Bear Grylls leads Macmillan’s 2016 Celebrations of The Jungle Book

The novel for 10+ readers takes a new and exciting contemporary look at the Jungle Book with a central story woven through with real-life survival tips from the master of the outdoors. the series is inspired by the Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, which Macmillan first published in 1894. the deal for world English language rights was done between Caroline Michel at Peters, Fraser and Dunlop, and Venetia Gosling, over 6s publisher at Macmillan children’s books. Feiwel and Friends will publish in the USA.

 

The New Jungle Book Aventure: Spirit of the Jungle is a modern-day novel featuring teen hero mak, who is visiting the Indian jungle with his family when he is stranded after his boat capsizes, and has to find his way out alone – with the help of a few familiar animals. It publishes in a compelling hardback package on 6th October 2016, priced £12.99, and is followed by a mass-market paperback in 2017.  There will be a substantial marketing campaign on launch.

 

Venetia Gosling says:

'We are relishing exploring our archive and with the 150th anniversary of Rudyard Kipling's birth we felt this was the opportunity to do something different with the Macmillan Jungle Book, bringing it to a new generation. Bear Grylls is a fantastic advocate for independence and adventure, and this is the perfect combination of his profile and interests with our fantastic publishing heritage.'

 

Bear Grylls says:

'The Jungle Book is one of the great timeless classics and I am so proud to be re-invigorating this for a modern young readership who are new to the tale – brace yourselves for the ultimate action-packed adventure that will both inspire and stay with young readers as they grow up!'

 

Macmillan is celebrating Kipling's work throughout 2016, with a newly created Macmillan Jungle Book and just so stories logo, and new paperback editions of Kipling's novels for children. There are also supplementary titles to introduce new readers to his Jungle World; The Jungle Book Colouring Book uses outline images that are based on the original illustrations by Kipling's father, J.Lockwood Kipling and newly created Campbell board and activity books are perfect for younger readers to meet these favourite characters for the first time. Puck of Pook’s Hill and Rewards and Fairies are also being brought back into print. these two novels are set at Bateman's in Sussex, which was Kipling's home between 1902 and 1936. The house is now owned by the national trust, and Macmillan is planning a major launch event with the house on 7th may to celebrate these two books and also 122 years since The Jungle Book was first published in May 1894. This week, Disney launch their new jungle book movie.   

 

Macmillan also has a major partnership confirmed with The Scout Association; throughout 2016 Cubs are celebrating their 100th anniversary and as Cub Scouts leader names are taken from the major characters in The Jungle Book, Macmillan is supporting them at events throughout the year.

 

More information can be found at: Facebook page.