Hachette Children’s Group nabs 'action-packed' graphic novel duology by Maple Lam

Hachette Children’s Group has acquired Monkey King and the World of Myths, an "action-packed" graphic novel duology by author-illustrator Maple Lam, for readers aged seven to 11. 
Commissioning editor Aliyana Hirji acquired UK and Commonwealth rights for a two-book deal from Kim Ryan at Penguin Random House US. The first title in the series, The Monster and the Maze, will be published in April 2024.

"Combining two myths and legends from different parts of the world, the first book follows Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, who has struck a deal with the gods: travel the world and defeat the monsters and they’ll make him one of them," the synopsis says. "Soon the Monkey King is off to Greece, where he gets tasked with pet-sitting and potty-training a three-headed dog... and also defeating a man-eating Minotaur."

Hirji said: "From the very first page, I fell head over tail for this naughty, cute and legendary monkey. Maple Lam has brought to life an action-packed plot that is both laugh-out-loud funny and heart-warming with brilliant and charming illustrations. Prepare for puppy pee and monkey mischief!"
Lam added: "When I was growing up in Hong Kong, my parents took me to the local library every weekend. There, I immersed myself in all the history, folklore, and mythology books ... I am so excited to be able to share this world with a new generation of young readers and I am absolutely delighted that Hachette will be publishing my graphic novel in the UK."