Hachette Children's buys five more from Butterworth

Hachette Children’s Group has acquired five new titles from Jess Butterworth, including the first title in a new series, The Adventure Club. 

Lena McCauley, commissioning editor at Hachette Children’s Group, secured world rights in a deal made with Sallyanne Sweeney at MMB Creative. The first book in The Adventure Club series, Red Panda Rescue, will be published on 8th July 2021, and standalone title Into the Volcano will be published on 15th April 2021, both under the Orion Children's Books imprint. 

The Adventure Club series is aimed at readers aged seven to nine, and will be illustrated throughout by Kirsti Beautyman. The notebook-style series will follow eight-year-old Tilly’s adventures as she helps animals across the world. The first title, Red Panda Rescue, will be set in the mountains of Nepal; the second book, Tiger in Trouble, will be set in the jungles of India.

Into the Volcano will be a standalone middle-grade adventure with a cover illustration by Rob Biddulph. It will be told through dual narrative and set on top of a super volcano in the Rocky Mountains. The synopsis reads: "Twelve-year-old Sebastian believes he can find an elusive rainbow pool that will help heal his friend Clay, who has been injured in a shooting. Eleven-year-old Vivi is determined to help Seb find the pool, to honour the memory of her grandmother, who died in the same incident. Bonding through their shared grief, they search together for the pool, but when Seb is injured in one of the volcanic springs, it becomes a race for survival as they try to find their way out of the wilderness."

McCauley commented: "All of Jess’ books feature gorgeously described settings, determined and passionate adventurers, marvellous animals and an enduring love and respect for nature. I’m so thrilled to be publishing more wonderful stories from her." 

Butterworth commented: "Since I was a small child, I’ve dreamed about travelling to wild places and helping to save endangered animals, so it’s incredible to bring The Adventure Club to life with Lena and the wonderful team at Hachette Children’s Group. And I hope that children will also enjoy travelling alongside Vivi and Seb to the bubbling volcanic landscape of Yellowstone in Into the Volcano. I long for readers to come away from the story feeling empowered and filled with hope, especially after this very tough year."

Butterworth's debut, Running on the Roof of the World, was published by Orion's Children's Books in 2017.