Mike Medavoy and Arnie Messer's Phoenix Pictures hasacquired film rights to UK author David Almond's award-winningchildren's novella Skellig.

Annabel Jankel, whoco-directed the 1988 thriller D.O.A.,is attached to direct and produce, while Irena Brignull, whose TV writingcredits include Come Together, isin line to adapt the screenplay.

Phoenix executive consultantAnne Rodman brought the project to the attention of Medavoy, the company'schairman and chief executive officer, and will oversee it along with Jankel,who originally optioned the book.

Linda Lichter of Lichter,Grossman, Nichols, Adler & Goodman brokered the deal for Jankel.

"We are extremelyexcited to be involved with another children's classic - not unlike Holes," Medavoy said in a statement.

"This book understandablyhas an enormous following and readership and will make a great film."

Almond's hugelysuccessful book was published in 1998 and centres on a part-man, part-owl,part-angel who transforms the lives of an 11-year-old boy, his ailing sisterand their friend.

Phoenix co-produced Holes, the acclaimed children's adventure that wasreleased earlier this year through Buena Vista and went on to gross $67.4m.

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