HarperCollins scoops Ryan Nelsen's 'wildly funny' picture book debut in two-book deal

HarperCollins Children’s Books has acquired two picture books by debut author, illustrator and animator Ryan Nelsen.

In a UK/US co-publication deal, world rights for the books were acquired by Alice Blacker, picture books publishing director at HarperCollins Children’s Books, alongside Luana Horry, editorial director at HarperCollins Children’s Books US, from Alex Gehringer at The Bright Agency.

The first book, Abduckted, will be published in paperback in the UK in March 2027, and in hardcover in the US in May 2027. Book two will follow a year later.

Aliens, ducks and space gum collide in Abduckted, a “wildly funny” picture book set on McQuack’s Farm, when aliens arrive in a spaceship with the mission to catch a duck.

The blurb says: "But things don’t quite go to plan when they ‘abduckt’ not one, but all of the ducks. And to add to the pandemonium, the spaceship is about to be swallowed by Space Gum… How can the aliens gain control? And will the ducks ever return to the farm?"

Nelson, who is from Long Island, New York, said: “I am beyond excited for Abduckted, my first author-illustrated title, to make its way into the hands of readers everywhere. The story features four aliens, who are certain that ducks are the key to helping them take over the galaxy, but what happens when the ducks aren’t all they are quacked up to be? I hope everyone has a quack-tastic time with these wacky characters while you join them on their wild journey through the galaxy."

Blacker said: “Abduckted is totally bonkers in the best possible way. Ryan takes the reader on a wild, anarchic and hilarious journey through space and back again. His brilliantly witty deadpan text and instantly recognisable artwork set him apart as a huge talent – and we can’t wait to introduce readers to his brilliant world. The HarperCollins rights team is excited to share Abduckted with our international partners at this year’s Bologna Book Fair."

Horry added: “This is a book that all kids will love – from the quacking ducks to the mysterious alien abduction, the hijinks are endless fun. We couldn’t be happier to be publishing Ryan’s debut and cannot wait for readers to be whisked away by its charm.”