Hachette’s Children's Group announces latest story in Lauren St John’s bestselling White Giraffe series
Hachette Children’s Group (HCG) has announced the acquisition of a new “heart-filled” middle-grade novel by author and conservationist Lauren St John.
Felicity Alexander, editorial director at HCG, acquired world rights from Catherine Clarke at Felicity Bryan Associates.
The Lion Cub’s Secret is the latest addition to Lauren’s bestselling The White Giraffe series and is due to be published in October 2025 in paperback.
The cover will be illustrated by David Dean, who illustrated previous titles in the series, and will be accompanied by a 20th-anniversary edition of The White Giraffe.
The White Giraffe series, which features the African adventures of animal healer Martine and her friend, Ben, an apprentice tracker, will celebrate 20 years in print in 2026.
The latest addition to the series, The Lion Cub’s Secret follows Tau, an orphaned lion cub whose life is under threat. How far will Martine and Ben go, and what will they risk to return a lonely cub to the wild?
Lauren St John grew up on a farm and game reserve in Zimbabwe, which inspired the beloved series.
Dead Man’s Cove, the first in her Laura Marlin Mystery series, was the 2011 Blue Peter Book of the Year.
St John, said: “Writing The White Giraffe series, which is about the places and wild animals I love so much, was a huge honour and one of the happiest experiences of my life. It’s been pure joy to return to Africa and the world of Martine and Ben, especially with The Lion Cub’s Secret.”
Alexander said: “I first discovered Lauren’s White Giraffe series when I was on a work experience placement at Orion Children’s Books in 2008. I have loved her books ever since. The White Giraffe – Lauren’s debut – remains a particular favourite of mine, as it is for readers all over the world. We are absolutely delighted to be publishing this anniversary edition – along with a brand-new story, The Lion Cub’s Secret.”
