HarperCollins Children’s Books signs new David Baddiel titles

HarperCollins Children’s Books has signed two new books by David Baddiel, entitled Small Fry and Flying South.

World rights in all languages were acquired in a two-book deal by Tom Bonnick, editorial director of fiction at HarperCollins Children’s Books, from Georgia Garrett at RCW.

The first title, Small Fry, illustrated by Cory Loftis, is poised for hardback publication this autumn, while Flying South, a graphic novel illustrated by Luke Horsman, will publish in 2025. World illustration rights for both titles were acquired directly from the artists.

Small Fry is described as “a David vs Goliath middle-grade adventure story about a boy called Benny who spends his weekends helping his dad work at their burger van parked outside the local football  ground". 

Its synopsis adds: “When Benny finds his grandfather’s old recipe book, he starts cooking incredible food – so good, in fact, that he attracts the unwanted attention of fast-food giant Bonkers Burgers! This brilliantly funny and exciting story, with a heart-warming father and son relationship at its centre, is perfect for fans of Roald Dahl’s Danny the Champion of the World, Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Macmillan Children’s Books) and ‘Ratatouille’.”

Baddiel said: “I’m very happy to be continuing writing children’s books for Harper Collins. I’m looking forward to seeing whether my readers enjoy tucking into my foodie story, Small Fry, about a brilliant boy cook plying his trade in a burger van, and Flying South, my first graphic novel, about a plucky sparrow who decides to lead a ragtag team of similar low-level birds into the skies for the journey they aren’t supposed to make.

“Either way I’m glad to be still, after 10 years, writing books for children. Recently, I’ve noticed, teenagers have started coming up to me and saying they were fans of my books when they were kids. Which might make some people feel old but makes me feel proud.”

Bonnick said: “HCCB is hugely proud to have been the home of David’s incredible children’s books for the past 10 years, and we are thrilled to be continuing this decade-long creative partnership with two more brilliant books, beginning with Small Fry – a truly heartwarming and hilarious new novel containing all of David’s trademark humour, imagination and enormous child appeal. David’s books pose irresistible what if questions, and this one – what if a 12-year-old became the world’s best cook? – has all of the ingredients of a future classic.”