Chris Packham signs five book deal with UCLan

TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham has signed a five-book deal with student-run publishing house UCLan. 

UCLan Publishing acquired world rights from David Foster of David Foster Management and is currently looking for an illustrator for the books, which are based on stories Packham first told his family. 

Titles are yet to be revealed but the books will feature Packham’s dogs and the first will be released in 2021. The author will also work with the students on a children’s book module, starting this September. 

“I am very excited about working with UCLan Publishing,” said Packham. “Their innovative approach along with the fact that they are a not for profit independent publisher, working with students, is something I really believe in. I am so glad that the books I originally wrote for my family have found a good home with people who are as passionate about the project as I am.”                                     

Debbie Williams, director of UCLan Publishing, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be working with Chris and that he really believes in what we’re trying to achieve with the course. I have always been a fan of Chris’s work both on and off the screen, so this is a real career highlight for me. We are on the hunt for the right illustrator right now and we can’t wait to get started.”

Packham previously published a memoir, entitled Fingers in the Sparkle Jar, with Ebury Press.