Hachette Children's acquires two Famous Five-inspired books from Chris Smith

Hachette Children’s has acquired the rights to two new books based on Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five series from Chris Smith. Aliyana Hirji, commissioning editor at Hachette Children’s Group, acquired world rights from Stephanie Thwaites at Curtis Brown.

Written by author Chris Smith—creator of the Kid Normal series—and illustrated by James Lancett, the first book in the series Five and the Forgotten Treasure, publishes on 30th January 2025 in paperback, plus e-book and audio editions.

The new adventure, inspired by Enid Blyton, will invite readers to join the original "Famous Five" and a new group of children as they investigate the mystery of a secret treasure map.

Hirji said: "The Famous Five is full of action-packed adventures—and is one of Enid Blyton’s most beloved series. As a lifelong super-fan of The Famous Five, Chris Smith captures the spirit, excitement and thrill of the original stories in this brand-new adventure, perfect for every generation. I cannot wait for readers to meet Maddy, Fran, Tom and their dog Gilbert. There’s treasure to be found, thieves to be thwarted and delicious ice cream to be eaten by the new Famous Five!"

Smith said: "Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five are part of my DNA. Growing up I scoured the library each week for any of their adventures I might not yet have shared, and now I’ve been allowed to write my very own. Ginger beers all round! Eight-year-old me is feeling very proud and current me is feeling pretty weepy. I hope loads of young readers will love visiting Kirrin for the first time—and perhaps a few older readers will enjoy spending some time with our old friends. You know their names... All together now: Julian, Dick and Anne, George and Timmy the dog." 

Thwaites said: "Chris is the ideal author to write this sequel given his love for Blyton and his natural skill as a storyteller, so this couldn’t be a happier partnership. His wonderful sense of adventure, fun and joy shines through all his writing and we’re thrilled to be able to revisit this iconic series in a fresh and energetic way."