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Hachette Children’s Group (HCG) has snapped up The Bear Behind by author and agent Sam Copeland, illustrated by Pippa Curnick, as the pair embark on an "exciting picture book partnership" in a three-book deal.
Katie Sassienie, commissioning editor, acquired world rights from Julia Churchill at A M Heath for the text and Claire Cartey at Holroyde Cartey for the illustrations. The Bear Behind will publish in April 2023 in hardback and August 2023 in paperback on the Hodder Children’s Books imprint, and will be followed by a further two titles in 2024 and 2025.
The deal marks the author’s first foray into the picture book market, as he switches from Puffin to HCG. Copeland’s previous books include Charlie Changes into a Chicken (Puffin), and Uma and The Answer to Absolutely Everything among others. Curnick’s include Chatterbox Bear and The Big Freeze as well as the award-winning young fiction series Indigo Wilde, all published by Hodder Children’s.
The first book follows little Ivor who, on his first day of school, discovers he has a "great big Bear Behind". "As the bumbling blue bear follows him around causing chaos, Ivor quickly has more to worry about than making friends or finding the toilet," the synopsis reads.
"Filled with humour and heart, the story ultimately shows even the littlest kids that there’s fun to be had when you leave your worries behind."
Sassienie said: “Sam has taken the world of children’s fiction by storm, and I have no doubt his humour will have even younger kids, and their parents, in stitches too. It’s been an absolute treat working with Sam to find his picture book voice and to see the larger-than-life Bear Behind come alive with Pippa’s incredible artwork. This is the start of a very exciting picture book partnership.”
Copeland added: “Ever since I started writing I have wanted to write a picture book, so this whole journey has been incredibly exciting. And to be paired with Pippa Curnick is a dream – her illustrations are so wonderful, so full of joy and life and humour – I could not be happier.”
Curnick commented: “When I first read Sam’s idea, I immediately knew that it was going to be brilliant fun to illustrate. The underlying message of managing, embracing and laughing at your worries resonated with me as both an illustrator and a parent. I hope this special book will become a go-to for little ones with any worries or fears.”