S&S Children's acquires more of Sophy Henn's Pizazz

Simon & Schuster Children’s Books has acquired three further books in Sophy Henn’s Pizazz series and is stepping up its investment in building the author-illustrator's brand across picture books and fiction.

Rachel Denwood, m.d., bought world rights from Paul Moreton at Bell Lomax Moreton for three more titles in the Pizazz series; scheduled to publish in February 2022, summer 2022 and 2023 respectively.

The Pizazz series was launched in late 2020. The series, for readers 7+, follows the eponymous Pizazz, a "hilarious and loveable reluctant superhero". Each book features a highly illustrated narrative interwoven with comic strips.

The third book in the series, Pizazz Vs Perfecto, launches on 24th June and is a comical exploration of Pizzaz’s struggle to be “perfect”. The launch will be backed by a "major" marketing & PR campaign including Instagram influencer activity, school advertising and long-term partnerships with the Reading Agency, First News and a yet to be announced consumer brand.

In addition to the Pizazz series, S&S is also publishing Henn’s picture books, starting with The Best Worst Day Ever in May, as well as Henn’s first 9+ standalone illustrated middl-grade novel, launching in 2022.

Denwood said: "Publishing and editing Sophy Henn is one of the most rewarding, fun and creative experiences I’ve had in publishing. Her ability to create character and high-concept hooks while exploring children’s emotions and everyday dilemmas is second to none. That she also illustrates and designs in such a captivating signature style makes her one of the most exciting creators in children’s books. We’re delighted to do this new deal for more Pizazz books – there’s a huge gap in the market for this series and it’s exciting to see this wonderful, life-affirming character go from strength to strength!"

Henn is a picture book author and illustrator with an MA in Illustration from the University of Brighton. She is the creator of the Bad Nana fiction series, the Pom Pom series, non-fiction titles Lifesize and Lifesize Dinosaurs and picture books including Super Duper Me and Pass it On. Her debut picture book Where Bear? was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. She was also the World Book Day Illustrator in 2015 and 2016.

She said: "I am thrilled that there are going to be three more Pizazz books as I adore writing and illustrating them, not to mention seeing what she gets up to next! Working with Rachel and the whole, marvellous team at S&S is an absolute joy. They are so incredibly supportive, not to mention absolutely brilliant at what they do, and I could not be more excited about what's to come!"