[.B]A renowned Hitchin creative is celebrating after the publication of his new book![.B]

Acclaimed author Danny Pearson has been published by highly-respected Harper Collins group.

Danny's book 'Night of the Chickens' is part of the Collins Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds series, featuring exciting fiction and non-fiction to enthuse and inspire children and is illustrated by César Samaniego.

Speaking to Hitchin Nub News, the talented but modest Danny said: "I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to write Collins Big Cat Phonics first ever graphic novel!

"It is such an iconic series that is used all over the world, in schools and homes.

"This title is exactly the kind of book/ graphic novel I would have loved to have read as a child.

"It is very much 'Shaun of the Dead meets Zootopia' so beware: This book may contain zombie chickens!"

Danny explains that one night, by the light of the moon, zombified chickens take over a sleepy country village.

The chickens pop up anywhere and everywhere on the quest for food – making their way into other animal's homes and gardens.

In this humorous graphic novel, the reader follows the town's residents as they try desperately to stop the chickens and find out who has put them in a trance - and why...!

The Collins Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds series are designed for children aged seven and over who need more practice to acquire phonics skills.

They have age-appropriate content, more mature images, and are fully aligned to Letters and Sounds Phases 3–5.

Published by Collins Primary (part of the Harper Collins Group) buy Danny's brilliant new book here

Danny Pearson is the creator of the Hitchin Children's Book Festivals - now in its fourth year.

He also writes weekly for The Beano, the world's longest-running weekly comic, home to the Bash Street Kids, Roger the Dodger, Minnie the Minx, and Dennis and Gnasher. Dennis and Gnasher currently star in their own smash hit TV show on CBBC and Netflix – Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!