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Tate secures two 'radically refreshing' picture books from Nsafou and Doustar
Tate Publishing has secured "strikingly" illustrated titles Fadya and the Song of the River and Once Upon A Time in Persia.
Children’s commissioning editor Cherise Lopes-Baker acquired world English rights to Fadya and the Song of the River by Laura Nsafou and illustrator Amélie-Anne Calmo from Roxane Edouard at Curtis Brown.
Lopes-Baker acquired world all language rights, excluding Italian, to Once Upon a Time in Persia by Sahar Doustar and illustrator Daniela Tieni from Lisa Topi at Topipittori.
Both the titles will be published in July 2022.
Fadya and the Song of the River follows Fadya as she seeks to earn her place among the Luminaries, a group of travelling women who use their powerful magical abilities to aid people in need. Fadya proves her magical abilities and finds her place with her people when she crafts a musical instrument to aid two fishermen who have angered the River Goddess.
Nsafou’s and Calmo’s book is described as a "vibrant" tale which celebrates creativity and the power of serving your community.
Once Upon a Time in Persia "promises to entrance readers with its resplendent and painstakingly detailed illustrations inspired by the rich vivacity of Persian illuminated manuscripts". Doustar and Tieni’s tale follows a young woman who has never seen her reflection before. When she sees her image on her wedding day she becomes confused, believing she sees someone else and runs away. Her betrothed follows her to convince her the reflection is indeed her.
Lopes Baker commented: "I could not dream of two more sumptuous and inspiring tales to bring to Tate. Inclusivity is at the heart of our new vision, and these two titles are impressive examples of the beauty and power that shine through when artists are able to tell tales unreservedly steeped in their own culture. The joy and compassion that Laura wraps her readers in with Fadya and the Song of the River, and the poignant wonder Sahar evokes with Once Upon a Time in Persia, make these titles radically refreshing additions to our picture book landscape."
