Latest Acquisitions & Adaptations
By Georgie Cutler, Eva Lee, Niamh Parr and Emily Retford
Acquisition News
Nosy Crow Acquires Four-Part Illustrated Series by Sokunbi
Nosy Crow has acquired a new four-part series both written and illustrated by artist Adeola Sokunbi. The series revolves around eponymous character Destiny Ink and is aimed at young readers – over five years of age – looking for a colourful, imaginative and heart-warming adventure. The first book in the series is titled Sleepover Surprise and follows our protagonist Destiny whilst preparing for her first ever sleepover, encounters a monster in her bedroom – one who is also preparing for his own first sleepover! With both of them anxious about taking such a big step, it’s up to Destiny to help them overcome their fears, along with a little assistance from her special sketchbook and the power of doodling. Zöe Griffiths, Editorial Director at Nosy Crow, bought world rights to the four books from Jasmine Richards at Storymix, an inclusive children’s fiction studio. Sleepover Surprise is set to be published in June 2024, with the second title Talent Show Magic following in October 2024 and the next two parts in 2025!
Katherine Tegen Books Acquires Two New Books from YA Author Tiffany D. Jackson
Katherine Tegen Books, imprint of HarperCollins, has recently acquired the young adult novel The Scammer, plus another yet unnamed book, by the New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson. Known for her young adult fiction and horror filmmaking, Jackson has previously been recognised by the NAACP Image Awards for her 2017 novel Allegedly. Having published several titles with Katherine Tegen Books, Jackon’s works focus on current social issues that young people in the Black community face. In the forthcoming title The Scammer, a young girl entering her freshman year has her normal life jeopardised when her roommate’s lawbreaker brother secretly moves into their dorm. Soon, she starts to realise that her every move is being watched and controlled by the ex-convict. Jackson ramps up the suspense in this new young adult novel. Rosenthal of Katherine Tegen Books bought the North American rights to the book from The Bent Agency’s Jenny Bent. The Scammer is scheduled to be published in winter 2025.
From Book to Screen
The Color Purple Musical Adaptation Coming to Screens this December
The Color Purple – 1982 epistolary novel by Alice Walker – is returning to screens with a new musical adaptation directed by Blitz Bazawule. This adaptation is based on the musical of the same name written by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Walker became the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for this novel in 1983. It follows the life of Celie, an African American woman growing up in the South during the early 1900s. The Color Purple was first adapted for the screen by Steven Spielberg. His rendition starred Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover and Margaret Avery and was nominated for eleven Academy Awards. Nearly four decades later, Oprah Winfrey now acts as a producer on the new adaptation of the novel, calling it a “celebration of sisterhood.” Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones join her. The adaptation features an extremely talented cast to bring the book to life. It includes the likes of Fantasia Barrino, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., Ciara and Halle Bailey. The second trailer has just been released, giving fans more insight into the upcoming film, including Taraji P. Henson’s performance of Push Da Button. You can watch The Color Purple in cinemas from 25 December 2023.
Action Thriller The Tourist Adaptation
Hailed as a New York Times bestselling book released back in 2009, The Tourist written by Olen Steinhauer is set for a film adaptation. On top of this, Pablo Trapero, one of the top creative directors across Latin America, is gearing up to direct this intriguing spy thriller. Trapero is a well-known lead director for popular shows like Echo 3 and ZeroZeroZero as well as an award-winner for his films at the Venice International Film Festival. The Tourist follows Milo Weaver’s life, an agent of the CIA secret branch where he is given the code name “The Tourist” – an action-packed mystery full of twists and turns. The book expands into a trilogy with a possibility that the adaption may follow this route. Stay tuned for more information on the casting and release date.