HarperCollins Children's swoops for young fiction series by Harrison in three-book deal

HarperCollins Children’s Books has snapped up three books in a “dynamic” new young fiction series by Paula Harrison. 

Michelle Mirsa, publishing director, acquired world rights for the Fairytale Ninjas series from Jodie Hodges at United Agents. The first book in the series will publish in April 2023, with two further titles to follow. The launch will be supported by an “unmissable” PR and marketing campaign, the publisher said. 

The series follows Goldie, Red and Snow, sent off by their parents to the Glass Slipper Academy, fully expecting to learn ballet and how to get ready for a ball. Instead, they find themselves being trained in the art of ninja fighting. Their teacher, Madame Hart, has a whole cupboard full of swords and crossbows and soon they are off on their first quest to right wrongs and scare off villains in the imaginary world of Waybeyond. 

Misra said: “I’d been looking for a young fiction series with a strong hook and fantastic commercial writing for some time, so when this landed on my desk, I couldn’t have been happier. What’s not to love about three ordinary girls, turning the fairytales on their heads? Full of humour and plenty of adventure, Paula Harrison packs a punch!” 

Harrison added: “I’m so excited to be sharing Red, Goldie and Snow’s adventures with young readers. These girls aren’t about to sit around eating porridge when they could be out defeating trolls and scaling castle walls in their ninja suits. Michelle understood what makes these stories work from the start and having her expertise has been fantastic. I’m thrilled Fairytale Ninjas has found a home at HarperCollins Children’s Books.”