Publisher Barry Cunningham acquired world rights excluding film from Amber Caravéo at Skylark Literary. The first novel – Mission: Microraptor – will be published in April 2024, with book two following in autumn later that year. Chicken House will publish in paperback, featuring spot illustrations from Euan Cook throughout.

Described as “Jurassic Park” meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Jeff Kinney/Puffin) by way of Alex Rider (Anthony Horowitz/Walker Books), Chicken House says the new series promises to be “joyous, riotous, [and] all-action”, for ages eight and up.

The synopsis for the first book reads: “Two boys and a microraptor. A dark, mysterious forest. And a squad of army-trained mercenaries searching for them. What could possibly go wrong?

“Falling behind the class on a school trip to the Alps, Finn and Milo stumble upon an egg buried in ice. Later that night, nestled in the warmth of Elliot’s backpack, it hatches – and a 65 million-year-old baby microraptor is accidentally brought back from extinction…”

Mission: Microraptor will be a lead title for Chicken House at Frankfurt 2023, with the manuscript now available for scouts and overseas publishers. Publication will be supported by a major PR and marketing campaign, with proofs making their way to early readers in the new year.

Kavvadias grew up in Athens, fell in love in Dublin, and made his home in Windsor. He writes stories, screenplays, sketches, poems. 

He said: “Mission: Microraptor’s mission is simple: Make kids laugh and thrill them with adventure. But there’s also a higher question that we’ll explore during the series. Chicken House has been instrumental in putting it together and, honestly, I couldn’t have partnered with a better team.”

Cunningham said: “I’m still that child. The one who adores all-action, totally exciting adventures with the hint of the impossibly unusual. But who also loves their home comforts, bad jokes and who is not-so-terribly practical! Luckily Philip Kavvadias is the author made for me. Unlikely friendships, cool real life survival tips, awful villains and brilliant tech – it’s all here! Of course it’s a trilogy – wouldn’t surprise me it turns out to be twentyrilogy! Brilliant.”

Caravéo commented: “I’m delighted that Philip’s thrilling adventure series will be published by Chicken House. Their plans for launch are exciting and their commitment, enthusiasm and joy in this fun and funny series shone through from the outset!”