Julian Clary to write books for children

Comedian and 'national trinket' Julian Clary is to write novels for children.

The stand-up has signed a two book deal with Andersen Press, and his debut children's novel, titled The Bolds, will be released next year.

For children aged 8 and above, The Bolds focuses on 'a hilarious family of hyenas who impersonate humans'. The animals use elaborate disguises to hide their secret lives from their neighbours, while living in a very ordinary suburban house in Teddington.

The publishers say: "Packed with jokes, eccentric characters, cunning plots and flamboyant outfits, this series is set to capture the imaginations of readers young and old."

Award-winning illustrator David Roberts has been signed to produce illustrations to accompany the book.

Clary is already a Sunday Times best-selling writer, having published his memoir A Young Man's Passage and written several adult novels. This will be his first book aimed at children though.

He says: "I wanted to write a children's book to relive the thrill I used to get as a child entering a fictional world. The idea came from stories I used to make up for myself as a child, and I grew up in Teddington - a very suburban place with tree-lined streets and a nice park - so it seemed right and proper to set it there. I am thrilled to have the wonderful illustrator David Roberts bring The Bolds to life for me. He has the ability to convey my humour brilliantly and his drawings are always funny and endearing. Mrs Bold's hats are a particular delight!"

The Bolds will be in shops from the 20th August 2015, RRP £6.99.

In separate news, Clary will front Nature Nuts, a brand new natural history TV series coming to ITV in 2015.