The Bookseller – Rights – Usborne sails away with Horrible Histories actress Emma Swan’s Cozy Crime at Sea series

Usborne sailed away with them Cruise Ship Kid: Thief at Seathe children’s debut of “Horrible Histories” actress Emma Swan.

Rebecca Hill, editorial director of fiction, acquired worldwide rights in a two-book deal from Sam Copeland at RCW Literary Agency. Cruise Ship Kid: Thief at Sea will be released in July 2025 and the release will be supported by a “first-class” marketing and advertising campaign. Copeland called the book “so much fun” and added: “Emma has a wonderfully natural style and I’m really excited to team her up with Usborne.”

Swan’s Cozy Crime at Sea series is inspired by her childhood on cruise ships and is told in a diary design format with interactive magazine-style elements and quizzes. The books will also feature “inflammatory” black and white illustrations by Katie Saunders. Louise Knight, head of rights, said the “fresh interactive diary-style format” and illustrations “will see this project sail around the world”.

Hill commented: “Cruise ship kid is a dream series! Solving mysteries around the world alongside a colorful crew and a charming band of 80-somethings – I was hooked from the moment I met Silver and her friends and knew Usborne had to publish this brilliant, cozy crime novel . Sea series. Emma is a natural writer with sharp social observations and sparkling, child-friendly humor. This book is full of joy and a must-have for young readers.”

Swan added: “My childhood was shaped by Usborne books, so to be published by them is truly a dream come true.” I can’t wait for readers everywhere to see Silver and her band of 80-somethings eating cake , line dancing and crime solving friends!”