Hachette Children’s Group wins three-way auction for Duck Delivers picture book series

Hachette Children’s Group (HCG) has acquired Duck Delivers, an “irresistible, fun-filled” series about an adorably unlucky duck flying the nest to make it in the big wide world as a delivery duck, by Tom Tinn-Disbury.

Katie Sassienie, editorial director, picture books and preschool at Hachette Children’s Group, acquired world rights for three books, in a three-way auction, from Lorna Hemingway at Bell Lomax Moreton. The publisher says it will “deliver a stand-out marketing and PR campaign”.

The synopsis reads: “Duck has always been a home bird, happiest eating bread in bed, splashing in the bath and organising his socks. Duck isn’t very good at… Adventuring. But even the most unadventurous birds must fly the nest, and what better way to see the world than as a Delivery Duck? Soon, with his parcel packed, Duck is scooting off on his very first adventure. Can Duck deliver, or will he find himself in a bit of a flap?”

Sassienie said: “Tom has created a brilliant adventure story that’s perfect for little ones obsessed with the post-people and delivery drivers who knock on their doors. We all went quackers when Duck landed in our inboxes, and knew we absolutely had to take Tom under our wing! The hilarious character paired with the postal theme—a perennial favourite for little ones—makes Duck Delivers the perfect package and one that’s sure to make a splash.”

Tinn-Disbury said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be working with the tremendous team at Hachette. They really understood what I wanted to achieve with Duck Delivers. The big plans they have for this series are very exciting and I can’t wait for readers to see it!”

Lorna Hemingway at Bell Lomax Moreton, added: “Duck started off as an amazing doodle that Tom posted on Instagram one day and I fell hook, line and sinker for that adorable animal straight away. With Tom’s tenacity and the powerhouse that is Hachette, this series is going to soar across the world and undoubtedly put a smile on any reader’s face!”