What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday by Julia Donaldson
Macmillan Children’s Books is delighted to announce the publication of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ highly-anticipated third book in their bestselling Ladybird Heard picture book series - What The Ladybird Heard on Holiday.
Macmillan Children’s Books is delighted to announce the publication of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ highly-anticipated third book in their bestselling Ladybird Heard picture book series. The new story was published in hardback in the UK on 29th June 2017, £11.99.
What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday has a cacophony of noisy new zoo-animal characters, a cameo from the Queen and her corgis, and, of course, a cunning plan from thieves Lanky Len and Hefty Hugh. It’s a pity for them that a certain crime-busting ladybird is on holiday in the very same city … and she’s got a good idea that will ensure the dastardly pair won’t get away with it! This new story is destined to become yet another glittery classic in the Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks collection.
Julia Donaldson says: “In the last Ladybird story, I had ruled out the thieves returning to the farm, so I needed a different setting this time around. I wrote What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday while on a book tour in South Africa and the animals I saw there gave me the idea for the new adventure. I was excited when I discovered that the Royal corgis are called Holly and Willow, as I had already written a lot of the story and needed rhymes for ‘golly’ and ‘pillow’ - it seemed meant to be!”
Lydia Monks adds: “I was so thrilled to get to go on holiday with the little ladybird! Working on this new story feels like spending time with an old favourite. We meet some new friends and visit some new places. A perfect holiday treat!”
The paperback of What the Ladybird Heard Next (February 2016) spent twenty-two weeks as the number one bestselling ‘non-media’ picture book in 2016, and is also Julia and Lydia’s fastest-selling title, with over 105,000 copies of the paperback sold to date.
The Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks author and illustrator partnership began 14 years ago, when they first worked together on Princess Mirror-Belle, which currently has a 2017 World Book Day book in the market. What the Ladybird Heard and What the Ladybird Heard Next have sold 1.5 million copies in all formats worldwide, with 20 foreign editions currently in-print. What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday is Julia and Lydia’s ninth picture book together.
Publication will be backed by an extensive trade and consumer marketing campaign, including outdoor advertising, exciting partnerships and experiential events at a major family attraction. High-profile PR highlights include blanket press coverage, a series of events for Independent Booksellers Week and a glittering performance at Edinburgh International Book Festival.
What the Ladybird Heard was adapted into a stage play in 2014 with Lydia Monks consulting on the production, set and costume design. This summer it will have a nine-week run at the Lyric Theatre in London.