Puffin scoops Heritage's first young fiction series

Puffin has scooped The O.D.D. Squad, a “hilarious new young fiction series” written by Guardian journalist Stuart Heritage and illustrated by Vincent Batignole. Editorial director Naomi Colthurst acquired world rights in two books from Antony Topping at Greene & Heaton, and illustration rights from Rosie Barlow at Astound US.

O.D.D. Squad: Rise of Invisidog will launch in January 2024, followed by a second book in the series in August 2024. The publisher said: “The O.D.D. Squad is a funny and accessible action-adventure series, which will delight fans of Bunny Vs Monkey (David Fickling Books) and Dog Man (Scholastic).

“Highly illustrated in full colour throughout, with a mixture of text, graphic novel panels and integrated illustrations, The O.D.D. Squad is the perfect bridge for developing independent reading and is ideal for families who want to share a reading experience together. With illustrated fiction and graphic novels a booming part of the UK children’s market, Puffin are delighted to welcome this unique offering to the list.”

Heritage is a journalist for the Guardian, as well as being a popular online figure and picture book author of Jonathan the Magic Pony (Puffin) and Don’t Say Elephant! (Puffin), illustrated by Nicola Slater.

Colthurst said: “Thanks to his brilliant Guardian columns, thousands of adults already know just what a spectacularly entertaining writer Stuart is. We’re delighted to be building on his already-stellar reputation, and his picture book success, by bringing his irreverent humour to the Puffin 6+ list and introducing young readers to one of the funniest new voices in children’s young fiction.”

Heritage commented: “These books began as an attempt to tear my kids away from their screens, by writing them the stupidest, funniest stories I could think of. As a result, I now cannot stop thinking about The O.D.D Squad: an invisible dog, a sea-trapped genius octopus and the world’s most annoying duck. I want to keep telling stories about these dumb superheroes forever.”

Batignole added: “As an illustrator, it’s always interesting to adapt yourself to very different projects, even though deep down you wish to find a writer whose world fits precisely into your very own. Lucky for me, Stuart’s brilliant mind came up with the cast and story I was hoping for.”