Acquisition Announcement: This Bear Can Stare, a hilarious picture book by bestselling author Philip Ardagh, illustrated by Enrico Lorenzi. 

Posted in Acquisition Announcement on Wed, 30 July at 9.31 am

Little Tiger has acquired This Bear Can Stare, a hilarious picture book by bestselling author Philip Ardagh, illustrated by Enrico Lorenzi. 

Editorial director Lauren Ace acquired world rights, all languages, for two books direct from the author. Art director Charlie Moyler acquired illustration rights from Ethan Long at Tugeau 2.  This Bear Can Stare will publish in hardback in May 2026. 

The book’s narrator has been looked upon by all manner of creatures. From a gawping gibbon, to a leering lion; a frowning frog, to a peering python, the animal kingdom is filled with curious creatures – but the stariest of starers turns out to be something quite unexpected!   

A rollicking, rhyming romp through a hilarious cast of animal characters, this is a purely fun and anarchic read with a clever twist. 

 Lauren Ace said:  

This Bear Can Stare is packed full of trademark Ardagh anarchy, with a rhyme that won’t quit, making it an absolute blast to read aloud. Enrico’s zingy, characterful renderings of Philip’s ludicrous cast of animals complete the package. We’ve had such fun putting these two together and seeing the creative sparks fly. 

Philip Ardagh said: 

 I don’t think I’ve ever sold a picture-book text so quickly. Little Tiger seemed the right fit for This Bear Can Stare the moment I spoke with Lauren Ace and her team. And, talking of teamwork, being paired with illustrator Enrico Lorenzi was a stroke of genius. I love what he and Art Director Charlie Moyler have achieved. Roll on our next collaboration! 

Enrico Lorenzi said: 

Working on This Bear Can Stare has been such a fun experience—it gave me the chance to experiment and bring to life a world of funny, weird, and lovable animals. I really enjoyed exploring textures and bright colours to capture the story’s atmosphere, and I can’t wait to share it with readers. 

Little Tiger will publish This Bear Can Stare in May 2026, with book 2 to follow in Spring 2027. 

Philip Ardagh is a prolific writer who has been published in 40 languages around the world. His titles include the bestselling Eddie Dickens trilogy, High in the Clouds, co-written with Paul McCartney, and Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky, the winner of the 2009 Roald Dahl Funny Prize. He stands two metres tall with a most impressive beard, and lives with his wife and son in Kent, the Garden of England. 

Instagram/X: @philipardagh 

Enrico Lorenzi is an Italian illustrator born and raised in a small seaside town in Liguria (Italy) and currently residing in Florence, surrounded by beauty. Since he was a child, drawing has been his greatest passion and companion – Enrico spent most of his time lost in his sketchbook. Enrico loves getting lost in an endless search, finding and trying new techniques and mixing traditional, engraving and digital styles. His works range in different genres, from non-fiction books to illustrated books. 

Instagram: @enrico.lorenzi