Author Aaron Blabey Signed Global Two-Series Book Deal
The creator of new pet-themed stories secured an eight-figure contract for upcoming middle-grade releases.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Pets — General
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Author Aaron Blabey signed an eight-figure global deal with Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for two new middle-grade series. The project, which includes plans for a film franchise, marks a return to publishing following a brief hiatus.
Why it matters
The deal signals a significant expansion in the middle-grade market for pet-centric literature and media. These upcoming titles provide new reading options for families seeking long-form stories centered on animal-themed narratives.
The first book, The Boy Who Knew Too Much, will hit shelves with a 500,000-copy initial printing. This release is part of a broader commitment to launch six total books across the new Game of Pets and The Awfuls series.
The players
Aaron Blabey
An author who has produced 40 books over the last decade and is now developing pet-themed media.
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
A major publishing house known for its focus on youth literature and educational imprints.
Foundation Media
A media firm that manages intellectual property for film adaptations and commercial literary partnerships.
The details
The Game of Pets series originated after Blabey's agent encouraged him to pursue the concept during his retirement hiatus. Foundation Media negotiated the deal at auction to ensure a simultaneous international rollout. Macmillan will oversee the development of both the print series and an accompanying film franchise through its Odd Dot imprint.
Timeline
2023: Blabey announced his retirement from writing books.
2025: Macmillan and Foundation Media established a partnership.
September 29, 2026: Official release date for the first Game of Pets book.
June 2027: Expected publication date for the second book in the series.
The Home Front
The transition of middle-grade books into major film franchises remains a dominant trend in family entertainment. This deal follows the established pattern of author-driven IP expansion where children's literature is optioned for film before the initial print release.
Families can prepare for the series launch by checking school-age reading lists as the September 2026 date approaches. Look for early previews of the pet-themed content on publisher websites to see if the series aligns with your children's interest in animal stories.
The takeaway
The return of a prolific author to the middle-grade space highlights the continued popularity of pet-themed narratives for young readers. Keep an eye on local library catalogs in late 2026 to reserve copies of the debut release, The Boy Who Knew Too Much.
Further reading
You can find more updates on pet-themed literature and media in the Pets — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PublishersWeekly.
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