Bloomsbury children’s books are proud to announce a new children’s book series from Paddington and Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville. Publisher Ellen Holgate won UK Commonwealth rights (excl Canada) from Rachel Petty at The Blair Partnership for three books, in a heated auction. The first book, Rory Sparkes and The Elephant in the Room will publish on 9^th October 2025 with cover and interior illustrations by Loretta Schauer.

 

 

Hugh Bonneville is an acclaimed British actor, known for his stage work at the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company as well as in the West End. His extensive film and television work includes playing the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey, a role which earnt him nominations for both a Golden Globe and two Emmys. Further credits include Twenty Twelve, W1A, The Gold and I Came By. He’s also no stranger to children’s literature adaptations, having played Paddington’s Mr Brown across three major feature films, as well as portraying Mr Stink in the BBC adaptation of the book by David Walliams, and voicing Santa in Magic Light Pictures’ adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s Stick Man. He also played Roald Dahl in the Sky Cinema feature film To Olivia. In 2022 he released his memoir, Playing Under the Piano which was praised as “Comedy gold” by the Sunday Times.

Rory Sparkes and his friends love to make their own fun: playing games, solving mysteries and even sailing boats to South America – all before tea. But when the circus comes to town, everything changes. There are new kids on the block and Rory’s jealous of the competition. Can they put aside their differences and join forces to undertake even more thrilling escapades on the streets of south London? Inspired partly by events from his own childhood, where a fellow pupil really did come to school on the back of an elephant, the story is a classic escapade reminiscent of Just William and Paddington.

Hugh Bonneville said: “These days I find myself spending a lot of time reminiscing on my childhood. In Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room I take you there. Well, to a version of it. A version that celebrates individuality, companionship and innocent mischief but occasionally peeks over the edge into ravines of discomfort – what it feels like to be an outsider – but then again, how being a bit different can be the best feeling in the world. It’s been a delight to see my words brought to life in the charming illustrations from Loretta, and I’m honoured to be joining the rich and historied world of children’s books, where we can hope to do our best to keep that magic of childhood alive.”

Ellen Holgate said: “We’re delighted to welcome Hugh to the Bloomsbury list. His writing is generous, funny and warm – reminiscent of the beloved classics he has often been connected to in his acting career. With a hero who refuses to be pigeon-holed, Rory Sparkes is just the loyal, kind, hot-tempered, funny, thoughtful, mischievous and live-for-the-moment sort of boy you want to take you on brilliant adventures. These books are perfect for readers looking for unputdownable stories that can be shared with parents and grandparents alike.”