Puffin reveals six middle-grade books from experts coming in 2024

Puffin has bolstered its non-fiction list with six debut middle-grade titles from experts such as TikTok’s “Coolest Chemist” Big Manny and the Horne Section. 

Books are also coming from foraging experts Stella and Dane De Luca Mulandiee, campaigner Molly Forbes, the "Dogfather" Graeme Hall and financial guru Emmanuel Asuquo.

Puffin said: “In line with their significant growth ambitions in this area of the market, these new titles encapsulate the breadth and variety of their non-fiction offering – across colour and black and white formats, and including exciting, expert voices in a diverse range of interests and topics relevant to children and families in the UK and beyond."  

A showcase next month in Manchester will highlight these new authors alongside some of the longer-standing authors such as neuroscientist and author Dean Burnett, thought-leader Yuval Noah Harari, journalist Sathnam Sanghera, Susie Dent of "Countdown" and doctor-turned-writer Adam Kay. The event will focus on Puffin’s non-fiction for readers of six and up and will offer the chance to meet with 2024 authors and the publishing team. 

In July, Puffin will publish the “mind-blowing guide to music” from “Taskmaster’s” Alex Horne and his musical-comedy band The Horne Section, Make Some Noise. Senior commissioning editors Tom Rawlinson and Phoebe Jascourt acquired world rights for one title from Avalon for The Horne Section. Illustrations for the series are from Rob Flowers, world rights in which were acquired by deputy art director Emily Smyth from Helen Parker at the Everyone Agency.  

Puffin will also publish the De Luca Mulandiees’ Foraging: The Complete Guide for Kids and Families! in March 2024. Rawlinson acquired world rights direct from the authors for a “fun and fascinating guide to exploring the great outdoors, perfect for the whole family”, which has been illustrated throughout by Elly Jahnz. Deputy art director Katy Finch acquired rights for one title directly from Jahnz. 

In June, Puffin will publish Every Body, a gender-inclusive guide to body image from campaigner Forbes, founder of The Body Happy Organisation. Jascourt and editor Meg Osborne acquired world rights for one title from Lauren Gardner at Bell Lomax Moreton. Every Body is illustrated by Mollie Cronin. Designer Sophia Watts acquired world rights for this title direct from the illustrator.  

In July, there will be a guide from dog trainer and presenter of TV show “Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly” Hall with illustrations from Alice Tait. Editorial director Olivia Edwards acquired world rights for The Ultimate Kids’ Guide to Dogs from Emily Rees Jones at M&C Saatchi Merlin for Hall and from Gill McLay at Bath Literary Agency for Tait. Osborne has edited and Puffin designer Lorraine Monagle has designed the book.  

Science is Lit from TikTok science sensation Big Manny will be published the following month. Osborne acquired world rights for two titles from Rachel Petty at the Blair Partnership. Illustrations for the project are from Subi Bosa and world rights for one title were acquired by senior designer Alice Todd from Anthony Hannant at The Bright Agency.  

Finally, the Puffin team will round off the year with The Ultimate Guide to Money in September, dubbed by Puffin "a fun, interactive guide to money management and entrepreneurship", from expert financial adviser Asuquo with illustrations from Selom Sunu. Phoebe Jascourt, editor India Chambers and editorial assistant Afua Antwi acquired world rights for Asuquo from Oscar Janson-Smith at Oscar Janson-Smith Ltd. Designer Arabella Jones acquired world rights for illustrations for one title direct from Senu.  

Commenting on the range of acquisitions publishing director Ruth Knowles said: “Puffin’s first titles were non-fiction, to help children in 1940 make sense of the world around them. We work hard to continue publishing with this ethos and are passionate about strategically growing our list for curious minds and offering the perfect blend of education and entertainment. Over the last few years, it has been exciting to see how our non-fiction titles have excelled in the market and the conversations they’ve started for young people.

“With market outliers such as Lost Words, Rebel Girls and our own Kay’s Anatomy, we have seen huge demand for thought-provoking new non-fiction that appeals to children and families, and we’re confident that Puffin can own a significantly bigger share of the non-fiction market with our latest child-friendly, beautiful and expert-led publishing. We are looking forward to sharing our ambition for the list at our non-fiction showcase in Manchester.”