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Singer and broadcaster Rochelle Humes moves to Puffin for picture book series
Puffin has acquired My Little Dragon, the first book in a picture book series by singer and broadcaster Rochelle Humes, illustrated by Rachel Suzanne.
Picture book publisher at Puffin, Joe Marriott, acquired world rights to three books from Amanda Harris, managing director at YMU Books, and rights to the illustrations from Paul Moreton, managing director at Bell Lomax Moreton. The series will launch with My Little Dragon on 13th October 2022.
Humes and Suzanne also worked together on Humes’ debut The Mega Magic Hair Swap and its follow-up The Mega Magic Teacher Swap, both published by Studio Press. Humes is also the author of At Mama’s Table, a cookbook published by Vermillion in 2021. Suzanne has previously illustrated books such as Bears Don’t Eat Egg Sandwiches (Maverick Arts Publishing).
The synopsis for My Little Dragon reads: “Meet Blake and his secret animal friends! It can be tricky looking after magical creatures – especially when one is a very hungry dragon! “But what do dragons eat? Blake gives him mashed bananas, but that just makes the dragon cross. And peas? They make him even more cross! Toast with jam? Eggs and ham? The dragon won’t eat anything! Will Blake be able to find the perfect treat to help his picky dragon grow big and strong?
“My Little Dragon follows Blake – Rochelle’s son – on a reassuring mealtime adventure as he helps find food for his dragon friend to try – allowing him to grow big and strong and learn to fly. By centering Blake in the story, children will feel empowered to be adventurous with their food, all while making mealtimes fun.”
The publisher says every book in the “My Little…” series will “explore key concerns for parents and preschoolers through adventurous stories and Humes’ relatable voice”.
Humes said: “I’m so proud that my stories – inspired by my experiences of raising Blake, Valle and Alaia-Mai – have found a home with Puffin. As any parent will know, there are always little challenges around the dinner table when it comes to kids and eating, but I hope that My Little Dragon can help families everywhere find a bit of magic in mealtimes.”
Marriott commented: “Rochelle is an enormously exciting voice in the picture book world, telling stories that are warm, reassuring and accessible, with a touch of magic. I’m so delighted to be publishing the utterly adorable adventures of Blake and his magical friends – brought to life with such warmth and heart by talented illustrator Rachel Suzanne. She and Rochelle are a perfect picture-book partnership!”
