Puffin acquires 'frighteningly funny' picture book by Bently and Laberis

Puffin has acquired Spookermarket, "a frighteningly funny" new picture book from author Peter Bently and illustrator Steph Laberis.

Anna Barnes Robinson, editorial director at Penguin Random House Children's, bought text world rights in all languages from Jodie Hodges at United Agents, and art director Keren Greenfeld acquired illustration world rights from Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency.

Spookermarket will be edited by Georgie Deutsch and will publish in paperback on 15th September 2022. The book is set inside a spooky supermarket packed with vampires, witches and one very mischievous genie.

Bently said: "The idea for Spookermarket came from one of those random wacky thoughts when my wife and I wondered what ghouls like vampires and werewolves would buy if they went to the shops like normal people. I had an absolute hoot imagining all the characters and bringing to life the world of the super spooky superstore."

Laberis added: "Spookermarket has been a wonderful opportunity for me to cut loose with character designs and spooky puns! I love illustrating stories that let me get really wacky and exaggerated with my art; this book has been an absolute treat!"

Deutsch said: “The weird and wonderful Spookermarket world cast its spell on me from the very first read. Peter’s joyful and rollicking rhymes coupled with Steph’s bold and quirky illustrations make this picture book duo a truly magical pairing. Spookermarket is set to be a spooky classic!”