Piccadilly Press, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a riotously funny new graphic novel series: The Non-Magical Adventures of Bella Crumb by debut children’s author and illustrator Kirk Slater. The three-book series is Horrid Henry meets The Worst Witch about a disastrously determined would-be witch!
Ella Whiddett, editorial director at Piccadilly Press, acquired World rights from Alice Williams at Alice Williams Literary.
Bella is sure she’s the most powerful witch who ever waved a (plastic, battery-powered) wand. Sure, her broom refuses to fly, her spells have a tiny habit of exploding and her familiar is a grumpy cat who won’t take orders – but greatness has to start somewhere, right? So when Bella becomes convinced that her grandma is also secretly a super-powerful witch, she sets out on a mission to impress her.
But mastering witchcraft isn’t easy when your lessons include ‘potions’ that smell like used socks, extremely uncooperative ‘ghosts’ and a glitter-obsessed neighbour who WILL NOT STOP ‘helping’. With just one week to prove she’s the real deal, can Bella master magic . . . or will chaos win (again)?
Kirk Slater says: “It’s been such a joy creating this graphic novel with Piccadilly Press. Ella and the team have been wonderful to work with, and I’m so excited for readers to meet Bella. I can’t wait for them to discover her adventures and fall under her spell.”
Ella Whiddett said: “With her wonky spells, wild imagination and relentless confidence, Bella Crumb is one of the most entertaining characters I’ve come across in years. Kirk’s comic-strip storytelling is packed with personality and laugh-out-loud moments, making this the perfect series for graphic novel fans, emerging readers and anyone who prefers their books with a healthy dose of chaos. We’re absolutely delighted to be bringing Bella’s non-magical adventures to readers and to welcome Kirk to the Piccadilly Press list. It may not be real magic, but Bella has cast quite the spell on us!”
Kirk Slater is a graphic designer, creating websites and branding for businesses. The Non-Magical Adventures of Bella Crumb is his debut children’s book. He lives in Essex with his wife, with whom he also runs The Upturned Cauldron, an online shop selling beautifully designed witchy gifts. @kirkslater.author
The Non-Magical Adventures of Bella Crumb will be publishing in paperback in September 2027, followed bythe next books in the series in 2028 and 2029.
