News
HC signs Archer for picture book series
06.03.09 | Victoria Gallagher
HarperCollins has signed up established artist, Magda Archer to create her first children's picture book series.
Sue Buswell, publishing director for picture books concluded the two book deal for worlds rights in all languages with Suzy Jenvey, agent at PFD. As well as providing the illustrations for the series, Archer will also provide the words.
The series will be titled 'Arthur and Friends', and the first book will be published in April 2010. The series features Arthur the teddy-bear, who just wants to play, but keeps getting into trouble.
Buswell said: "Archer's beguiling toy character Arthur and his eccentric assortment of friends capture the exuberant and sometimes surreal experiences of toddlers, expressed through the hugely innovative illustrations from this extraordinary new picture book talent. In addition Arthur is a unique character that we strongly believe will have huge appeal and brand potential beyond the publishing programme."
Archer's work has previously been showcased in solo exhibitions and in 1996 she worked with Peter Quinnell to produce artwork for The Beetles Anthology. Since then she has been the co-writer and illustrator of the Harry Hill Fun Book (Channel 4 Books).
