Walker snaps up Powell’s 'stand-out' debut fiction series in nimble pre-empt

Walker has snapped up Claire Powell’s "stand-out" debut illustrated fiction series in a nimble pre-empt.

Editorial director for fiction Gráinne Clear acquired world all-language rights for four titles in the Marty Moose series and an untitled picture book from Clare Wallace at the Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency in a "high-speed and passionate" pre-empt. The first book in the Marty Moose series will publish in 2025 and will be aimed at readers ages six and over.

Powell is the illustrator of many books for children, including Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum by Alasdair Beckett-King (Walker), which was chosen as an Indie Book of the Month in February of this year. She has also illustrated titles such as Wings of Glory by Dermot O’Leary (Hodder Children’s Books) and The Swifts by Beth Lincoln (Puffin).

The new "fresh and funny" series tells the story of a mouse, Marty Moose. The synopsis says: "Marty wants to do the very best job he can on his first day as postmouse – but soon finds himself at the centre of a dastardly plot that leads to mailbag mayhem, a run-in with a killer rabbit and a surprise sidekick in the form of a do-lally neighbour called Nibbles Frizzby.

"This series of short, highly-illustrated mysteries will explore the remarkable world of Little Ditch, introduce us to a host of ridiculous characters, and will have young readers laughing all the way."

Powell said: "I’ve been itching to write and illustrate my own stories and – after seven years illustrating for other authors – this is a real pinch-me moment! Walker have shown extraordinary commitment and enthusiasm, and their belief in me – across both fiction and picture books – has been humbling.

"I can’t wait for early readers to join Marty Moose on his rounds as resident postmouse of Thorny Thickett. A special thanks goes to my agent Clare Wallace, who has always shown such dedication and ambition for my authorial debut.”

Clear added: “I’m overjoyed to welcome Claire Powell and her brilliant Marty Moose to the Walker list! This big-hearted and tiny-legged hero immediately won me over and, having worked with Claire on the Montgomery Bonbon books, it came as no surprise when I read her first author-illustrated work and knew that Walker was the perfect fit. What Claire has created is a story full of character, warmth and fantastic wit, and her artwork is so fresh and funny; truly stand-out. She has signed, sealed and delivered beyond my wildest hopes with Marty Moose."