Frances Lincoln Children's lands picture book adaptation of 'Adnan'

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, an imprint of Quarto, has landed the picture book adaptation of the short film "Adnan" by the directors Mark Arrigo and Steven Chatterton with illustrations by Diala Brisly. 

Publisher Peter Marley acquired world rights for the text from David Higham Associates and rights to the artwork directly from the illustrator. Adnan will be published on 9th May 2024. As part of the publication campaign, Quarto will host film screenings and cast and creator Q&As. The publisher will also donate 2% of the book’s r.r.p to the refugee charity Choose Love. Arrigo and Chatterton will donate 50% of their royalties to the same charity. 

The film "Adnan" is billed as "heart-warming [story] about the power of love, hope and determination". It tells the story of an imaginative young boy who flees his home country with his mother. Now settled in the UK, little Adnan uses the power of storytelling to help his mother remember just how far they’ve come and inspires her to see the hope in their future. The picture book will offer "a powerful window [into] the world’s ongoing refugee crisis, feeding into current UK and global conversations on emigration" the publisher said. 

Arrigo and Chatterton said: “It’s been incredible to work with so many talented people on the Adnan project, both for the film and now with the wonderful team at Quarto. We hope this book will engage a new audience with the words, sentiment and beautiful artwork of Diala Brisly, while also raising awareness of the much-needed work of our charity partner Choose Love. Ultimately, the aim of this book is to shine a light on their message of choosing love over seeing difference.” 

Marley added: “Adnan is a rich and poignant story that offers young readers a sensitive way into better understanding the sorts of challenges many displaced people, including displaced children, must face. It is ultimately a hopeful story about the healing power of love and the endless resilience and creativity of children. We are proud to partner with Choose Love to support the important work they are doing to improve the lives of millions of people who, like Adnan, have had to leave their homes.”