Stuart Beattie will adapt the best-selling young adult fantasy novel, “Daughter of Smoke & Bone,” Universal Pictures said Thursday.

The book by Laini Taylor has one bizarre plot description. It centers on a young art student, who was raised by creatures called chimaera. In exchange for having her wishes granted, the student is forced to find teeth — but there are rules to this dental detective work, such as a ban on baby teeth. Hachette published the book in the United States, and it seems likely that Taylor gave the company one of the more outlandish elevator pitches it has ever heard.

Universal Pictures announced it bought the rights in December 2011.

Among Beattie's previous credits are the screenplays to "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" and "Collateral." He also wrote and directed "Tomorrow When The War Began" and the upcoming "I, Frankenstein."

Joe Roth, currently enjoying a box-office windfall from "Oz: The Great and Powerful," will produce alongside executive producer Palek Patel.

If all goes well, Universal could have a franchise on its hands. “Days of Blood & Starlight,” the sequel to “Daughter of Smoke & Bone” is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller, and a third book is planned.

Beattie is represented by Martin Spencer of Resolution and Joan Vento-Hall.