Puffin has announced a significant new eight-book deal across fiction, picture books and novelty, as they back comics Adam Kay and Henry Paker as the ultimate pairing for young readers of all ages. The wit and words of BAFTA-award-winning writer, comedian and former doctor Adam Kay and invention and illustrations of award-winning artist, writer and comedian Henry Paker, are an undeniably irresistible combination. Together, they provide wonderfully funny (and frequently disgusting) entertainment for all the family within both the fiction and non-fiction spaces.
Over 650,000 copies of Adam Kay and Henry Paker’s children’s books have now been sold across all formats and their books have been translated into 28 languages, demonstrating the popularity and scale of their brand globally.
Breaking into the middle grade fiction market, Puffin has secured two children’s fiction books, with the first title in the series, Dexter Proctor: The Ten-Year-Old Doctor publishing in hardback in Autumn 2024. World rights in the text were acquired by Ruth Knowles at Puffin from Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown and illustration rights from Paul Moreton at Bell Lomax Moreton.
In the non-fiction middle grade space, the duo’s first children’s book, Kay's Anatomy launched to phenomenal success in Autumn 2020, as Puffin's biggest ever non-fiction debut. It became the fastest-selling children’s general non-fiction hardback of the last decade and was in the top 50 sellers of the last ten years after only ten days of sales. The third book in the previously announced four-book non-fiction deal, Kay’s Incredible Inventions (a fascinating and fantastically funny guide to the inventions that changed the world – and some that definitely didn’t) is publishing in hardback on 2nd November with an extensive marketing and PR campaign spanning digital advertising, TV advertising, a national multi-school events programme, broadcast media interviews and a partnership with the recently opened Young V&A.
Also expanding this unique education-entertainment brand in the pre-school space, Puffin have acquired three novelty board books and three further picture books, demonstrating significant investment in Adam and Henry’s pre-school publishing. Anna Barnes Robinson acquired world text rights from Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown and illustration rights from Paul Moreton at Bell Lomax Moreton. Design Manager Monica Whelan will be designing.
Following the success of Amy Gets Eaten, the bestselling paperback picture book debut of 2023, selling over 13,000 copies through UK TCM, the sequel Simon Gets Sneezed, part of their original three-picture-book series, will be published in paperback in June 2024.
Ruth Knowles, Publishing Director - Puffin Non-Fiction, Fiction and Licensing, said, “Adam and Henry’s hilarious and special way of bringing science to young people just gets better with each book they do. I learn something new and laugh out loud every time I read something from them, and I’m a total convert to their belief that learning about the human body and the human brain and all it can achieve is completely fascinating. Their move to fiction (which is BRILLIANT – look out for Dexter!) for middle grade readers, and expanding their presence in pre-school, is of course a reflection of our commitment to them as one of the most exciting children’s books partnerships around, but also reflects their amazing creativity. Now children and families can enjoy/squirm at an Adam and Henry book whatever their age.”
Francesca Dow, Managing Director - Puffin, said: “Adam’s extraordinary brand of laugh-out-loud funny and informative writing, paired with Henry’s brilliantly silly illustrations, will have kids hooting with laughter across our new titles. It’s this unique talent to entertain, educate and inspire young readers in all matters medical and scientific that makes Adam Kay and his co-pilot Henry one of today’s most exciting children’s author/illustrator pairings.”
Anna Barnes Robinson, Publisher - Puffin Picture Books and Preschool Brands, said: “I am beyond excited to be working with Adam and Henry on a new series of novelty board books as well as more picture books. They are true geniuses, weaving together facts about the body and bodily functions with laugh-out-loud humour and the sorts of clever visual gags and details that reward a second – and a fifty-second – re-read. Families everywhere are going to love these books and I am going to love working on them!”
Henry Paker said: “I’m absolutely delighted to continue expanding the Kay/Paker Universe! I’m going to need a new pen!”
Adam Kay said: “Bloody hell! What? I’ve got to write EIGHT more books?”
Adam Kay is due to appear at The Lyric, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1 from 23-28th October at 8pm, with an extra 3pm performance on Saturday 28th October. There is also a one-off at The Lowry, Salford on 8 November at 7.30pm. Tickets here.
