First book combines his loves of hip-hop and baking

Romesh Ranganathan is joining the legion of comedians turned children’s authors, with his debut novel out this summer.

The comic’s first kids’ book, Lil’ Muffin Drops The Mic, is inspired by his well-known love of hip-hop and his less well-known love of baking. It is the first in a two-book deal he has signed with  children’s publishers Puffin.

Aimed at readers aged eight to 12, Lil’ Muffin Drops The Mic is described as using ‘relatable characters, heartfelt moments and hilariously embarrassing escapades that show everyone can - with a little help from their friends – find something they’re good at’.

Ranganathan said: ‘I have wanted to write a children's book for ages but only if it combined baking and rapping – thankfully I have managed to make that dream come true. I came up with the idea on holiday and annoyed my family talking about it non-stop.

‘I'm excited for [the book] to create a generation of baking rappers or baking Karate experts or dancing bakers. This book is about being whatever and whoever you want.’

Puffin editorial director Carmen McCullough signed the deal with Ranganathan’s agent, Flo Howard at Off the Kerb.

He said: ‘I have admired Romesh’s incredible comedy writing for so many years and it feels only natural that he should turn his hand to writing for children, bringing his fantastically funny and relatable writing to a younger audience.

‘I have been blown away by Romesh’s passion for this story and I know that children everywhere will love being part of James’s journey to becoming a rap superstar. Expect laugh-out-loud moments a-plenty as well as a powerful and heartfelt message about being true to yourself.’

The publishers also say that Ranganathan’s experiences as a former maths teacher –  as well as the father of three sons   in the target demographic – means he is ‘well-versed in the hilarity, mischief, trials and tribulations of school aged children’.

Illustrated by by James Lancett, Lil’ Muffin Drops The Mic revolves around James, who, since the death of his dad, worries about everything, with only his love of baking proving a distraction.

When he hears someone rapping in the playground one break time, he gets hooked on that, too, creating tracks about his favourite things. Then he discovers that grime artist Brukka is on the hunt for new talent – which could be just what he needs, If he can just find the confidence…

Ranganathan has previously  published two memoirs, the bestseller Straight Outta Crawley: The Memoirs Of A Distinctly Average Human Being in 2018 and  As Good as It Gets: Life Lessons From A Reluctant Adult in 2020.

The new middle-grade  book, which is described as ideal for fans of David Baddiel’s children’s titles, will be published on July 20.

Published: 15 Mar 2023