Farshore celebrates 10th anniversary of Barry Loser series with two new books

Farshore is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Jim Smith’s bestselling Barry Loser series with a two new graphic novel adventures, which will be published in a full-colour format for the first time. 

Liz Bankes, editorial director, signed world rights from Caroline Sheldon at Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency. The first book, Barry Loser: Total Winner, will be published in May 2022 for ages seven and above, with the second book to follow in 2023. 

Smith has won prestigious prizes including the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Scholastic Lollies award. He was shortlisted for the Waterstones prize and had a World Book Day book.  

The new book "feels like the one I’ve always wanted to write,” he said. “With my son about the same age as Barry now, there’s no shortage of new material.” 

The new books will feature new tales with full-colour illustrations throughout for the first time. They will also include ‘how to draw sections’ to help children create their own comic books. Farshore will also be publishing audiobooks for the first time. 

Bankes said: “Barry told us that all he wanted for his 10th birthday was a new graphic novel series (and a cat) and luckily Jim Smith was happy to oblige. Jim is a total winner and we’re so proud to work with him making kids everywhere laugh for a whole decade. Publishing Barry’s new adventures in glorious technicolour felt like the perfect way to celebrate.” 

Sheldon added: “I could not be more excited that Barry Loser and the gang have found their way into a graphic novel with help from brilliant pensman Jim Smith. Every page sparkles with his unique brand of humour and wonderful off-the-wall cartoon art.”