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S&S acquires ‘soothing’ bedtime series from new picture book duo Smriti Halls and Sue Hendra
Simon & Schuster Children’s Books has acquired Bedtime for Little Digger, the first book in an “adorable and calming” new series to gently encourage the bedtime wind-down from Smriti Halls and Sue Hendra.
Helen Mackenzie Smith, picture books publishing director, acquired world rights in a three-book deal from Jodie Hodges at United Agents for Smriti Halls and direct from illustrator Sue Hendra.
Bedtime for Little Digger will publish in January 2026 with Bedtime for Little Dinosaur publishing in early 2027 and Bedtime for Little Unicorn in 2028.
In the series’ debut, it is bedtime for Little Digger and all the other vehicles as the sun sets and the stars start to twinkle.
The blurbs reads: “As all the vehicles make their way home, Little Digger isn’t ready to finish work just yet, but can he come to see that all little diggers need to get their rest so that they can get up bright and early and feel their very best?”
Mackenzie Smith said: “This opportunity to work with two picture-book makers at the very top of their game has been an absolute dream. Smriti’s beautifully soothing words combined with Sue’s gorgeously bright and welcoming illustrations have resulted in the perfect bedtime book, and one which we are so very proud to publish here at Simon & Schuster Children’s Books.”
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Smriti Halls is a children’s author whose award-winning books, including I’m Sticking With You, have been translated into more than 40 languages. She has been a writer in residence for BookTrust and is a current patron of the School Library Association.
Sue Hendra is co-creator of the bestselling Supertato series, as well as of a number of other titles including Barry the Fish with Fingers and Norman the Slug with the Silly Shell.
Halls said: “I’m thrilled to be making these delicious bedtime books with the wonderful team at S&S and beyond delighted to be partnered with Sue, who is a picture-book legend and comic genius. I shrieked with delight when I first saw the illustrations for Bedtime for Little Digger. I’m a huge believer in the power of the bedtime story – both for little people and the big ones they’re snuggling up with – and I hope this series will become a firm favourite.”
Hendra added: “I am absolutely full of joy to have been paired with the amazing Smriti and I feel absolutely honoured to be illustrating this wonderful series.”
