DK signs four from Kes Gray

DK has signed up Kes Gray for four “creative, imagination-driven” children’s titles. 

Children’s publisher Francesca Young acquired exclusive global rights, including audio, in a multi-book deal from Anne McNeil at Anne McNeil Creative Limited. 

The first title, Good Bits, “a 20-course taster menu of all-action story bites, written to fuel and grow an appetite for reading and creativity,” will publish in April 2025 with More Good Bits to follow a year later in March 2026. 

In September 2026 Gray’s first picture book for DK, Nothing, will be published in paperback. A second paperback picture book, Sat Nav to Galaxy X will follow in April 2027. Details of the illustrators are still to be announced. 

Young said: “As a huge Kes fan, I couldn’t wait to welcome him to the growing DK Children’s list. Whether writing laugh-out-loud fiction or creating engaging, hilarious picture book texts, Kes is one of the most talented children’s writers of our time. His resonance with his audience is unparalleled – we can’t wait for readers to discover these new delights!” 

Gray added: “My agenda as a children’s author has always been to be as creatively varied as I can be. I have found another brilliant new ally in DK!”