Bloomsbury Children’s Books has acquired You Can Do Anything! by Paralympic champion and “Strictly Come Dancing” star Jonnie Peacock.
Emily Ball, senior commissioning editor of children’s non fiction, and Lara Hancock, head of illustrated publishing, acquired world all-language rights from Lydia Silver at Darley Anderson, in a three-book deal. Ashwin Chacko’s illustrations for You Can Do Anything! were acquired from Angharad Kowal Stannus at the Kowal Stannus agency. The first book publishes in paperback on 18th July, ahead of the 2024 Paralympics, with two picture books written by Peacock to follow in 2026 and 2027.
“Written in collaboration with Laura Earnshaw, Founder and c.e.o. of myHappymind, You Can Do Anything! takes young people on a journey to get inspired, build confidence and learn that they can achieve anything, no matter their abilities or ambitions”, the synopsis says. “Whether it’s sports, arts, maths or just spending time with friends, You Can Do Anything! helps readers discover what it is they love, and how to embrace it and maximise their potential.”
Ball said: “You Can Do Anything is all about helping children to thrive, understand themselves, and find happiness – and what could be more powerful than that?”
Peacock added: “I want to live in a world where we are all the happiest we can be, where we can accept our individuality and love what we love and what we do. Which is why I am so excited to have the opportunity to show people that this is easier than you think, we just haven’t learnt it yet. With my close team and everyone at Bloomsbury, I couldn’t imagine a better place for us to create this world of limitless positive potential.”