AJ Pearce's Dear Mrs Bird optioned for television
We are absolutely thrilled to share the news that AJ Pearce's debut novel, Dear Mrs Bird, has been optioned for television before the hardback has even been published!
We are absolutely thrilled to share the news that AJ Pearce's debut novel Dear Mrs Bird has been optioned for television.
The book will be adapted for television by 42, whose recent production credits include forthcoming post-war drama, Jerusalem and a new adaptation of Richard Adams' Watership Down.
Eleanor Moran at 42, says, “As soon as we ‘met' Emmy - the infectiously witty and empathetic lead of AJ Pearce's sensational debut novel Dear Mrs Bird - we knew her story was perfect to play out on screen. We love how utterly contemporary Emmy feels, as she fights to establish herself as a working woman in the distinctly masculine world of newspapers. As she immerses herself in the unexpected role of agony aunt, we went on the journey with her, beguiled and entertained in equal measure. Full of timeless wisdom about love and life, we know the book will entertain and delight its readers, and we believe its viewers too!”
AJ Pearce said “I'm so delighted. From our first meeting it was clear that 42 really understand the heart and soul of Dear Mrs Bird and the characters that mean so much to me. I know they will look after them all beautifully!'
“There has been tons of interest for a book adaptation, and these rights were hotly contested,” says AJ Pearce's agent Jo Unwin, “but 42 showed fantastic creativity and dogged tenacity, and could not be bettered”
Picador publisher, Paul Baggaley says, ‘When we acquired the rights to publish AJ Pearce's Dear Mrs Bird we all felt it would make a perfect film or TV adaptation. With its winning mix of escapism and realism, charm and poignancy, and a fabulous cast, the novel will enchant readers. I can't wait to see how this exciting production company will bring to the screen the magical dialogue and compelling period setting'.
Dear Mrs Bird
by AJ Pearce
As bombs fall over London, all Emmy wants is to support the war effort by becoming a Lady War Correspondent, but she inadvertently finds herself working as a typist for the formidable Mrs Bird, agony aunt at Women’s Friend magazine. Mrs Bird is very particular about the letters she responds to, but Emmy can’t bear to think of all those desperate women waiting for answers that will never come, and starts to secretly respond on Mrs Bird’s behalf . . . This heartwarming debut novel is a Sunday Times bestseller and a Richard and Judy Book Club pick.