Walker signs Rayner's first picture book series

Walker Books has acquired Molly, Olive and Dexter, a picture book series about a trio of animal friends by author-illustrator Catherine Rayner.

Publisher Denise Johnstone-Burt acquired world rights in a three-book deal from Caroline Walsh at David Higham Associates. The launch title, Molly, Olive and Dexter will publish in April 2023 with the second following later in November. The international rights for the first book have already sold in five languages.

This will be Rayner’s first-ever picture book series. It features best friends Molly the hare, Olive the owl and Dexter the fox. The stories are set in the natural world and aimed at toddlers, with each title focusing on a different member of the trio.

"In the first book, Molly wants to play a game of hide and seek, but her friends Olive and Dexter are a little too good at hiding," the synopsis reads. "The fun unfolds from there – and throughout the series, Rayner explores big emotional themes for little ones with expert skill and reassuring humour."

Rayner has also created a range of babywear featuring the characters from the books, with 10% of the profits from the range going to charity Read for Good.

Johnstone-Burt said: “Catherine Rayner is one of the foremost artists working in picture books today and her new books about Molly, Olive and Dexter represent her finest work. The stories are perfect for very young children with simple adventures combined with intricate, joyful illustrations. We are thrilled to be publishing this series with Catherine – one that is destined to become a classic in years to come.”

Rayner studied Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art and is a winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal. Her previous books with Walker include My Pet Goldfish. She also exhibits her artwork in galleries all over the world and is published in more than 25 countries. 

“I hope these characters and their stories will inspire little readers all over the world to appreciate their friends and their surroundings, and to develop a love of books from a very early age," she said. "Molly, Olive and Dexter have the potential to do so many exciting and very sweet things, from playing and exploring to figuring out problems together, all of which children can relate to and feel comforted by.

"They live in a beautiful natural garden and everything they see and do can be experienced outside, and is free – which gives their world a traditional but new feel.”