Pichon moves to MCB in new four-book deal for young middle-grade graphic novel series

Macmillan Children’s Books has acquired a four-book young middle-grade graphic novel series by Liz Pichon.

The first title in the new full colour series, called Meet The Mubbles, will publish in hardback in spring 2025.

World all-language rights were bought by Sam Smith, publisher, fiction, non-fiction and picture books, at Macmillan Children’s Books, from Caroline Walsh at David Higham Associates in a “major” deal.

Pichon has previously been published by Scholastic and has sold 6.3 million books for £34.9m to date, with her bestseller 2011’s Tom Gates title Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff) (Scholastic) on 352,790 copies sold. She’s hit the Children’s number one 22 times.

The Mubbles is aimed at a young middle grade audience of five and up, the books will be illustrated throughout and a new title will publish every six months. They are set on the Isle of Smile, a beautiful island that runs on sun, wind and flower power, and include “an unforgettable cast of characters, including the Wibbles of Wobble Mountain, the Earworms and the one-eyed Drib Drabs, who live in perfect harmony – most of the time”. “When the Clouds of Joy bump together and make a wonky rainbow, it means one thing… someone or something is coming to VISIT,” the publisher teased.

Pichon and songwriter/producer Mark Flannery set up Snack Productions to create a YouTube channel with original songs and activities set in the world of The Mubbles that will launch autumn 2024. International music company BMG will publish the music, with Snack Productions retaining ownership of all music rights.

The book launch will be supported by a “significant” marketing and PR campaign including advertising, consumer partnerships, national media, events and signings.

Pichon said: “I loved every moment of creating The Mubbles’ entire fabulous colourful world; it’s been a total joy. I want children to get engrossed in the stories, while holding the delicious book that feels special. Then to discover and dive into all the other areas of being creative – just like I have! I flipped the way I worked on The Mubbles, so there’s a rich world of brilliant catchy songs, music, drawings and things to make all ready for children to interact with. My talented husband Mark Flannery has written some incredible songs and music that the whole family will enjoy. I’m excited about introducing The Mubbles to everyone and who doesn’t need The Slug of Knowledge in their lives?”

Smith added: “Welcoming a creator like Liz Pichon to the Macmillan list is a dream come true. Liz is one of the most inspiring children’s creators working and her approach to engaging children across books and media is second to none.’’

Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, managing director of Macmillan Children’s Books, also said: “We have admired Liz and her work for a long time and are proud to announce today that we are to publish her new series. MCB has a long history of publishing engaging and highly-illustrated fiction for young readers and Liz’s brilliant new graphic novel series is very timely for the market. We know that The Mubbles will be welcomed by both the trade and young readers alike.”