Macmillan Children's Books takes two from Haddow and Adeola

Macmillan Children’s Books has signed two picture books from author Swapna Haddow and illustrator Dapo Adeola (pictured, below right).

Associate publisher Penny Morris acquired world rights in all languages from Felicity Trew at the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency and Sallyanne Sweeney at MMB Creative.

The first title, My Dad Is a Grizzly Bear, will be published in May 2020 with Haddow and Adeola touring the UK with school events and media planned. The book follows a young boy who believes his dad is actually a grizzly bear as he shares the same behaviours. Their second book, My Mum Is a Lioness, will be published in Spring 2021. 

Morris said: "I am thrilled to be publishing this brilliant book from Swapna and Dapo – it's been a pleasure to work with them both. Swapna’s warm and witty text pairs perfectly with Dapo’s lively and characterful illustrations – together they have produced a fabulous book, full of child-appeal, that will also amuse those adults who share it."

Haddow explained: “This story is very special to me and was inspired by my husband. I couldn’t have asked for this story to be in safer hands than Dapo’s and Team Macmillan’s.”

Adeola added: "Working on this book has been such an adventure from beginning to end and Swapna is an awesome and witty writer and I’m very honoured to get to bring her characters to life. I can’t wait for folks to meet them when the book hits shelves."