Oxford Children’s Books scoops raft of adventure series

Oxford Children’s Books has acquired five adventure-themed fiction series for readers aged 5-9 years old, including books by authors Swapna Reddy, Luke Seguin-Magee and Tom McLaughlin. 

Development editor Gillian Sore acquired world rights in Croaky: The Search for the Sasquatch by Matty Long – the first book in the author’s new series Croaky – from Jodie Hodges at United Agents. The book will be published in March 2024. 

Moreover, Sore acquired world rights to Seguin-Magee’s graphic novel, Supersized Squirrel and the Great Wham-o-Kablam-o!, from Robyn Newton at The Bright Agency. The book will be published in May 2024. She also bought world rights to Alex Latimer’s Gordon: The Meanest Goose on Earth from Paul Moreton at Bell Lomax Moreton. The book will be released in June 2024.

Meanwhile, fiction publisher Katie Haworth acquired world rights to two books, which will both be published in May 2024. Firstly, she bought Reddy’s Reggie Rabbit: The Great Carrot Heist from Caroline Sheldon at the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency. She also acquired McLaughlin’s Jack the Fairy: The Day the Unicorns Stopped Farting from Caroline Walsh of David Higham.

Haworth said: “At OUP we recognise the great importance of reading for pleasure for children – not only because it can be fun and transporting, but because we know the impact reading for pleasure can have on children’s education and wellbeing. From a talented list of bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators comes five brand new series that young readers will want to burrow under the bedcovers with, laugh along with, and empathise with.”

The fiction publisher added: “Lovers of graphic novels and slapstick silliness will devour Supersized Squirrel; readers of mystery will race through Reggie Rabbit; young adventurers will giggle along with Croaky Jones; children who love a funny twist will laugh out loud at Gordon; and those who like a...windy unicorn...with their fantasy will adore Jack the Fairy.”

Author Reddy added: “I’m so excited that my brand-new series, ‘Reggie Rabbit’, with Becka Moor is hopping on to bookshelves soon! It’s been an absolutely hoot to work on and Becka’s artwork is incredible. I hope you enjoy Reggie’s adventures because I have loved writing them.”