Walker Books acquires Jennifer Bell MG in six-figure deal

Walker Books has acquired two novels by middle-grade author Jennifer Bell in a six-figure, pre-emptive deal. 

Executive editorial director Denise Johnstone-Burt acquired UK, Commonwealth and translation rights to two books, including Wonderscape, which is set in a futuristic gaming world, from Polly Nolan at the Greenhouse Literary Agency.

Wonderscape, due for publication in June 2020, follows the adventures of three friends trapped in the year 2473 in ‘the Wonderscape’, an in-reality adventure game. To escape they must call on the help of some unlikely historical heroes, but can they find their way home before time runs out?

Bell is also the author of The Uncommoners series, published by PRH Children’s, and the forthcoming Agents of the Wild young fiction series, co-written and illustrated by Alice Lickens.

Denise Johnstone-Burt, executive editorial director at Walker Books, said: “Jennifer is a shining star in children’s books and someone I have wanted to work with ever since I read her brilliant first novel, The Crooked Sixpence.  Her talent, imagination and sense of adventure are a joy to work with and appeal to young readers everywhere. Wonderscape is an irresistible middle-grade adventure and I am over the moon we are publishing it at Walker.”