Usborne don’t overthink it, securing world rights for hilarious new tween series from Bafta-nominated screenwriter, director and actor Nat Luurtsema

Usborne has acquired THE OVERTHINKERS’ CLUB, a brand-new illustrated series for 9+ readers, written in a diary style format. This hilarious new series will tackle the emotional challenges of being a tween with humour, lists of solutions and haphazard comedy doodle illustrations from Cécile Dormeau throughout.

Perfect for fans of Lottie Brooks and Dork Diaries, THE OVERTHINKERS’ CLUB is a hugely relatable new series following twelve-year-old Birdie who is armed with her ‘happy list’ and ready to take on all the emotional challenges of being a tween. The series tackles issues of mental health, navigating new family set ups, starting secondary school and dealing with friendship dramas, making it the ideal read for 9+ readers.

Book one in the series, THE OVERTHINKERS’ CLUB: HAPPY LIST, will publish in paperback on 13^th March 2026, with a further title to follow.

Rebecca Hill, Fiction Editorial Director, Usborne bought World Rights directly from author Nat Luurtsema in a two-book deal. Nat Luurtsema is repped by Hellie Ogden at WME.

Rights have swiftly sold for both books in three languages already – German, French and Dutch. The Usborne Right team are set to secure further deals at the Frankfurt Book Fair.  

Rebecca Hill, Fiction Editorial Director, Usborne comments: "I've been looking for a fantastically funny series for tween girls forever and, as a chronic overthinker, my younger self identified with every embarrassing moment, emotional challenge and friendship dilemma that the brilliant Birdie must navigate. This is the perfect series to thrust into readers’ hands when they’ve finished Lottie Brookes or the Dork Diaries, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone into The Overthinkers’ Club.”

Nat Luurtsema comments: “The Overthinkers’ Club feels like a life’s work in some ways, as a naturally anxious person I have always aspired to a Golden Retriever personality. Recent years and global events have been a … challenge but I persisted with my goal, and this book is everything I have learned about how to be happier. I was so pleased that Rebecca and Usborne loved Birdie, as this kid is basically my twelve-year-old self and a bit weird, though well-intentioned, and I can’t wait for her to be out in the world.”

Louise Knight, Head of Rights, Usborne comments: “We’re not overthinking this – Nat Luurtsema’s blend of humour and pitch perfect young teen experiences, along with Cécile Dormeau’s hilarious doodles, will most definitely make our publishing partners happy.”

THE OTHERTHINKERS’ CLUB: HAPPY LIST synopsis

Birdie is an overthinker, and it's the absolute worst. Every single day a small worry becomes a medium worry and then explodes into a GIGANTIC WORRY. And she's got lots of worries to deal with. Like her best friend Chloe making new friends and the awkward crush the boy in her class seems to have on her.
 
So Birdie's created a Happy List and she's ready to tackle all the emotional challenges of being a tween. Because if she drinks more water, says daily affirmations and looks after houseplants, she's sure she'll definitely be happy.

Then Chloe starts ditching Birdie to hang out with her new friends, and Birdie just feels more unhappy than ever. But with the help of her blended family and some new friends of her own, Birdie learns what happiness and friendship really is. And drinks plenty of water along the way.

About Nat Luurtsema

Nat is a BAFTA, Royal Society of Literature and Royal Academy of Art nominee. She is also an award-nominated stand-up comedian, appearing on TV and radio. As a screenwriter, her short film, ISLAND QUEEN, was nominated for a BAFTA in 2014 and her first feature film, BUTTERFLY STROKE, starring Judy Davis and Florence Hunt, will be out next year. 

Her play, HOT GIRL SUMMER, was developed with Soho Theatre and the Arts Council and she is now adapting it into a film. Her short story, HOWLING PACK OF UNDESIRABLES, was nominated for the Royal Academy of Art and the Royal Society of Literature Short Story of the Year awards. 

THE OVERTHINKERS’ CLUB is Nat’s first series for tweens. Her previous books have sold all over the world and GIRL OUT OF WATER, is being developed for TV with the BFI.

About Cécile Dormeau

Cécile Dormeau is a French illustrator. Her illustrations explore the themes of self-acceptance and body image. She worked in graphic design and advertising before starting her illustrator career. Besides her personal work, Cécile Dormeau works mainly for publishing and brands and shares her art and ideas in her talks around the world. On her Instagram with over 249k followers, she celebrates self-acceptance and imperfections. Drawing things which are not often brought out in the daylight, hidden actions, details that we are too ashamed to share, taboos, and flaws are the main themes that she likes to work with. By drawing people experiencing not so pleasant emotions, Cécile Dormeau hopes her illustrations to be a virtual hug for people feeling insecure, reminding us there is nothing wrong with us if we are experiencing pain or failures.