Hodder Faith Young Explorers signs Jones' three-book series

Hodder Faith Young Explorers has acquired singer and presenter Aled Jones' three-book series which will follow Bobby Dean, a boy with a difference who finds acceptance in the magic of song. 

The series is suitable for readers aged seven plus and will follow the three school terms. Bobby Dean Saves Christmas will be published on 14th October 2021, Bobby Dean and the Golden Egg will be published for Easter on 14th April 2022 and a summer school trip adventure, Bobby Dean and the Underground Kingdom, will be published on 7th July 2022. 

Ruth Roff, commissioning editor, acquired world rights to the series via Aled Jones Enterprises Ltd. She commented: "We are thrilled to have worked with Aled to make his ideas a reality, and who better to create a character who finds magical things happen when he sings! As a parent, I would be delighted for my child to bring Bobby Dean home on a playdate. Bobby models deep courage, accepting people who are different from himself and fighting against injustice, all in a very relevant and gentle way."

Jones said: "The idea for Bobby Dean has been bubbling up slowly inside me for years, just waiting to come out. I’ve seen the power of music first-hand and have always used song as a way of soothing troubled times; from singing to my children when they were young, to humming a tune now when I find myself stressed. I hope Bobby Dean and his adventures help children open their minds and imaginations to the power of music and of friendship and the amazing possibilities when you give people a chance beyond your first impressions."