Neil Gaiman signs a 5-book deal for the kids
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Award-winning writer Neil Gaiman has signed a new 5-book deal with HarperCollins, it was announced Wednesday. But adult fans of the author will have to wait for another Gaiman book written specifically for them.
HarperCollins will publish three middle-grade books -- ‘middle grade’ refers to books for children ages 8-12 -- by Gaiman. One will be a sequel to 2009’s ‘Odd and the Frost Giants,’ based on Norse mythology. One is as yet unannounced; the other is tentatively titled ‘Fortunately, the Milk,’ and will feature art by Skottie Young.
Gaiman is also creating two picture books for the publisher, both featuring Chu, a little panda with a big sneeze. The first, ‘Chu’s Day,’ will be published in January 2013. Gaiman, who has an active Internet presence, posted an image of Chu online in February.
Always prolific, Gaiman has a book for adults on deck, tentatively titled ‘Lettie Hempstock’s Ocean.’ In June he wrote on his blog:
On the plane to the UK I finished writing the new novel. I’m not sure right now if it’s going to be called Lettie Hempstock’s Ocean or not. I think it’s a good book -- or at least, I think it’s a real book, and I’m proud of it, and whether it’s good or not will be up to other people to judge. Despite the protagonist being about 7 years old for most of the novel, it’s a book for adults. Or at least, I think it is. Now I’m doing things to it, including worrying that there’s a better title and rereading it and making it better and clearer and scarier wherever I can. But it’s a new book for adults, one I didn’t even know I would write until February, and it makes me happy that it exists.
Gaiman has had success writing for all ages. He won the prestigious Newbery Award for ‘The Graveyard Book’ (ages 10 and up), as well as winning Hugo, Nebula and Bram Stoker awards for ‘American Gods,’ a novel for adults. ‘The Sandman’ graphic novel series also brought a number of awards Gaiman’s way.
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-- Carolyn Kellogg
