Sally Morgridge at Holiday House has acquired, at auction, the first two books in Korobá, a middle grade graphic novel series written and illustrated by Àlàbá Ònájín (Waaa Waaa Goes Táwà). It's set in the floating fishing community of Makoko, known as the "Venice of Africa" where houses are on stilts and everyone travels by canoe—in which a 10-year-old and her two best friends are enmeshed in Encyclopedia Brown-style "whodunits" that young readers can solve alongside the protagonists. Book one is set for spring 2026 and book two for fall 2026; Gillian MacKenzie at Gillian MacKenzie Agency sold world rights.
Emilia Sowersby and Emily Feinberg at Roaring Brook Press have bought world rights to Suuban's First Day by Shugri Said Salh (l.) (The Last Nomad), illustrated by Àlàbá Ònájín, a picture book based on the author's life as a young nomad in the Somali desert who, after finally losing her two front teeth, is deemed old enough to herd her community's goats alone, and finds that with patience comes great rewards. Publication is planned for spring 2025; Gillian MacKenzie at Gillian MacKenzie Agency represented the author and the artist.
Maria Modugno at Random House Studio has acquired world rights to Ajó and the Big Box of Crayons, written and illustrated by Àlàbá Ònájìn. This picture book follows a Nigerian boy as he slyly experiments with finding places to draw, staying one step ahead of the grownups watching him. Publication is slated for summer 2025; Gillian Mackenzie at Gillian Mackenzie Literary Agency sold world rights.
Maria Modugno at Random House Studio has bought, in a preempt, world rights to Waa Waa Tawà, a picture book by Nigerian author-artist Àlàbá Ònájìn. Set in the author's hometown, the story takes a humorous approach to a common toddler problem—a little girl having a tantrum-filled day. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Gillian MacKenzie at the Gillian MacKenzie Agency brokered the deal.