LadBaby's 'laugh-out-loud' Christmas book landed by Puffin

Puffin has landed a "laugh-out-loud" Christmas book from Mark and Roxanne Hoyle, the duo behind social media phenomenon LadBaby.

Commissioning editor for picture books Olivia Edwards bought UK and Commonwealth rights for Greg the Sausage Roll: Santa’s Little Helper, from Anna Dixon at WME. It will publish in hardback on 11th November 2021.

The publisher described the book as "a magical festive adventure that will have kids and grown‐ups rolling with laughter". When Greg the Sausage Roll is scooped up out of the bakery as a last minute treat for Santa, he’s catapulted into a magical festive caper. Will Greg manage to evade being Santa’s snack, will he finally get the Christmas jumper he’s been longing for, and will all of his wildest Christmas dreams come true?

The news was announced by the pair directly on their channels on 12th September with a video of the duo attending Mark’s primary school, Greythorn Primary School in Nottingham, to announce the news. He spoke of his journey from being diagnosed with dyslexia at school to becoming a debut author along with Roxanne, who also has dyslexia, and the importance of reading. 

They are working closely with Puffin, the National Literacy Trust and W H Smith to donate books to children in need. Puffin has pledged to donate a Puffin book to a child in need with every copy pre‐ordered or purchased from W H Smith.

Edwards said: “It has been so exciting to work with Mark and Roxanne to bring their brilliant idea to life – with three Christmas number ones under their belts, they truly are the king and queen of Christmas – and they have created a hilariously unforgettable hero in Greg the Sausage Roll for families everywhere to fall in love with this Christmas.” 

The duo said: “It has been our lifelong ambition to publish a children's book and finally our dreams are becoming a reality!  We've both got dyslexia and are so well aware that engaging kids in fun and comical storytelling is critical to get them into reading. We are firm believers in the power of sausage rolls to bring happiness to everyone's lives and we hope that Greg can spread a little happiness this Christmas! 

"As parents we know that sharing a book at bedtime with our boys is magical. It's important that all children can access books, so we are thrilled to be partnering with Puffin, the National Literacy Trust and W H Smith to donate books to children in need. Christmas has always been an amazing time of year for us and with the help of Greg the Sausage Roll this year will be extra special!”