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Michael Rosen returns to HarperCollins in multi-book deal
Former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen is returning to HarperCollins in a multi-book deal.
His last book with the publisher, Shoo!, was published in 2007. His more recent work has been released by Andersen Press and Walker Books while latest book Many Different Kinds Of Love, a reflective collection of poetry and words about his battle with Covid-19, was released by Penguin.
Kate Burns, colour publisher, and Nick Lake, publisher of fiction and author brands, acquired world rights in all titles from Charles Walker at United Agents.
The publishing will include new poetry collections and young fiction titles as well as a new picture book series that will pair Rosen with author and illustrator David Melling. Their first book together will be Goldilocks and the Three Crocodiles, described as “a fabulously funny take on the famous nursery rhyme”. It will publish in hardback in September.
It will be followed by an anthology of Rosen’s poetry in spring 2023 and a new series of young fiction titles introducing a character called Milo.
Burns said: “Michael Rosen needs no introduction. He is one of the best-loved children’s authors of our time. I am truly honoured to bring a wide range of his publishing to the HarperCollins Children’s list that will include something for the whole family to enjoy. And to pair Michael with the wonderful David Melling, creating a truly stellar picture book partnership, is the icing on the cake.”
Rosen said: “I am so pleased to be working on new books for HarperCollins and excited for the new creative pairings taking shape, including working with artist David Melling for the first time. I hope children everywhere will enjoy seeing Goldilocks set off on a surprising new adventure later this year, setting them on course for the big lifetime adventure that is the discovery and power of words through stories and poems.”
Rosen has sold 2.9 million books in the UK for £16.5m since 1998, according to Nielsen BookScan. His bestseller is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Walker Books), with sales totalling just under two million. Its 1993 edition is one of the BookScan evergreens, having charted in every weekly top 5,000 since publication.
