New characters Mr Fib and Little Miss Surprise join Mr Men Little Miss books

Mr Fib and Little Miss Surprise are the latest characters to join the Mr Men Little Miss children’s book series, it has been announced.

The two new stories will be published on September 12, more than 50 years after Mr Tickle, the first Mr Men book, was released in 1971.

The series was conceived by cartoonist and illustrator Roger Hargreaves, who died in 1988, and has been continued by his son Adam, who has added new characters to the collection.

Little Miss Surprise has been added to the popular children’s books series (Farshore/PA)
Little Miss Surprise has been added to the popular children’s books series (Farshore/PA)

Mr Fib fibs to impress people, but his fibs are getting bigger and bigger, and one day he goes too far and his friends are upset, according to publisher Farshore and toy company Sanrio.

Little Miss Surprise loves nothing better than surprises, and never knows what each day may bring.

Author Hargreaves said: “It’s always fun creating new characters to add to the series, although I’ve got a way to go to catch up with my dad.

“A Mr Fib has been rattling around in my imagination for a long while and Little Miss Surprise, of course, popped into my head right out of the blue!”

Author Adam Hargreaves said Mr Fib had been in his imagination for a while (Farshore/PA)
Author Adam Hargreaves said Mr Fib had been in his imagination for a while (Farshore/PA)

Emily Campan, of publisher Farshore, said: “We are so delighted to be welcoming two new additions to the Mr Men Little Miss line-up in 2024.

“We really wanted our two new characters to reflect the world and personality traits children might encounter in real life, and I think our two new friends meet that brief completely.

“I can’t wait for the rest of the world to meet them!”

The collection already includes classic characters such as Little Miss Sunshine, Mr Bump and Mr Lazy and more recent additions such as Mr Rude.

Adam Hargreaves Mr Men books.
Adam Hargreaves has continued the series which was begun by his father, cartoonist and illustrator Roger Hargreaves (Ian West/PA)

Silvia Figini, chief operating officer of Mr Men Worldwide at Sanrio, said: “We are thrilled to introduce two new characters to the Mr Men Little Miss family, marking the first additions since our 50th anniversary.

“By highlighting distinct personality traits, these characters help both adults and children connect with them and reflect on their own emotions. We are confident that you will instantly adore them.”

– Little Miss Surprise and Mr Fib will be published in paperback on September 12 2024.

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