Weinstein Books has acquired U.S. rights to two books in a new series for young readers with a film option on the novels and a rolling option for all print prequels and sequels. The first book, ALEX AND THE IRONIC GENTLEMAN, by writer/performer Adrienne Kress, will be published in fall 2007 on Weinstein Books' debut list.
Described as LEMONY SNICKET meets ALICE IN WONDERLAND, Alex and the IRONIC GENTLEMAN follows orphaned 10-year-old tomboy Alex Morningside on her quest to rescue her beloved schoolteacher who has been kidnapped by ruthless pirates. A funny, magical adventure, ALEX AND THE IRONIC GENTLEMAN is geared to readers 8-12.
Weinstein Books president/ceo Rob Weisbach acquired the books in a multi-publisher auction conducted by Emma White of behalf of Julia Churchill and the Darley Anderson Agency in London.
"Within the very first pages of Alex and the IRONIC GENTLEMAN, it becomes clear that Adrienne Kress has conjured one of the most winning young heroines in years -- and created a page-turning adventure that will make this series a must-have for young readers," said Weisbach.
A native of Toronto, Kress is a writer, producer and actress. She graduated from the University of Toronto with honors in a BA in theater and studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. She plays that have been produced in Toronto and Edinburgh. This is her first novel.
Weinstein Books will publish its inaugural list of titles in fall 2007. Bob and Harvey Weinstein have a history of bestselling children's books through their Miramax Books imprint, including the #1 New York Times bestselling ARTEMIS FOWL series by Eoin Colfer and the award-winning BARTIMAEUS TRILOGY by Jonathan Stroud. Other bestselling and highly acclaimed young adult books published by Miramax include the PERCY JACKSON series by Rick Riordan, SUMMERLAND by Michael Chabon, THE KING IN THE WINDOW by Adam Gopnik and the YOUNG BOND series by Charlie Higson.
Rights to ALEX AND THE IRONIC GENTLEMAN have been sold to Scholastic UK, Edizioni EL in Italy, Ellinika Grammata in Greece and Arena in Germany.
