Macmillan Children’s Books scoops new 'fairy-filled tale' by Donaldson and Monks

Macmillan Children’s Books has scooped The Tooth Fairy and the Crocodile, a new "fairy-filled tale" from Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks.

Publishing director of picture books Hannah Ray acquired world rights in Donaldson’s text from Caroline Sheldon at the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency and Monks’ illustrations through Jessica Hare at The Agency (London). The book, which is the author and illustrator’s 13th picture book together, will publish in hardback on 6th June 2024.

The synopsis says: "Full of fun and packed with adventure, The Tooth Fairy and the Crocodile tells the tale of Ruth Mary the tooth fairy, who gets more than she bargained for when she collects the teeth of some jungle animals, including a less-than-friendly crocodile! A brilliantly illustrated story from picture-book superstars Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks – this is the perfect tale for any child with a wobbly tooth!"

Ray said: “We couldn’t have been happier when The Tooth Fairy and the Crocodile arrived on our desks. A new story from Julia and Lydia is always something to be very excited about, and Ruth Mary the tooth fairy stole our hearts from the moment we met her, with her kindly, can-do attitude and host of animal friends.

"Julia’s lively text is every bit as fantastic as you’d expect, and Lydia’s irresistible and charming artwork reimagines the tooth fairy in a way that only she can.”

Donaldson said: “I’ve always wanted to do a book about a fairy, and a crocodile was also on my ’list of possible characters’. When I put the two together there was an immediate chemistry, which led to this story. It’s a kind of trickster tale which I hope children will find exciting and a bit funny; I know they will love Lydia’s rich and imaginative illustrations.”