HCCB snaps up Doku's 'wonderfully romantic' debut graphic novel

HarperCollins Children’s Books (HCCB) has won a "hotly contested" auction to acquire debut graphic novel Brielle & Bear from author-illustrator Salomey Doku.  

Megan Reid, fiction editor, acquired world rights in all languages to two Brielle & Bear graphic novels for teen readers from Christabel McKinley at David Higham. HCCB will publish the first volume in autumn 2024 and the second in spring 2026. 

The synopsis says: “Brielle is a daydreamy book lover who knows everything there is to know about fairy tales. She is a first-year student at Once Upon a Time University, where she intends to live out her own fairy-tale dream. When she meets Bear, vice-captain of the rugby team, at the bookshop where she works, Brielle’s dream seems to be off to a good start. But as a whirlwind year passes, the lines between friendship, trust, betrayal, love and fear become progressively complicated, and Brielle must find the courage to rewrite the rules.”

HCCB said publication will be supported with “an unmissable publicity and marketing campaign”, featuring early samplers and trade engagement, all centred on Doku’s art.

Doku is a self-taught author-illustrator from Leeds. Originally trained in architecture, she started watercolour painting in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the art of storytelling.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be partnering with HarperCollins Children’s Books to bring my dreamlike world of Brielle & Bear to bookshelves! This lovingly created story is an ode to my passion for fairy tales. I can’t wait to welcome readers to Once Upon a Time University – the place where anyone can make their dreams come true!”

Reid added: “Brielle & Bear is a wonderfully romantic and inclusive coming-of-age story about love and friendship and heartbreak, and all with a sprinkle of fairy-tale magic. I was blown away by Salomey’s brilliant writing, gorgeous storytelling and beautiful art, and can’t wait to share this story with the world.”

Nick Lake, fiction publisher, also commented: “Salomey is a huge and unique talent, and I’m so thrilled to be welcoming her to HCCB, as a lead title in our small but growing list of original graphic novels. We know how hungry readers and retailers are for stories like this, and we are proud to work with Salomey to continue our tradition of creating the books readers love, from the ground up.”