As announced in The Bookseller today, Lydia Monks is set to illustrate a hilarious new picture book series, DINO TALES, from author Lou Carter, acquired by Simon & Schuster Children’s Books.
Multi-million copy bestselling illustrator and author Lydia will illustrate Lou Carter’s reimagining of classic children’s fairy tales, which will feature a hapless but loveable dinosaur. In the first book, DINORELLA, Rocky the T-Rex finds himself in the role of Cinderella and is not at all thrilled about cooking, cleaning and tending to two very nasty sisters! When a kind Fairy Godmother grants his wish to go dancing, Rocky’s dino dreams come true, but he must leave before the clock strikes twelve. Rocky has never been to a ball before, and he certainly doesn’t want to leave early! What’s the worst that could happen if he stayed past midnight?
Dinorella is due to publish in April 2027, with further titles to come in April 2028 and April 2029.
As quoted in The Bookseller, Lydia said “I’m so looking forward to spending time with this silly dinosaur! At a time when we are all so conscious about encouraging young children and parents to read, I think this combination of a very funny main character mixed with some traditional fairy tales is a perfect offering.”
Lou Carter added “I’m so thrilled to be working with Simon & Schuster and I can’t wait to see Rocky the T-Rex brought to life by the totally ROARsome Lydia Monks!” and Isobel Doster, editorial director for picture books at S&S, said “I can’t wait for readers to discover the world of Dino Tales – this is a major new series launch for our bestselling picture book list! Lou is the master of writing picture-book texts that not only make you properly belly laugh but that are, crucially, made for reading aloud. I am so thrilled that Lydia will be the one to bring Rocky to life – I just know that she is going to create a character with her signature winking humour who children will want to return to again and again.”
To read the full Bookseller article, click here.
