Walker scoops Colfer and Lynch’s ‘luminous’ fantasy adventure

Walker Books has acquired Three Tasks for a Dragon, a new adventure from award-winning Irish creators Eoin Colfer and PJ Lynch. 

World rights were acquired by publisher Denise Johnstone-Burt and senior commissioning editor Emma Lidbury. Sophie Hicks at the Sophie Hicks Agency represented Colfer, and Clare Conville at Conville & Walsh represented Lynch. Publishing in October 2023, the title will be a global release for Walker alongside Candlewick Press and Walker Books Australia.

“After his father’s death, Prince Lir is tricked into embarking on a perilous quest to rescue a maiden from a dragon,” the synopsis reads. “The studious young prince is no warrior, but he uses his brains to make himself indispensable to the grumpy dragon. However, neither prince nor dragon have bargained on the dark magic which manipulates them both, and it may be left to the maiden herself to save them all. Illustrated in a sophisticated muted palette, this is a thrilling new take on princes, dragons and quests – and a classic in the making.”

Three Tasks for a Dragon is the second collaboration from the duo for Walker Books. The first, 2018’sThe Dog Who Lost His Bark, was shortlisted for the UKLA Book Award and the Irish Book Awards, and has been translated into 10 languages.

Colfer is the author of the children’s fantasy series Artemis Fowl (Viking). His other notable works include Half Moon Investigations, Airman and The Supernaturalist (all published by Puffin) and he has sold more than 20 million books worldwide, according to his publisher. 

“For years I have wanted to do a grand fantasy with PJ, so working on this book has been a dream come true,” he said. “I hope we have created something that will thrill adventure lovers of all ages and be handed down from big sister to smaller brother through the generations.”

Lynch said: “It is such a pleasure working with Eoin. His imagination is extraordinary and I just love how he can find humour in the most unlikely of situations. In this story he has included all the things I like to draw most: old ships, warriors, sorcerers, a lot of dogs, a strong heroine and, above all, the most amazing dragon.”

Lidbury and Johnstone-Burt added: “Eoin had been talking for a while about writing a fantasy adventure, and we were thrilled when he sent in Three Tasks for a Dragon – a dark, beguiling knights-and-dragons quest that’s the perfect fit for PJ’s luminous and timeless illustrations. Young readers will be captivated by the exploits of our hero, and will love the twist in the tale. This collaboration is sure to endure.”