Puffin swoops for 'magical' series by Adeola in six-figure deal

Puffin has acquired three books in a “magical” young fiction series, Aniyah and the Dragon, as well as two picture books from Dapo Adeola in a six-figure deal. Adeola is Illustrator of the London Book Fair today (19th April). 

Editorial director Naomi Colthurst and publisher Joe Marriott bought world rights in a five-book deal from Sallyanne Sweeney at MMB Creative. The first book will publish in 2025 and take Adeola’s programme of publishing with Puffin up to 2030.

Inspired by African mythology, Aniyah and the Dragon is Adeola’s debut author-illustrated project for readers aged 7-9. The story begins with Aniyah who has been told that the forest which surrounds her village is dangerous, full of "magical who knows-what" and ever since her mother went missing, Aniyah’s father has been even more fierce about the girl staying away from the trees. “But then a baby dragon turns up, lost and looking for help. Aniyah can feel an adventure coming on …” the synopsis continues.

Adeola said: “Not only am I very excited about exploring this next stage in my writing and illustrating career but I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive team to do it with than the one I have at  Puffin. If the things we’ve achieved during the first stage of my career are anything to go by, then it’s going  to be an absolute blast working together on these new books.”

Colthurst added: “Like many publishers I have watched with enormous admiration as Dapo’s career has soared in just a few short years from being a debut picture book illustrator to one of the most recognisable voices in the UK children’s book scene. Dapo’s talent and drive are rare and extraordinary.”

Adeola’s illustrator debut, Look Up!, written by Nathan Bryon, won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2020. He was Illustrator of the Year at last year’s British Book Awards.