Oxford Children's swoops for new six-book series from Long

Oxford Children’s has swooped for a six-book deal with author and illustrator Matty Long for a new animal adventure series, Croaky. 

Development editor Gillian Sore acquired world rights from Jodie Hodges at United Agents. The first book in the series, Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch, is due to be published in March 2024. It follows young frog Croaky Hopper who joins the Woggle Scouts and embarks on an adventure with new friends Winston the puffin and Sheena the mouse as they search for Sasquatch. The story will be accompanied with "striking" illustrations in Long’s "trademark vibrant style". 

Long is also publishing the second book in his nature picture series, Who Rules The Rockpool?, with Oxford Children’s in February 2024. He is also the author and illustrator of the Super Happy Magic Forest series, also with Oxford Children’s. Long commented: “I’m delighted to be releasing my next series with OUP. Croaky is a young frog who imbues the spirit of adventure in everything he does, and it was really exciting for me to channel the action films and books I enjoyed growing up into an irrepressible character like Croaky Hopper. I’m hoping readers of all ages enjoy laughing along with him and his Woggle Scout companions as they embark on exciting expeditions that all play out in glorious green!”

Sore said: "We’re hopping with excitement to launch this new series for young readers from the hugely talented Matty Long. I’ve loved working with Matty and designer Rob Lowe on the Super Happy Magic Forest fiction series, and am now thrilled to be part of the team bringing Matty’s incredible storytelling, laugh-out-loud humour, and bold characterful illustrations to younger readers in this colourful series. With its stand-out froggy green colour palette, action-packed Woggle Scout expeditions, and Croaky Hopper, an adorable thrill-seeking protagonist, at its heart—there’s a little something for every wannabe adventurer."