Hachette Children’s snaps up new non-fiction from Dr Ranj

Hachette Children’s Group (HCG) has acquired Dr Ranj Singh’s new non-fiction book, How to Be a Boy: and Do It Your Own Way, for those aged 10 and above.

Liza Wilde, editorial director, acquired world rights in the text from K T Forster at K T Forster Literary Agency. Samuel Perrett, art director of fiction and text-led non-fiction, acquired world rights in the illustration from Jodie Hodges at United Agents.

Described as an inclusive guide "that helps readers be the type of boy they want to be, with confidence, positivity and kindness", the book is illustrated by David O’Connell and will be published in paperback by the Wren & Rook imprint on 11th May 2023. 

This new title follows How to Grow Up (and Feel Amazing!) The No-Worries Guide for Boys and Brain Power: A Toolkit to Understand and Train Your Unique Brain, which was written by Dr Ranj and also illustrated by O’Connell.

The synopsis for Singh’s upcoming book reads: “How to Be a  Boy: and Do It Your Own Way will help readers navigate the confusing messages around boyhood and manliness in today’s world, reassuring readers that there isn’t one right way to be a boy – but that what’s important is to be true to yourself and kind to others. Dr Ranj looks at everything from gender stereotypes, peer pressure and male privilege to mental health, body image and leadership. With a strong emphasis on empowering the reader, the book encourages all children to be the very best version of themselves they can be. 

Singh commented: “Boys and young men are bombarded with so many messages and expectations nowadays that it can be difficult for them to work out who they really are and be confident in being themselves. Alongside that, we see so many examples of negative behaviour and toxic masculinity on screen and on social media. All of this has an impact on young minds, and I want to change that. I want boys to be happy and confident in whoever they are and be able to be their best selves. And I want to show them that ‘being a boy’ and ‘masculinity’ may not be what they expected. In fact, this book will show them how it’s all about being a kind and compassionate human being first.”

Singh is an NHS paediatrician and BAFTA-award-winning TV presenter. He co-created the hit CBeebies show “Get Well Soon", and has presented numerous other series including ITV’s “Dr Ranj: On Call”, “Save Money Lose Weight” and “Save Money: Good Health, and Extreme Food Phobics” for the W Channel.

O’Connell is a writer and illustrator. He works mostly in children’s books.