Acquisition Announcement: Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka

Posted in Acquisition Announcement on Wed, 12 October at 9.00 am

LITTLE TIGER SIGNS YOUNG FICTION SERIES INSPIRED BY BEASTS OF AFRICAN MYTHOLOGY

Senior Editor Mattie Whitehead has acquired The Nkara Chronicles, an action-packed new fantasy series by debut author Davina Tijani. The deal for World all language rights in four books was struck with Davinia Andrew-Lynch at Andlyn. Andrew-Lynch also represents Adam Douglas-Bagley, who has signed on to illustrate the series. Whitehead will edit alongside Little Tiger Editorial Assistant Karelle Tobias.

A fun, fresh and fast-paced series based on African mythology for readers aged 6 to 9, The Nkara Chronicles, which begins with Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka, is an adventure full of heart and humour wrapped up in a fun accessible fantasy. It’s Pokémon meets Beast Quest across Africa!

Yomi and her younger brother Kayode are supposed to be on the trip of a lifetime visiting The Gambia with their Uncle Olu. 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.”

Tijani said: “Mythology has always been a love of mine since I was a kid. 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.”

Douglas-Bagley said: 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.

Little Tiger will publish Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka in Summer 2023 with book two following in Autumn 2023 and three and four in 2024.

Davina Tijani writes speculative and fantastical stories for both adults and children. She was born in London and holds degrees from University of East Anglia and University College London. She grew up on Star Wars and other science fiction, fantasy and horror films and stories. She is a huge lover of mythology and enjoys incorporating it into her writing. She is represented by Davinia Andrew-Lynch at Andlyn Literary agency. | @davinatijani

Adam Douglas-Bagley is an illustrator and storyteller from South London. Ever since he first picked up a pencil Adam has had a passion for illustrating fantastical worlds and filling them with stories. With his illustrations, Adam endeavours to explore the transportive and timeless ability of storytelling to enthral audiences. He hopes to inspire anyone with a story to tell, to pick up a pencil and share their own worlds for others to traverse. He is represented by Davinia Andrew-Lynch at Andlyn Literary agency. |  @adougiebagofdrawings