Neil Coslett’s illustrated children’s debut, KID POTATO, has been acquired by Hachette!

KID POTATO, a “fresh, anarchic, hilarious” black and white illustrated four-book fiction series for younger middle-grade readers by the brilliantly talented TBP author and illustrator, Neil Coslett, has sold to Hachette! The deal came off the back of a “fiercely fought” four-way auction with publication planned for spring 2026.

The publisher says the “attention-grabbing cartoonish world” is perfectly pitched for children who love ’Spongebob Squarepants’ and wacky, escapist, silly stories. “Readers will adore Kid Potato’s hilarious escapades such as tackling Gran’s toilet (which is definitely aliiiiiiiiiive) and rounding up a pack of WILD animals (on School Pet Day), all whilst retaining his world-champion record for the longest snot ever (over 3 metres!!),” the publisher says.

US Rights have also been acquired by the new children’s imprint at Ten Speed Press, an imprint of The Crown Publishing Group, who will publish simultaneously with the UK.

Neil Coslett said: “I’m immensely grateful to Rachel Petty and The Blair Partnership for creating this incredible opportunity for me to work with editor Jadene Squires and an amazing team at Hachette Children’s Group. The idea of Kid Potato was for it to be simple and inviting to help encourage children, who are reluctant to pick up a book, to experience the fun of reading. I’m delighted it’s set to be published by Hachette, and I can’t wait for children to grab a copy so they can meet Kid Potato and his buddies.”

Meanwhile, his agent Rachel Petty, said: “Kid Potato is pure fun and I’m thrilled that this laugh-out-loud funny debut has ended up with an editor who loves a potato pun as much as Neil and I do. Pomme de terre-ific was a particular highlight of her pitch.”