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Simon & Schuster signs five-book deal with Charlie and Lola author Lauren Child
Simon & Schuster has signed a five-book deal with the author and illustrator of the Charlie and Lola series, Lauren Child. World rights for five books were acquired by picture books publisher Helen Mackenzie Smith from Philippa Milnes-Smith at the Soho Agency. I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas featuring siblings Charlie and Lola will publish in October 2025. There will then be four books in a brand-new series, Lotta and Lola, which will launch in 2026.
The synopsis reads: "In I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas, Lola is impatiently waiting for Christmas, but it is a long way away and too long to wait… Can her brother Charlie come up with some clever ways to make the time pass more quickly?
"The irresistible new Lotta and Lola series features Lola and her best friend Lotta. We join them as they talk about all the important things in life, including how to have good(ish) manners and what makes a pair."
Smith said: "We are delighted to welcome the iconic Lauren Child to the Simon & Schuster picture book list! Charlie & Lola’s first ever Christmas story is an utter delight, and we will be supporting publication with a suitably celebratory campaign to mark the beloved series’ 25th year. And with Lotta and Lola, a sparklingly funny new duo, taking centre stage in 2026, this new partnership with Lauren is set to be a thrilling high point in the history of Simon & Schuster Children’s Books."
Child said: "I have been wanting to create a Charlie and Lola Christmas book for nearly as long as I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato has been in print. Almost 25 years on and I am at last working on this seventh picture book, revisiting Charlie and Lola—a world which has been such a huge part of my life, both in books and animation. To have the opportunity to work with S&S on the Christmas story and a further series featuring Lotta and Lola is really special. S&S bring a wonderful energy and enthusiasm to publishing which makes for an inspiring creative environment and I am fortunate indeed to be working with Helen Mackenzie Smith.
"Lotta first appeared in I Am Too Absolutely Small for School, as Lola’s first ever friend, and went on to play a big part in the TV show. I wanted to create a book series which focuses on friendship: the conversations, the giggles and the imagination—I felt these two kindergarten girls deserved their own stories.
"It is always touching to get messages from schools, families and little ones and, more recently, from the children (now adults) who grew up with Charlie and Lola. I have been overwhelmed by the affection that has remained for these two siblings and this too is a reason to return to writing their stories. I am grateful to the many booksellers and librarians who have supported this series; without them, Charlie and Lola would still be waiting for Christmas."
