Firefly Press swoops for 'gripping' final instalment in Jo Clarke's middle-grade series

Firefly Press has swooped for the final instalment in Jo Clarke’s middle-grade series, The Travelling School Mysteries. 

Publisher Penny Thomas acquired world English rights to Libby and the Egyptian Escapade from Alice Williams at Alice Williams literary agency. The novel is slated for publication in January 2025 and illustrated by Becka Moor. 

"It has been a huge honour to illustrate Jo’s début middle-grade series. Jo has created a wonderful cast of characters, and I have enjoyed sleuthing with Libby and pals without having to leave the comfort of my chair," said Moor.

The fourth and final instalment in Clarke’s series sees the travelling school arrive in Egypt and soon the students get caught up in a sequence of strange events. Libby and her friends must use their detective skills to find out whether they have awakened the mummy’s curse or someone is trying to scare them. 

Editor Hayley Fairhead said: "Perilous hot-air-balloon rides, a terrifying curse and stolen artefacts, plus everything you could want to know about ancient Egypt – readers will be swept up in this gripping adventure mystery." 

Clarke added: "It has been such a joy to work with Becka Moor and Firefly Press on this series, I can’t wait to share this story with my readers."