Ladybird signs Maya and Marley picture book series from Henry-Allain

Ladybird has acquired Maya and Marley, a new picture book series written by Laura Henry-Allain, creator of the characters JoJo and Gran Gran for CBeebies. The series will be illustrated by Yabaewah Scott.

Commissioning editor Becky Brown acquired world rights in two books from Jodie Hodges at United Agents and James Stevens acquired illustration rights from Becky Wilson at The Plum Agency. The first book, Maya and Marley: The Great Big Tidy Up!, will be published in July 2024.

The series is about siblings Maya and Marley and their adventures in Grove Adventure Playground with Mum, Dad and pet goats Lou and Chou. The books introduce ideas of community and the environment for very young children. The publisher said: “Laura Henry-Allain a genius at writing stories that celebrate the magic of the everyday that children can relate to."

Henry-Allain has previously written two non-fiction books for Ladybird, My Skin, Your Skin and the upcoming My Family, Your Family.

Brown said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be publishing Laura Henry-Allain’s new picture book series. Laura’s wealth of experience in Early Years education and her passion for promoting empathy absolutely shines through in the characters and world she has created. We can’t wait for everyone to meet Maya and Marley!”

Henry-Allain said: “I created Maya and Marley two years ago. I was keen to have a book that celebrated the voice of a Black brother and sister and put them at the centre of a story. I knew that I wanted Maya and Marley to represent their environment, and I equally wanted to shine a light on my childhood area of London, W10, specifically where I spent many hours playing in Hornimans Adventure Playground. They are also joined by the super friendly ‘Street Sweeper Crew’, who are super helpful and are a big part of Maya and Marley’s world.

“I am delighted with how Yabaewah Scott has interpreted the images that I shared to create her scrumptious illustrations. A massive thank you goes to team Ladybird and my agent Jodie Hodges, United Agents. I truly can’t wait for this book to be available so that everyone can enjoy the special, exciting and fun world of Maya and Marley.”

Scott commented: “I am honoured to be working on Maya and Marley! It brings me joy to illustrate these adventures and bring them to life. I’m able to pull from real-life experiences and can’t wait to share them with the world. I’m grateful to be working with Laura Henry-Allain and the Ladybird team.”