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HarperCollins Children’s Books (HCCB) has snapped up four new books by debut author and illustrator Luke Scriven.
Alice Blacker, editorial director, acquired world rights from Gill McLay at the Bath Literary Agency for a four-book deal, with two books to be written and illustrated by Scriven and another two that will be illustrated only.
HCCB said it plans to pair Scriven “with a superstar author to supercharge his rise to stardom”.
The first book, The Little Fear, will be published in paperback in April 2023. It is described as “beautiful and deceptively simple, a heart-warming and universal story that will resonate with children and parents alike”. When Sam lets in a little fear one night, he’s sure it won’t be any bother. But before he knows it, the fear has grown and grown and grown. Until even the sunniest of sunny days doesn’t feel very sunny anymore. There’s only one thing for it. Sam must try and be a little bit brave.
Blacker said: “Luke is a hugely exciting new picture book talent. His work has a deceptively simple feel – but there’s a rare quality to it that will speak directly and immediately to children. His debut picture book, The Little Fear is one that will resonate with children and parents alike – and we’re so thrilled to be publishing at HarperCollins.”
Scriven added: “I have wanted to make picture books for as long as I can remember, the fact that I now get to do that with HarperCollins – home of some of my absolute heroes, is completely mind blowing. I’m really excited to bring The Little Fear to the world and I am having so much fun working with the brilliant team at HarperCollins.”