Scholastic signs CBeebies presenter George Webster's fiction debut in a two-book deal

Scholastic has signed a two-book deal for a "fabulous" new series written by CBeebies presenter George Webster and co-author Helen Harvey with illustrations from Tim Budgen. 

Editorial director Polly Lyall Grant acquired world rights for two books from Webster from Alex Priestley at Alex Priestley Talent and Lauren Gardner at Bell Lomax Moreton for Harvey. World rights for illustrations were acquired by Andrew Biscomb, creative director, from Becky Wilson at The Plum Agency. George and the Mini Dragon, the first book in the deal and Webster’s fiction debut, will be published in March 2025. 

"George’s picture books captivate children, families, teachers, librarians and booksellers everywhere", said Lyall Grant. "We are thrilled to extend George’s publishing at Scholastic with his young fiction debut series that celebrates difference and the power of friendship. George and the Mini Dragon has it all – adventure, mayhem, and a friendship between a boy and his dragon pet to melt hearts.”

With "bright and engaging" illustrations from Budgen, George and the Mini Dragon is a story about friendship, growing up and celebrating our differences. The book features a protagonist with Down’s syndrome and reflects some of Webster’s own experiences.

Webster said: “I’m super excited to extend my writing career with the wonderful Scholastic publishers with George and the Mini Dragon, which is filled with lots of mischief, adventure and important messages for younger readers to explore such as difference and how being different is a great thing. I’m also looking forward to working with Tim again on the illustrations.”

Harvey added: “I’m at excited to be working with George on this story that contains an important message about believing in your own abilities but is also full of lively, chaotic fun.”
“I’m thrilled to continue working with George and Scholastic on this exciting new young fiction series," Budgen commented. "To be able to introduce George’s stories to a whole new audience is very exciting and I can’t wait to get started.”

Webster’s picture book This Is Me (Scholastic), co-written with Claire Taylor and illustrated by Budgen, has been shortlisted for the Children’s Illustrated Book of the Year Award at the British Book Awards 2024.