HarperCollins Children’s Books signs ‘laugh-out-loud’ picture book by McLaughlin and Byrne

HarperCollins Children’s Books has acquired “laugh-out-loud” picture book Frank the Pizza by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Mike Byrne.

Publishing Director Alice Blacker acquired world rights in a two-book deal from James Catchpole at The Catchpole Agency.

Frank The Pizza, “a hilarious tale about friendship, fitting-in, and the perils of being delicious”, will be published 22nd May 2025 with a second title to follow in 2026.

The synopsis of Frank The Pizza reads: “Making friends isn’t easy when you’re a pizza. Frank the Pizza just wants someone to accept him for who he is, not what he tastes like. So, when he gets invited to a birthday party, it’s his big chance. His parents warn him and tell him to be careful… After all, life’s dangerous when you’re delicious…”

McLaughlin said: “Some ideas come to you when you’re at your desk—notebook in hand, pen poised, looking all authorly. Others arrive when you’re eating a pizza. I was incredibly pleased to learn that Alice and Mike love pizza just as much as I do, and I can’t wait for the world to eat meet Frank.”

Blacker said: “Frank popped into my inbox one Friday afternoon and within minutes I’d shared it with the entire team. Not publishing it just wasn’t an option. It is quite simply one of the funniest picture book texts I’ve ever read. We have very high hopes for Frank.”