Oxford Children's scoops debut picture book from Farrah Riaz and Navya Raju

Oxford Children’s has scooped The Twirly Wiggly Dance, a picture book which celebrates the joy and community of South Asian Muslim weddings, from debut author Farrah Riaz and illustrator Navya Raju. 

Publisher Katie Haworth acquired world rights from Stevie Finegan at the Zeno Agency for publication in August 2024. 

The Twirly Wiggly Dance story was inspired by Riaz’s own experiences. The narrative follows Intisar as she prepares to dance in a group performance at her auntie Mahira’s wedding. The synopsis continues: "Desperate to pull off a flawless dance, Intisar learns from her family that being herself is more fun than being perfect." 

The picture book will be published with a non-fiction spread about the events in South Asian Muslim weddings. 

Riaz said: “From my wonderful editor, Katie Haworth, who acquired the text, to my second editor, Hayley Down and the incredible designer Lily Trotter, I could not have asked for better champions supporting this story. Thank you to OUP for allowing me so much input on every stage of this book and to Navya Raju for her gorgeous illustrations. I can’t wait for everyone to meet Intisar doing her Twirly Wiggly Dance!” 

Haworth added:  “In Farrah’s wonderful debut picture book, we meet Intisar and her family of movers and groovers, who teach her an important message of dancing to your own beat. Navya’s vibrant illustrations bring this cast of adorable characters to life, with lots of details children of a sSouth Asian background will recognise. It’s a truly celebratory story, with plenty of heart.”