Hodder Children’s signs picture books from Jonny Duddle

Hodder Children’s books, part of the Hachette Children’s Group (HCG), has bought two picture books by author and illustrator Jonny Duddle.

Emma Layfield, picture book publisher at Hodder, bought world rights, including merchandise, TV and film, from Tamlyn Francis at Arena Illustration.

HCG c.e.o. Hilary Murray Hill said: “At the Hachette Children’s Group we are immensely proud of our outstanding, award-winning authors and illustrators. We are committed to building on our strength in picture book publishing. Jonny Duddle is a unique and established talent and I am delighted to welcome him to the group.”

The titles of the books and publishing dates are yet to be announced but Duddle, who redesigned the front covers of J K Rowling’s Harry Potter series in 2014, said he was “itching” to start a Viking story.

Duddle will continue to publish his pirate series with Templar.