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Puffin signs eight-book deal with 'ultimate pairing' Kay and Paker
Puffin has signed a "major" eight-book deal across fiction, picture books and novelty, with Adam Kay and Henry Paker as the "ultimate pairing for young readers of all ages".
As part of the deal Puffin is anticipating two new middle-grade books from the duo with the first in the series, Dexter Proctor: The Ten-Year-Old Doctor, publishing in hardback in autumn 2024. Publishing director Ruth Knowles acquired world rights to the text from Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown and illustration rights from Paul Moreton at Bell Lomax Moreton.
Knowles commented: "I learn something new and laugh out loud every time I read something from them, and I’m a total convert to their belief that learning about the human body and the human brain and all it can achieve is completely fascinating. Their move to fiction […] for middle-grade readers, and expanding their presence in pre-school, is of course a reflection of our commitment to them as one of the most exciting children’s books partnerships around, but also reflects their amazing creativity.”
As part of the eight-book deal, Puffin has also acquired three novelty board books and three picture books in a "significant investment in Adam and Henry’s pre-school publishing". Publisher Anna Barnes Robinson acquired world rights to these six books from Summerhayes at Curtis Brown and illustration rights from Moreton at Bell Lomax Moreton. Puffin’s design manager Monica Whelan will be designing the books.
"I am beyond excited to be working with Adam and Henry on a new series of novelty board books as well as more picture books," commented Barnes Robinson. "They are true geniuses, weaving together facts about the body and bodily functions with laugh-out-loud humour and the sorts of clever visual gags and details that reward a second – and a 50-second – re-read."
Kay and Paker are also expecting the release of Kay’s Incredible Inventions (a fascinating and fantastically funny guide to the inventions that changed the world – and some that definitely didn’t), the third book in their non-fiction middle-grade series previously announced as part of a four-book non-fiction deal. Their picture book Simon Gets Sneezed, the sequel to Amy Gets Eaten, will be publishing in paperback in June 2024 as part of Kay and Paker’s original three-book deal.
Francesca Dow, managing director, said: “Adam’s extraordinary brand of laugh-out-loud funny and informative writing, paired with Henry’s brilliantly silly illustrations, will have kids hooting with laughter across our new titles. It’s this unique talent to entertain, educate and inspire young readers in all matters medical and scientific that makes Adam Kay and his co-pilot Henry one of today’s most exciting children’s author/illustrator pairings.”
Paker said: “I’m delighted to continue expanding the Kay/Paker Universe! I’m going to need a new pen!”
Kay added: “Bloody hell? What? I’ve got to write eight more books?”
