Piccadilly Press pulls TV star Mulhern's series Max Magic from its hat

Bonnier Books UK’s Piccadilly Press has signed a children’s fiction series from TV presenter, magician and entertainer Stephen Mulhern, with the first book, Max Magic, scheduled for publication on 1st September.

Ruth Bennett, senior commissioning editor at Piccadilly Press, acquired UK, Commonwealth and audio rights to three books in the Max Magic series alongside one non-fiction title from Millie Lean at YMU. The book deal is Mulhern’s first.

Inspired by his journey from east London to becoming a magician, performer and TV star (presenting “Britain’s Got More Talent”, “Big Star’s Little Star” and, most recently, “Catchphrase”), Max Magic tells the story of Max Mullers, an aspiring magician who needs the help of his friends and a pinch of magic to get the bullies off his back.  

It has been co-written with children’s author Tom Easton (My New School, Franklin Watts) and illustrated by Begoña Fernández Corbalan with a “dyslexic-friendly layout”. 

Bennett said: “‘I was completely charmed by the warmth and energy of Stephen Mulhern’s children’s fiction debut, Max Magic. Stephen’s talent for captivating an audience shines through on the page—he’s a consummate storyteller and his inspiring message of self-belief and determination is one that deserves to be shared. 

“Together with experienced children’s author Tom Easton, Stephen has brought to life a character who readers will be rooting for and laughing along with. Max is full of energy and fun—just like Stephen—and we’re going to be seeing a lot more of him as this brilliant series develops.”

Mulhern called the series a “passion project based on my own story”.

“I had a tough time at school and didn’t always believe in myself,” he explained. “Magic was my way of finding my confidence. I hope this book will make a lot of kids laugh and help them to feel braver, bolder and discover that anything is possible—just like Max.”