Hachette signs five more books by Jess Butterworth.
Lena McCauley, commissioning editor at Hachette Children’s Group, has bought world rights to five new titles by Jess Butterworth from Sallyanne Sweeney at MMB Creative. The deal includes Into the Volcano, a standalone middle-grade adventure with a cover illustration by Rob Biddulph, which is published in April 2021. This is followed by the first title in The Adventure Club series, Red Panda Rescue, which is out in July 2021. Both books will be released under the Orion Children’s Books imprint.
Into the Volcano is described as an ‘atmospheric adventure’ set on top of a super volcano in the Rocky Mountains. It follows 12-year-old Sebastian, who is searching for a rainbow pool, which he believes will help his friend Clay, who has been injured in a shooting. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Vivi is determined to help him find the pool in memory of her grandmother, who died in the same incident. When Seb is injured in a volcanic spring, it becomes a race for survival.
The Adventure Club is a new animal fiction series for readers aged 7-9, with black and white illustrations by Kirsti Beautyman. The ‘notebook style series’ followed eight-year-old Tilly’s adventures as she helps animals across the world. Red Panda Rescue is set in the mountains of Nepal, and will be followed by Tiger in Trouble, set in the jungles of India.
Butterworth, known for titles including Running On the Roof of the World and When the Mountains Roared, spent her childhood between the UK and India, and studied creative writing at Bath Spa. She said: “Since I was a small child, I’ve dreamt about travelling to wild places and helping to save endangered animals so it’s incredible to bring The Adventure Club to life with Lena and the wonderful team at Hachette Children’s Group. And I hope that children will also enjoy travelling alongside Vivi and Seb to the bubbling volcanic landscape of Yellowstone in Into the Volcano. I long for readers to come away from the story feeling empowered and filled with hope, especially after this very tough year.”
Sweeney said: “Packed with heart, courage and adventure, Into the Volcano is everything Jess’s readers will hope for and more. I’m delighted her partnership with Hachette Children’s Group is being extended to her new series for younger readers too and can’t wait for kids to discover The Adventure Club this summer.”
McCauley said: “All of Jess’s books feature gorgeously-described settings, determined and passionate adventurers, marvellous animals and an enduring love and respect for nature. I’m so thrilled to be publishing more wonderful stories from her.”
