DK Children’s acquires Emma Young’s What If science series for children

DK Children’s has acquired four titles in the What If series by Emma Young, with illustrations by Super Freak, which is aimed at readers of seven and up.

Managing editor Gemma Farr acquired world rights from Julia Churchill at A M Heath for Young and from Hannah Shilland at BrilliantArtists for Super Freak. The first title, What If You Didn’t Make Snot? And Other Amazing Human Body Questions, will publish in hardback in June 2025, with a second title scheduled for November and two further titles coming in 2026.

“What If You Didn’t Make Snot? helps readers learn all about the human body, from blood vessels to the brain and nerves to nutrients,” the synopsis says. “Author Emma Young explains the answers to 33 amusing questions with humour and plenty of science facts. The title is packed with attention-grabbing photography and quirky illustrations from Super Freak, making it a one-of-a-kind human body book.”

Commenting on the deal, Young said: “I really wanted to write a fun, accessible series about science; one that tackles fundamentally important topics – such as what the liver does, and what makes volcanoes erupt – but that would also appeal to all young readers, not just those who adore encyclopaedias.”

Farr added: “I am always looking for new and exciting ways to inspire the next generation of scientists and thinkers. What If does exactly that. Emma’s voice has a wonderful way of reaching even the most reluctant reader and paired with Super Freak’s lively illustrations we know we’ve created a series for every child to enjoy.”