HCCB lands 'tender and joyful' picture book by Adichie

HarperCollins Children’s Books has landed a “tender and joyful” picture book by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, writing as Nwa Grace James. 

Ann-Janine Murtagh, executive publisher, and Nick Lake, publisher of fiction and author brands, acquired UK and Commonwealth English language rights (excluding Canada) in three books from Sarah Chalfant at the Wylie Agency. World rights in Joelle Avelino’s illustrations were acquired directly from the illustrator.  

The first book, Mama’s Sleeping Scarf, will publish in autumn 2023. Adichie wrote the book for her daughter, who was three years old at the time. The story is inspired by the Adichie family and portrays an ordinary day in Lagos following a young girl called Chino as she plays with her mama’s scarf, spots her grandfather on his walk and winds down to go to sleep.  

Murtagh said: “Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of the most important voices in literature today and we feel honoured to publish her first children’s book on the HarperCollins list. Mama’s Sleeping Scarf is a tender and joyful exploration of family life. Exquisitely written with compelling simplicity, this is a heartfelt homage to family love. With beautiful illustrations from Joelle Avelino, it will be a picture book treasured across the generations.”