Scholastic snaps up another ‘unforgettable adventure’ from Mangan siblings

Scholastic has snapped up another “unforgettable adventure” from actor Stephen Mangan, illustrated by his sister Anita Mangan. 

Lauren Fortune, fiction publisher, acquired world rights to the text of The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge via Paul Stevens at Independent Talent and illustrations from Anna Pallai at AMP Literary. It will publish in paperback in April 2023.  

The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge will be launched with national PR and marketing, as well as one of Scholastic UK’s biggest schools campaigns yet, to reach millions, the publisher said. 

It follows cantankerous old King Chisel, a ruler without an heir. Persuaded to create a tournament called the Crown Duels, the king invites the best five kids from the country to compete to become king or queen. As the gruesome gang of children contend in a multi-discipline game of knock-out, chaos ensues with pushy parents, wild sabotage and the ultimate shock result. Can unassuming Harry Sponge be the triumphant tortoise to all those hot-air hares? 

Stephen Mangan said: “My favourite thing about writing for children is that their imaginations will go anywhere with you – which is handy as my imagination runs wild. As well as excitement, danger and ridiculousness, I like stories to have a heart. In The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge, I want to show that you should never underestimate the underdog. I can’t wait for readers to witness the Crown Duels, meet the outrageous contenders and root for Harry Sponge!” 

Anita Mangan added: “Every book by Stephen is an exciting challenge to illustrate and The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge is a real treat. I love bringing Stephen’s characters to life while adding my own twist and surprising details for children to spot. Making children laugh is a great way into reading and it is such a thrill to see children enjoying our books.” 

Fortune said: “Stephen and Anita are comic dynamite – instinctively knowing how to make kids fall about laughing and fall in love with reading. Stephen’s writing shines with gleeful wit, warmth and imagination and Anita’s art is the perfect partner. The Unlikely Rise of Harry Sponge is an unforgettable adventure to find the greatest kid in the kingdom from a delicious gallery of grotesques – with a brilliant, relatable hero in Harry Sponge at its heart. The Mangans are children’s books superstars and we are so proud to publish them.”