Piccadilly Press, the award-winning young readers’ imprint of Bonnier Books UK, today announces a major acquisition: MAX MAGIC, a new series from TV superstar Stephen Mulhern.
Ruth Bennett, senior commissioning editor at Piccadilly Press, acquired UK, Commonwealth and audio rights to three fiction titles in the magical new series, alongside one non-fiction title, from Millie Lean at YM&U.
Inspired by Stephen Mulhern’s incredible journey from East London to becoming a beloved magician, performer and TV star, MAX MAGIC is the story of Max Mullers, an aspiring magician who needs the help of his friends and a pinch of magic to get the bullies off his back.
MAX MAGIC has been co-written with experienced children’s author Tom Easton, and features a dyslexic-friendly layout to ensure the book is accessible to readers who are dyslexic, just like Stephen himself. Lively black and white illustrations are provided by Begoña Fernández Corbalan.
An enormously talented entertainer, Stephen Mulhern began his career in showbiz as a magician, becoming the youngest member of the Magic Circle aged 11. His TV break came via CITV, and he went on to present some of the most popular shows in the UK, including Britain’s Got More Talent, Big Star’s Little Star, and, most recently, Catchphrase, In For A Penny, and Saturday Night Takeaway alongside Ant and Dec.
Stephen Mulhern commented:
‘Max Magic is a passion project for me. It’s based on my own story. I grew up in the East End on my family’s market stall, I had a tough time at school and I didn’t always believe in myself. Magic was my way of finding my confidence. I hope this book will make a lot of kids laugh, and help them to feel braver, bolder, and discover that anything is possible – just like Max .’
Senior Commissioning Editor Ruth Bennett commented:
‘I was completely charmed by the warmth and energy of Stephen Mulhern’s children’s fiction debut Max Magic. Stephen’s talent for captivating an audience shines through on the page – he’s a consummate storyteller and his inspiring message of self-belief and determination is one that deserves to be shared. Together with experienced children’s author, Tom Easton, Stephen has brought to life a character who readers will be rooting for and laughing along with. He’s full of energy and fun – just like Stephen! – and we’re going to be seeing a lot more of him as this brilliant series develops.’
Max Magic will publish in paperback, audio and ebook on 9th September 2022, with the following titles publishing in 2023 and 2024.
For more information, please contact [email protected]
