Dara Ó Briain signs children's debut with Scholastic UK

Scholastic UK has acquired the debut children’s book by Irish comedian and presenter Dara Ó Briain.

Beyond the Sky, which will be published in time for Christmas 2017, will be a non-fiction title about the “fascinating” secrets of space, told in Ó Briain’s “inimitable” style, according to Scholastic.

Media development director David Stevens struck a deal for world rights from Damon Pettitt of Off the Kerb Productions.

Miriam Farbey, UK publisher and global nonfiction publisher at Scholastic, said: “One of the UK and Ireland's best-loved comedians and presenters, Dara is going to be a brilliant new voice in children’s publishing and we couldn’t be more proud to be publishing his debut book. There is literally no one smarter or more hilarious than Dara Ó Briain when it comes to talking to kids and their families about our weird and wonderful universe.”

Ó Briain added: “I'm delighted to share my love of space and science with a whole new generation of astronomers and astronauts; and to show young people that the greatest sights in the universe can be sometimes be found by simply looking up."

Publication will be supported by a “major PR and marketing campaign”. 

Ó Briain, who now lives in the UK, is also the author of Tickling the English (Penguin Random House), a humorous guide to his adopted homeland, written for adults.