Hodder signs up illustrator duo

Picture book artists Elys Dolan and Pippa Curnick have signed multi-book deals with Hachette list Hodder Children’s Books.

The Roald Dahl Funny Prize-shortlisted Dolan signed a four-book deal which includes Super Snail, a witty tale about Kevin, "an ordinary slug by day but a fearless, shell-wearing Super Snail by night". Using the power of slime, Kevin must prove his worth to the League of Heroes. Picture book publisher Emma Layfield said Dolan "has a brilliant sense of humour and fills her pages with visual and verbal jokes that children love", adding that Super Snail’s "energetic artwork packs a mighty punch". Dolan has also been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and won the Zena Sutherland Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature in 2015.

Layfield also bought three books by Curnick, illustrator of radio DJ Danny Baker’s Lucie Goose. Chatterbox Bear, Curnick’s first book as an author/illustrator, is about a bear no one will listen to because he talks too much. He decides to set sail in search of new friends and arrives on an island full of birds who can’t understand a word he is saying. "It is not every day in your career that a new talent like Pippa comes along," said Layfield. "She blew us away with her magnificently funny artwork in Lucie Goose and we are thrilled to be publishing her début author/ illustrator picture book, a hilarious story about making friends and overcoming language barriers."

In both deals Layfield secured world rights and will publish in 2019. Dolan’s agent is Frances McKay at Frances McKay Illustration and Curnick is represented by Claire Cartey at Holroyde Cartey.