Puffin acquires three 'laugh-out-loud' books from Abigail Balfe
Puffin has acquired three "laugh-out-loud" books from Abigail Balfe.
Editorial director Linas Alsenas bought world rights for three books from Molly Jamieson on behalf of Emily Talbot at United Agents.
The first book in the series, This is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson, will publish in paperback on 2nd of April 2026 for readers aged nine and up.
The book is told through diary entries and follows the chaotic daily life of a not-yet-diagnosed neurodivergent 12-year-old named Izzy Dobson as she tries to make sense of the confusing world around her.
The synopsis continues: "From living with a Very Annoying Mum (and Mum’s Very Annoying crush on the postman), to coping with her beloved Nan being ill and (barely) surviving bullying in school – it would be a lot for anyone. But for a preteen who doesn’t yet know she’s autistic or that she has ADHD? It can feel overwhelming."
This is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson marks Balfe’s fiction debut, following the publication of her middle-grade illustrated memoir, The British Book Awards shortlisted A Different Sort of Normal (2021).
Balfe said: "When Puffin asked me if I’d like to try writing middle-grade fiction, I was over the moon – and of course jumped at the chance. But it turns out I didn’t entirely write a work of fiction… Izzy Dobson is me at 12 (and way beyond), fumbling through adolescence, feeling ’different’ without knowing why, and filling notebooks (definitely NOT diaries) with words and doodles, trying to make sense of the world. She’s the autistic child with ADHD who doesn’t yet know it, and the ’adult’ who will always be that child deep down. The experience of being neurodivergent without realising it is incredibly widespread and the impact on children and their families can be profound. I’ve felt this not only first-hand, but also through the hundreds of messages from readers and listeners of A Different Sort of Normal, which highlighted just how important it was to tell Izzy’s story. But this isn’t a series solely about autism and ADHD. It’s about growing up, figuring yourself out and finding your place in the world – with all the mess and magic that comes with it. The Izzy Dobson series is for everyone, but I’m dedicating it to all the neurodivergent kids navigating life with or without a label – and to the adults who remember what it feels like to be Izzy."
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Alsenas said: "Puffin is the industry’s leading publisher of top middle-grade talent, so I am delighted that we’re going to feature this dazzling, inclusive fiction debut by Abigail Balfe on our spring 2026 list. The many facets of Abi’s staggering talent – heartfelt storytelling, hilarious artwork and a unique perspective on the world – shine brilliantly in this series, a record of how Izzy Dobson survives school, makes friends and perhaps finally discovers what makes her different. Izzy’s wry observations on the frustrations she faces along the way are properly laugh out loud, perfect for fans of Tom Gates and Wimpy Kid. At Puffin, our aim is “a book for every child, everywhere”, and I have no doubt that many kids will find it incredibly meaningful to see themselves or someone they know reflected in Izzy’s experiences."
