Piccadilly Press seizes fun-filled middle-grade fantasy series from YA author Hogan

Piccadilly Press has acquired a new highly illustrated four-book fantasy quest series, Bronte Tempestra, from YA author Bex Hogan and illustrator Hannah McCaffery.

Senior commissioning editor Ruth Bennett acquired world rights from Davinia Andrew-Lynch at Andlyn Literary Agency (now at Curtis Brown). Hannah McCaffery is represented by Anna Zieger at The Bright Agency.

Starring an “unforgettable” hero, the publisher says: “Bronte Tempestra of the Storm Kingdom is taking charge of her own destiny as she is determined to be the first princess to become a knight. Bronte must face down pompous griffin lords and bare-bottomed cloud-stealing gnomes, monstrous horrorflies and spooky zombits in order to return the lightning steeds to their home in the clouds and stop the thunder trolls from wreaking havoc. The future of the entire kingdom is at stake!”

Hogan, author of the YA Isles of Storm and Sorrow trilogy Viper, Venom and Vulture (Orion Children’s Books), said: “I’m beyond thrilled to have found a home for Bronte Tempestra at Piccadilly Press. I knew from our first conversation that Ruth was the person I wanted to work with on these books. She completely understands the quirky and fantastical fun that is at the heart of Bronte’s world. Hannah’s magical illustrations have brought the characters to life beautifully, and I’m so excited for readers to enrol at Sir Sebastian’s School for Squires.”

McCaffery commented: ‘It has been such a thrill to dive into the world Bex has created and bring the adventures of Bronte to life. It’s the perfect mixture of friendship, magic and fun and I’ve always wanted to illustrate a story where I can really let my imagination run free—this is that story.”

Bennett said: “I know young readers will love to get to know Bronte, an impetuous princess who wants to go to knight school. She goes on quests, meets a riotous cast of characters and takes on the patriarchy while she’s at it! Bex is already a hugely talented YA fiction writer and her confident world-building has transferred to fiction for younger readers perfectly, giving her full rein to bring her unique and fun-filled imaginative creations to the page.”