HCCB snaps up three from Bently and Bond

HarperCollins Children’s Books has snapped up a collaboration between Peter Bently, winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, and John Bond, creator of the Mini Rabbit books.

The “brilliantly witty” Dogs in Disguise will publish in hardback in September 2021 and will be the first in a three-book deal, combining Bently's rhyming text with Bond’s instantly recognisable artwork. Picture book publishing director Alice Blacker signed world rights from Jodie Hodges at United Agents.

Bently’s first picture book, A Lark in the Ark (Egmont), was published in 2008 and shortlisted for the Red House Children’s Book Award. Since then, he has created more than 70 picture books that have won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Teach Early Years Picture Book Award, as well as being shortlisted for numerous other prizes, including twice for the Kate Greenaway Medal.

First published in 2018, Bond’s picture books Mini Rabbit Not Lost and Mini Rabbit Must Help, released by HarperCollins Children's Books, have been read by young readers around the globe. They have been translated into 12 languages, and Mini Rabbit Not Lost was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. The third book in the series, Mini Rabbit Come Home, will be published on 18th March.

Blacker said: “Peter Bently is a star of the picture-book world, so I’m absolutely thrilled to be pairing him with rising illustrator star John Bond. Dogs in Disguise is a complete riot of a text and a joy to read aloud. Paired with John’s irreverent illustrations, this is a dream collaboration.”

Bently said: “I am delighted and excited to be paired with such a brilliant talent as John Bond. His highly distinctive illustrations are wonderfully vibrant and stylish and, above all, hilarious – in other words, the perfect combination!”

Bond added: “I'm delighted to be working with Peter and the team at HarperCollins on this series. I have a reputation for drawing dogs a lot, so the minute I read the text for Dogs in Disguise — I was sold!”