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Little Tiger snaps up fantasy series from debut author Tijani
Little Tiger has snapped up The Nkara Chronicles, a new fantasy series for readers aged six to nine from debut author Davina Tijani, illustrated by Adam Douglas-Bagley.
Senior editor Mattie Whitehead acquired world all-language rights to four books from Davinia Andrew-Lynch at Andlyn. Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka, the first in the series, will be published in summer 2023 with book two following in autumn 2023 and books three and four in 2024.
Inspired by creatures of African mythology, Tijani’s "fun, fresh and fast-paced" novel is an "adventure full of heart and humour wrapped up in a fun accessible fantasy". The publisher pitched it as Pokémon meets Adam Blade’s Beast Quest series.
Douglas-Bagley commented: "It has been wonderful to work on Yomi! I couldn’t have asked for a better world to illustrate. From the mythical creatures to the mysterious organisations the books are rich with magical detail. I can’t wait for readers to see what fantastical adventures Yomi and Kayode go on next."
"Yomi and her younger brother Kayode are supposed to be on the trip of a lifetime visiting The Gambia with their Uncle Olu," the synopsis reads. "Instead, their uncle’s work has made this the most boring holiday ever! But when Yomi witnesses the Dragon King, Ninki Nanka, being kidnapped from the sky, things get a lot more exciting. Determined to rescue him, Yomi and Kayode uncover secrets and meet many magnificent beasts – but will it be enough to save Ninki Nanka?"
Whitehead said: “The strength of Davina’s plotting and her characterisation is brilliant – the series is so fantastically visual and we love the celebration of African mythology. How lucky are readers to meet these wonderful beasts! The humour, adventure and heart throughout had us totally gripped, and we can’t wait for readers to meet Yomi and Kayode, and see their quests come to life through Adam’s incredible illustrations.”
“Mythology has always been a love of mine since I was a kid," commented Tijani. "African mythology is wondrous in its richness, its scope and its powerful storytelling, which passes down through the generations who marvel at the fantastical beasts, compelling characters and thrilling stories – this series is a love letter to all of this and so much more. Working with the amazing Little Tiger team to bring these magical and adventurous stories to life has been a dream come true. I hope readers will treasure and love Yomi, Kayode and the rest of the characters as much I do and get lost in the enchanting world of Nkara which has been superbly brought to life and illustrated by Adam.”
