Harriet Wilson brings more animal antics to HarperCollins Children’s growing young fiction list with the acquisition of award-winning author Jeanne Willis’s new series, Penguin Pandemonium with covers by leading illustrator Ed Vere. Harriet concluded a two-book World Rights deal including TV, film and merchandising with Catherine Clarke at Felicity Bryan Associates. The first book in the series will publish in January 2012.

Described as ‘a laugh-out-loud story about a little bird with big dreams’, Penguin Pandemonium tells the tale of Rory the rockhopper penguin who loves showing off, but with few visitors to the zoo, life has become a little dull. If things don’t improve the zoo might have to close. So when the keepers install PENGUINCAM Rory grabs his chance with both flippers, organising a dazzling penguin talent show to pull in the crowds...

Jeanne Willis wrote her first book aged five and has now written over eighty titles. She has won numerous awards, including the Children's Book Award, the Silver Smarties Prize and has been shortlisted for the Whitbread Award. As well as her extensive writing experience Jeanne once worked as a reptile vet’s assistant, has owned cats, a rat and a toad called Dave. She has never performed in an animal talent show but she did get married at London Zoo. Ed Vere is a writer and illustrator whose award-winning children’s books have been published internationally. Chick, won the Booktrust Best Baby Book Award and copies of Mr Big were distributed to every 5 year old in England as part of the Booktrust Booktime giveaway.

Commenting on the deal, Harriet Wilson said, “Following the success of Ian Whybrow’s Meerkat Madness, I am thrilled to bring more side-splitting animal adventures to the young fiction list, and the very best talent to HarperCollins. Imbued with her sparkling wit, Jeanne’s penguin protagonists are hilarious and I can’t wait to see Ed Vere’s cover!”