Farshore signs three-book deal with Islam

Farshore has acquired The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood, billed as “a hilarious and heart-warming" young fiction series, by teacher Farhana Islam with illustrations by Simran Singh. 

Asmaa Isse, editor, signed a three-book deal for world all-language rights with Polly Nolan at PaperCuts Literary Agency & Consultancy. 

The series is aimed at seven to 10-year-olds and Islam is described by Farshore as an “extraordinary new talent”. The first book will be published on 4th July 2024, illustrated by Singh.

Farshore said: “The first book in the series, The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood, will be published in July 2024, and is perfectly pitched for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Little Badman. Navigating the recognisable chaos of primary school and family life, the book teaches children that you can be both nervous and brave.” 

The blurb reads: “Mina, Reema and Mobeen can’t wait to go on their school trip, an overnight stay at Shiremoor Oaks Adventure Centre until somebody spooks them with stories about Bertie Blackteeth: who haunts the woods, who sharpens her toenails with twigs, who is waiting to skewer her next unfortunate victim all over with cheese-and-onion crisps. 

“With Bertie Blackteeth lurking and the school bully seeming to have become the teacher’s pet – this trip will test their friendship, courage, and love of potato chips to the limit.” 

Islam is a British Bangladeshi teacher who grew up in Newcastle and now lives and works in Birmingham. She teaches primary school children all over the world via an online academy. Islam is also the author of the picture book Not Now, Noor! (Puffin) illustrated by Nabila Adani.

Islam said: “Mina and her world is inspired by the many outrageously absurd and rib tickling encounters I’ve found myself wrapped up in as a teacher. I am incredibly excited to see her misadventures come to life and for her to find a home on a bookshelf or two – fingers crossed for more.”

Isse said: “The Farshore team were completely bowled over by Farhana’s funny and charming voice from the very first page of The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood.

“We’re thrilled to be publishing this  funny and charmingly brilliant series for young readers about Mina and her crew as they navigate the relatable and hilarious chaos of primary school and family life. "Farhana perfectly captures the warmth and humour of a Muslim household and as a seasoned primary school teacher perfectly conveys all the quirks of the classroom. Farhana is such a talent and we can’t wait for readers and retailers alike to fall in love with her writing too.” 

Nolan commented: “The irrepressible Mina Mahmoud was much sought after when she went out to publishers, with reason. This is a series bursting with fun and good humour – just like Mina and her friends, in fact.”