DK nabs Friday's modern retelling of Prokofiev's Peter and The Wolf

DK has nabbed musician Gavin Friday’s modern retelling of Prokofiev’s "Peter and The Wolf", with visuals based on musician Bono’s original illustrations.

Publisher for DK children’s Francesca Young acquired global rights from BMG, and the book will be published in hardback in the UK and US on 19th October 2023.

The synopsis says: "An enchanting graphic masterpiece, this dramatic new take transforms Sergei Prokofiev’s tale about a young boy who captures a wolf into a piece about loss, grief and emotions. With visuals based on Bono’s original illustrations, the book’s publication will tie in with a dramatic new film produced by BMG and Blink Industries for Max in North America and distributed by BBC Studios in the rest of the world, along with an album from BMG based on the original score."

Young said: “Gavin’s magnificent retelling of ’Peter and The Wolf’ will become a treasured favourite for many years to come. It’s an honour to be publishing such an important book that captures the many emotions grief brings and we hope it comforts and inspires readers in equal measure.”

Friday added: “I’m excited to be working with DK on the publication of my retelling of the Prokofiev classic ’Peter and The Wolf’ and thrilled to share more about this project as we get ever closer to the launch. This book is particularly important to me as I see the heart of the story as a ‘balm’ for children dealing with loss. There is nothing to be afraid of if you make fear your friend.”

Alistair Norbury, president of repertoire and marketing at BMG, added: “The magical combination of Gavin’s retelling illustrated by Bono’s animated drawings has been beautifully captured in this new version of ’Peter and The Wolf’ which touches on themes of growing up, loss, courage and our relationship with nature.”

This retelling of ’Peter and The Wolf’ was originally developed by Gavin Friday and Bono in support of the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF). Paula O’Reilly, c.e.o. of the organisation, commented: “We are delighted to see the launch of Peter and The Wolf which provides an opportunity to engage the audience on aspects of grief and loss which IHF work to support.”