Hachette Children's Group signs three-book deal with Lu Fraser and Paddy Donnelly

Hachette Children’s Group (HCG) has acquired Ava and the Acorn, a picture book written by Lu Fraser and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly, as part of a three-book deal with the author and illustrator.

Emma Blackburn, outgoing group trade publisher for picture books and preschool at HCG, acquired world rights from Mandy Suhr at StoryWise for Fraser, while Susan Penny at Bright Agency did likewise for Donnelly. The books will be brought to publication by Molly Littleboy, editor for picture books and preschool at HCG.

Fraser won the Oscar’s Book Prize and the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award, in the Book of the Year category, for The Littlest Yak (Simon & Schuster Children’s UK), while Donnelly won the Literacy Association of Ireland Biennial Children’s Book Award for Fox & Son Tailers (O’Brien Press) and the Judge’s Special Award at the Children’s Book Ireland Book Awards for An Slipéar Gloine (Futa Fata).

Littleboy said: "We are hugely excited about this three-book deal. The first title, Ava and the Acorn, is the tender tale of one little girl’s relationship with her grandad, the hope that lies in the changing of the seasons, and the circle of life. Lu Fraser is the master of tackling the difficult subjects of change and loss in a vivid, lyrical way — full of heart and love. Paired with Paddy Donnelly’s breathtakingly gorgeous illustrations, this book is a true stay-with-you-forever story, and I challenge any reader not to shed a tear (or three!) when reading it."

Fraser said: "What a wonderful home Ava and the Acorn has found at Hachette, and what a tremendous partner I’ve found in Paddy Donnelly. This book has my heart on every page and the whole team has championed it with such passion and care."

Donnelly added: "I’ve been a fan of Lu’s books for a long time, so I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with her on this beautiful story. I really hope this book will have a special place in young readers’ hearts."