Vietnamese artists' collective Coco Wyo signs with Penguin Random House Children's in six-figure deal

Penguin Random House Children’s UK has bought three colouring books by Vietnamese artists’ collective Coco Wyo, in a six-figure deal for the Penguin Non-Fiction YA list.

Fenella Bates, Puffin’s non-fiction publisher, acquired world all-languages rights in three books. A six-figure deal was agreed between Alice Grigg, rights director at Penguin Random House (PRH) Children’s UK and Michelle Nagler, senior vice-president at PRH Children’s Books, for North American rights in three books. A new colouring book, Cozy Christmas, by Coco Wyo will be published on 21st November in the UK and 3rd December in the US, with the next two books slated for release in spring 2025.

Coco Wyo will be a lead focus for PRHC at the upcoming Frankfurt Book Fair, and this “landmark deal establishes an exclusive partnership between Coco Wyo and Penguin”, the publisher said.

Coco Wyo is a collective of independent artists based in Vietnam that has success with self-published colouring books and currently has two books in the Amazon UK Top 100 bestseller chart, and five books in the Amazon US Top 100 bestseller chart.  

Bates said: “We are over the moon to have agreed this deal with Coco Wyo. I saw their beautiful colouring books all over TikTok and the UK Amazon Top 100 bestsellers chart a couple of months ago, and I’m thrilled to now be working with these gifted artists.  

“It feels like adults and teens need the screen-free relaxation and joy colouring books can provide, now more than ever. I am so excited to help ensure Coco Wyo are the brand to lead the new wave of colouring books in their signature style that readers already absolutely love.”

Chloe Tran, from Coco Wyo, said: “We are excited to partner with Penguin Random House as we begin this meaningful journey together. Our goal is to share calming and enjoyable colouring experiences with readers around the world. Our team is dedicated to creating soothing colouring books that inspire moments of self-connection and relaxation.

“We have been self-publishing colouring books for four years, and in that time, we’ve responded to what our consumers have loved the most about our books – creating adorable characters and scenes that allow fans to escape to a comforting visual world. We are looking forward to reaching an even bigger audience in collaboration with PRH.”