Orchard buys greedy unicorn tale

Orchard Books, part of the Hachette Children’s Group, has acquired a funny picture book about the greediest unicorn in fairyland.

Oscar the Hungry Unicorn, written by Lou Carter and illustrated by Nikki Dyson, is about a unicorn who will eat anything, even his own stable.

Commissioning editor Emily Lamm bought world rights in all languages from Anne Clark of Anne Clark Literary Agency (on behalf of the author) and Sophie Youle of Advocate Art (on behalf of the illustrator).

Lamm said: "I fell in love with Oscar from the very first sentence. Lou has created a wonderfully memorable character, captured with deadpan brilliance by Nikki. There are lots of unicorns out there at the moment, and Oscar stands head, mane and tail above the rest.”

Publication is set for September and a follow-up book, Oscar the Hungry Unicorn Eats Christmas, will follow in July next year.