Simon & Schuster Children's wins 'hotly contested' auction to three books from Morag Hood

Simon & Schuster Children’s Books has snapped up three books from Morag Hood in a "hotly contested" auction. Picture-book publisher Helen Mackenzie Smith acquired world rights from Paul Moreton at Bell Lomax Moreton. The first book in the deal Seahorse Is Furious (And There’s Nothing You Can Do About It) will publish in hardback and paperback simultaneously in June 2026, with two further picture books to follow in 2027 and 2028. The publisher has said it will be one of the UK division’s lead titles at this year’s Bologna Book Fair.

The synopsis reads: "In this hilarious picture book, Seahorse is having a bad day in a terrible week, in an AWFUL ocean. He woke up wrong and stubbed his tail and everything is wet. So don’t tell him funny stories or give him a hug, and DEFINITELY don’t give him his favourite snacks on his special plate. Because Seahorse is furious, and there is NOTHING you can do about it. Or is there…?"

Mackenzie Smith said: "‘The minute I opened the PDF of Seahorse is Furious, I knew that we HAD to publish this ludicrously funny, deeply affectionate book. Morag’s words and pictures make me snort with laughter and we had so much fun putting the pitch together. I’m SO happy that she chose to trust us with Seahorse and I know that the team here will do her proud."

Hood said: "I am really excited to be working with Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. Having worked with Helen Mackenzie Smith before, I am delighted to be working with her again. The entire team at S&S are filled with such enthusiasm and combine creativity with a passion for the business of publishing. They really understand the humour of my grumpy seahorse and their appreciation of silliness combined with attention to detail have pushed the book to be the best it can be. I can’t wait to share with everyone what we have made!"