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In the News
 Sourcebooks Launches Three Children's Imprints Sourcebooks recently wrapped up a banner year, with the company reporting a 33% spike in sales in its children's division in 2018. The publisher is expanding by creating three imprints under the umbrella of Sourcebooks Kids. more    Chooseco Sues Netflix, Alleging ‘Bandersnatch’ Trademark Infringement
Chooseco officials say that Netflix failed to license the right to use its Choose Your Own Adventure trademark in connection with the interactive feature. more  Capstone Launches Campaign Celebrating Reading Books Capstone, the Minneapolis-based children's publishing group, is launching a literacy campaign throughout the year called "Reading Is for Everyone." The initiative asks educators, parents, and all who are passionate about literacy to work together to ensure every child experiences the power of reading. more
In Conversation
 Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer Holly Goldberg Sloan is the author of Counting by 7s, among other bestselling children's books. Meg Wolitzer is the author of numerous novels for adults, the YA novel Belzhar, and more. We asked the two writers to interview each other about their friendship and their new collaborative middle grade novel, To Night Owl from Dogfish. more 
Bookselling
News
 Drag Queen Readings Win Fans...and Protesters As family story times hosted by drag queens become more common at indie bookstores across the country, booksellers are facing some unwanted realities, including protests. Booksellers remain committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for customers and members of the community. more
Rights Report
 Karen Lotz at Candlewick Press has acquired
two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo's novel Beverly, Right
Here, a return to the world of the Three Rancheros, following National
Book Award finalist Raymie Nightingale and Louisiana's Way Home.
The new novel, which focuses on tough-talking Beverly Tapinski, is scheduled
for fall 2019; Andrea Tompa will edit. Holly McGhee at Pippin Properties
brokered the deal for world rights in all languages.  Kristen Pettit at HarperTeen has bought world
English rights to bestselling author of the Testing trilogy Joelle
Charbonneau's new duology, Verify. Meri Beckley lives in a near-future
U.S. without crime or controversy. But when Meri's mother is killed, Meri
finds herself drawn into an underground network safeguarding books full of
facts, history, and even words—like “verify”—that she didn't know existed.
Suddenly, Meri must choose between accepting the “truth” she has been taught
or embracing a world the government doesn't want anyone to see. Verify
will release on September 24, 2019, with a follow-up, Disclose, in
2020; Stacia Decker at Dunow, Carlson & Lerner did the deal.  Allison Moore at Bloomsbury has acquired debut
author Michelle Mason's YA novel Your Life Has Been Delayed,
about a 17-year-old who takes off on a flight from New York City and lands
back home in St. Louis 25 years later, needing to grapple with her family,
friends, and new boyfriend moving on without her, and also taking a crash-course
in social media and viral news culture while she's the biggest story to hit
the internet. Publication is slated for winter 2021; Elizabeth Bewley at
Sterling Lord Literistic negotiated the two-book deal for world rights.  Maggie Lehrman at Abrams has bought the YA
romantic comedy The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost Kiss by debut
author Amy Parks. Seventeen-year-old Evie has never been interested in
dating; she's been fully occupied by her love of mathematics and her frequent
battles with anxiety. Caleb knows Evie isn't ready for romance but assumes
that when she is, she will choose him, because he is her best friend and he
loves her, and he has almost kissed her 17 times. Publication is set for fall
2020; Elizabeth Bennett at Transatlantic Agency brokered the deal for world
English rights.  Julie Rosenberg at Razorbill has acquired Cameron
Lund's YA debut, The Best Laid Plans, in a preempt. The
sex-positive, feminist rom-com follows a high school senior who is convinced
she's the only virgin left in her class—and she'd rather not be. But when she
asks her longtime best friend to teach her the ropes, she doesn't realize
that he's been keeping secrets of his own, and it's only a matter of time
before her plan implodes. Publication is planned for spring 2020; Taylor
Haggerty at Root Literary negotiated the two-book deal for world English
rights.  Jessica Anderson at Macmillan/Ottaviano has
bought Hunting Annabelle author Wendy Heard's debut YA
thriller, She's Too Pretty to Burn. In this gender-swapped Dorian
Gray reimagining, a teen photographer's picture of her introverted
girlfriend goes viral, sending them into a spiral of fame and danger as they
navigate the waters of an underground San Diego art scene. Publication is
scheduled for winter 2021; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency
handled the deal for world rights.  Maria Barbo at HarperCollins has acquired
world English rights to The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian by Jonathan
Messinger, author, journalist, and co-founder of the podcast production
company Gen-Z Kids. The four-book series is based on Messinger's podcast
about a group of eight-year-old space adventurers and their robot sidekicks.
Publication is set for fall 2020; Joanna MacKenzie at Nelson Literary Agency
brokered the six-figure deal.  Olivia Valcarce at Scholastic has bought Yamile
Saied Méndez's Random Acts of Kittens, in which a girl tries to
spread happiness by pairing a litter of kittens with the perfect owners, but
realizes that her good intentions don't always yield the results she expects.
Publication is slated for 2020; Linda Camacho at Gallt and Zacker Literary
Agency handled the deal for world rights.  David Linker at HarperCollins has acquired
S.O.S.: Society of Substitutes from The Day the Mustache Took Over
author Alan Katz. The illustrated chapter book series is a humorous
adventure about the least likely superheroes of them all—substitute teachers.
Publication of the four-book series will begin in summer 2020; Rick Richter
at Aevitas Creative Management did the deal for world rights.  Jill Santopolo at Philomel has bought, in an
exclusive submission, If I Were a Dog, written and illustrated by
veteran children's book editor Joanna Cotler. In the book, children
imagine themselves as dogs of all shapes and sizes. Publication is planned
for spring 2021; Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties negotiated the deal
for world rights.  Eve Adler at Penguin Workshop has acquired Rachael
McLean's debut author-illustrator board book, My Best Friend Is a
Unicorn, as well as a second book about another fantastical creature. The
books give young readers a humorous introduction to the benefits of having
magical best friends. Publication is scheduled for summer 2019 and summer
2020; Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
 Melissa Manlove at Chronicle has bought North
American rights, at auction, to Australian author Robert Hendersen's I
See, I See. The immersive, hands-on picture book encourages readers to
turn the book to reveal new ways of seeing the pictures. Publication is
scheduled in the U.S. for fall 2019. Allison Hellegers sold North American
rights on behalf of Alex Adsett Literary Agency in Australia; Allen &
Unwin acquired the book for world rights, excluding North American, at
auction.  Katie Cunningham at Candlewick has acquired Colors,
Animals, and ABC, three titles in a board book series by Chihiro
Takeuchi, done in intricately patterned paper cutouts. Publication is
slated for fall 2019; Catherine Drayton at InkWell Management negotiated the
deal for world English rights, excluding Australia and New Zealand, on behalf
of Berbay Publishing.  David Gale at Simon & Schuster has bought
world rights to Rob Broder's debut picture book, Crow and Snow.
Crow, a scarecrow, gets lonely out in the field, but every year when the
winter comes, his best friend Snow returns to him. Publication is set for
fall 2021; the author represented himself.  Anne Schwartz at Random House/Schwartz &
Wade has acquired world rights to Nana Fatou Goes to School by Tricia
Elam Walker (l.), illustrated by April Harrison. In the story, a
girl overcomes her fears of being teased when she brings her West African
grandmother to school for Grandparents' Day, because of the tribal markings
on Nana Fatou's face. Publication is planned for summer 2020; Regina Brooks
at Serendipity Literary Agency negotiated the deal for the author, and the
illustrator represented herself.  Carol Hinz at Lerner/Carolrhoda has bought A
Bowl Full of Peace by Caren Stelson, a nonfiction picture book
about Sachiko Yasui, the subject of Stelson's previous book Sachiko: A
Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story, which won a Sibert Honor. Akira Kusaka
will illustrate in his American picture book debut; publication is slated for
spring 2020, in advance of the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Rubin Pfeffer at Rubin Pfeffer Content represented
the author in the deal for world rights, and the illustrator represented
himself.
To see all of this week's deals, click here.
IN THE MEDIA
SHELFTALKER
Elizabeth Bluemle ‘Twas the Best of Customer Days, ‘Twas the Worst….
On the bad days, you hold tight to the great ones.
more »
Leslie Hawkins You Break It…
Creative ways that booksellers ask customers to be careful with
their merchandise.
more »
Meghan Dietsche Goel A Glorious Picture Book Free-for-All
BookPeople’s children’s booksellers frolic through a huge pile
of picture book samples.
more »
Kenny Brechner A World Without Emotion? An Interview with S.E. Grove
An interview with ‘The Waning Age’ author S.E. Grove explores
the fascinating underpinning of her high-concept YA thriller.
FEATURED
REVIEWS
 Ernestine’s Milky Way Kerry Madden-Lunsford, illus. by Emily Sutton. Random/Schwartz & Wade, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-5247-1484-0 Ernestine and her Mama live on a valley farm within view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Ernestine’s father is off fighting in WWII and Mama’s expecting twins, so when their neighbor asks for milk for her children, delivering it is up to Ernestine. Though she’s strong-minded, it’s a daunting journey. This homespun tale gracefully highlights themes of living off the land, helping neighbors, and conquering fear. more   Monkey on
the Run Leo Timmers. Gecko, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-77657-250-2 In this wordless book originally published in the Netherlands, a monkey father picks up his child in a zippy-looking banana motorcycle and promptly gets caught in traffic. Rather than pout, the little monkey scampers out of the sidecar and into a series of adventures on the fanciful, Richard Scarry–esque vehicles ahead of them. Through it all, the curious little monkey remains admirably cool and mischievously confident. more  Beast
Rider: A Boy’s Journey Across the Border Tony Johnston and MarÃa Elena Fontanot de Rhoads. Amulet, $17.99 (192p) ISBN 978-1-4197-3363-5 In this often wrenching story about Manuel, a 12-year-old boy from Oaxaca, Mexico, the authors convey what motivates him to leave his poverty-stricken life to ride “the Beast” (a train heading to the U.S. border) and the hardships he faces during the journey and upon arrival. Johnston and de Rhoads offer a sympathetic, illuminating portrait of the challenges faced by one undocumented immigrant. more  Fat Angie: Rebel Girl Revolution e.E. Charlton-Trujillo. Candlewick, $16.99 (352p) ISBN 978-0-7636-9345-9 In this companion to the Stonewall Award–winning Fat Angie, Angie’s girlfriend has moved away, Angie is constantly bullied as she starts as a sophomore after repeating her freshman year, her mother still can’t stand her, and her former best friend, Jamboree, is back in town. On the verge of suspension and being sent to a treatment facility/gay-conversion program, Angie hits the road with Jamboree and squabbling cousins Zeke and Darius. more |
January 15, 2019
     
People
Lizzy Mason has
been named director of marketing and publicity for Page Street Kids and YA;
she was most recently director of publicity at Bloomsbury Children's Books.
HarperCollins Children's Books has two promotions and a new
hire. Olivia Russo has been promoted to publicity director, from
associate director. Haley George has been promoted to associate
publicist, from assistant publicist. Kris Kam has joined the company
as publicist; most recently he was associate publicist at St. Martin's.
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group has five promotions. Melissa
Croce has been promoted to associate marketing manager, from marketing
coordinator. Teresa Ferraiolo has been promoted to associate marketing
manager, from marketing coordinator. Julia Gardiner has been promoted
to senior marketing manager, from marketing manager. Catherine Kramer
has been promoted to assistant manager, subsidiary rights, from subsidiary
rights associate. Jordan Winch has been promoted to subsidiary rights
associate, from subsidiary rights assistant.
Random House Children's Books has two promotions. Elena Meuse
has been promoted to associate publicist, from publicity assistant. Sydney
Tillman has been promoted to associate publicist, from publicity
assistant.
In the Winners'
Circle
 We Need Diverse Books has announced the winners for the fourth annual Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children’s Literature. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (HarperTeen) has won in the Teen category, and Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes (Little, Brown) has won in the Young Readers category. For the complete list of 2019 honorees, click here.
Bestsellers
 Children's
Frontlist Fiction #1 Brawl of the Wild (Dog Man #6) by Dav Pilkey. Click here  Picture Books
#1 The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith, illus. by Katz Cowley. Click here
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in the Spotlight
 Breach of 'Dog Man' Embargo Draws Indies’ Ire With a release date of December 24, Scholastic hoped Dav Pilkey’s latest Dog Man book, Brawl of the Wild, would bring big sales for retailers at the close of the holiday season. It has, but the company’s laydown policies have also come under fire from independent booksellers after copies of the book were spotted on sale a day before the release date at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in Framingham, Mass. more
Obituaries
 John Burningham Award-winning British author-illustrator John Burningham, known for the wit and humor in his storytelling and art, died on January 4; he was 82. Wife and fellow author-illustrator Helen Oxenbury said, “John was a gargantuan character who played a huge part in my life and in the lives of our children, as he did in the lives of children all over the world, with his wonderful stories and his insight into a child’s mind." more  Donne Forrest Donne Forrest, a beloved figure in children's book publishing for more than 40 years, died on January 7 at age 80. In her role representing children's sub rights, Forrest was a familiar face at the annual Bologna Children's Book Fair. Christopher Franceschelli, publisher of Handprint Books, said, "Her spontaneous enthusiasm for the books she represented ignited sales and lasting friendships around the world." more
Book News
 Kerlan Collection Adapts 2013 'The ABC of It' Exhibition The Kerlan Collection of children’s literature at the University of Minnesota is hosting an exhibition in Minneapolis next month, and they are inviting the world to it by publishing The ABC of It: Why Children’s Books Matter by Leonard S. Marcus, a book about the history of children’s literature that is doing double duty as the show’s catalog. more
Licensing News
 Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? On Netflix. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is reintroducing the world-traveling, fedora-wearing thief Carmen Sandiego with an animated Netflix TV series debuting January 18. The relaunch will also encompass a publishing program, educational materials, a live-action feature film in 2020, and interactive games. more 
Q
& A
 Roshani Chokshi Readers know Roshani Chokshi for her Indian-influenced YA and middle grade fantasies, including The Star-Touched Queen and Aru Shah and the End of Time. But her forthcoming YA novel is a magical heist story set in 1889 Paris. We spoke with Chokshi about the book’s inspirations, and the importance of diverse representation in children’s literature. Q: Why did you choose to set The Gilded Wolves in pre-World War I Paris? A: I think it was the name of the era that first interested me. It was called La Belle Époque—the beautiful years—and I love that. In my own fantastical imaginings of that time period, it was just cabaret and velvet and pyramids and champagne and courtesans swinging pearls around their necks. But that is just the surface; it’s very much a gilded beauty. And what I love about setting the story in 1889 is that was the year of the Exposition Universelle, or the world’s fair. more 
Out
Next Week
 Hot Off the Presses: Week of January 14, 2019 Among the books hitting shelves next week are a picture book that confronts life under slavery, a middle grade science fiction novel, and a YA novel about a journey to an ashram, by a fashion designer and her daughter. more
Rights Report
 Neal Porter at Holiday House/Neal Porter Books
has acquired world rights to I Saw, He Saw, a Tale of Two Perspectives,
a first collaboration by Jamie Lee Curtis and Barney Saltzberg.
In the visual adventure, Saltzberg draws on photos by Curtis to create
unexpected surprises, proving two friends can look at the same things, see
them differently, and still remain friends. Publication is set for fall 2020;
Phyllis Wender at Pearlco Literary Agency represented Curtis, and Rosemary
Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented Saltzberg.  Rob Valois at Penguin Workshop has bought
North American English rights to Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein's
first graphic novel, Man Woman Chicken, a vaudeville-esque story with
archetypal characters whose desires intertwine to create madcap comedy.
Publication is tentatively scheduled for 2021; Holly McGhee at Pippin
Properties brokered the two-book deal.  Jean Feiwel at Feiwel and Friends has acquired
a YA nonfiction title, Gloria Steinem, Feminist by Winifred
Conkling, an illustrated account of America's most famous feminist, from
her untraditional childhood in East Toledo to her role as a founder of Ms.
magazine and a spokesperson for the women's movement. Publication is slated
for winter 2020; Sarah Davies at Greenhouse Literary did the deal for world
rights.  Mekisha Telfer at Roaring Brook has bought Kelly
Quindlen's debut YA novel, Late to the Party, about a shy, queer
teen who finally steps out of her comfort zone and is thrust into a summer of
new friends, new experiences, and first love—all of which she keeps secret
from her two best friends. Publication is planned for winter 2020; Marietta
B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency negotiated the deal for North
American rights.  Sarah McCabe at Simon Pulse has acquired a
debut novel by Adrienne Tooley, a YA fantasy in which a cursed witch
who must steal love from others meets a girl hiding her own dangerous
secrets, and the two strike a love bargain with life-or-death consequences.
Publication is scheduled for spring 2021; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich
& Bourret did the deal for world rights.  Maggie Lehrman at Abrams has bought North
American rights to the middle grade novel Saint Ivy by Laurie
Morrison. Thirteen-year-old Ivy thinks of herself as a good person, so
when her mother becomes pregnant as a surrogate, her unhappy reaction
surprises her. Ivy throws herself into being selfless and kind with an
anonymous letter-writer, but her efforts drive her further away from the girl
she wants to be and the people who care about her most. Publication is set
for spring 2021; Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties brokered the one-book deal.  Robyn Chapman at First Second has acquired No
One Returns from the Enchanted Forest, Robin Robinson's middle
grade graphic novel about goblin sisters on an adventure in a magical forest.
Publication is slated for 2021; Amy Stern at Sheldon Fogelman Agency
negotiated the deal for world rights.  Tom Evans at World Book has bought world
rights to Lost & Found by Madeline King, illustrated by Scott
Brown, a fiction series featuring two siblings who travel through time
and learn about cultures and histories during their adventures. Publication
is planned for August 2019; the author was unagented, and Robbin Brosterman
at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.  Karen Lotz at Candlewick has acquired Leading
the Way: Women in Power by Virginia's longest-serving female legislator,
State Senator Janet Howell (l.) and her daughter-in-law, author Theresa
Howell. The book offers an account of the actions, struggles, and
accomplishments of more than 50 prominent female leaders from diverse
backgrounds, ranging from Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Shirley Chisholm to Condoleezza
Rice, featuring portraits, quotes, and brief biographies. Publication is set
for October 2019; Adriana Dominguez at Full Circle Literary did the deal for
world rights in all languages.  Kristin Daly Rens at HarperCollins/Balzer +
Bray has bought world rights to Maryam Mirzakhani, Mathematician, a
picture book biography by Megan Reid (l.), illustrated by Aaliya
Jaleel. The book follows the life of Mirzakhani, the first woman and
first Iranian to win the Fields Medal for outstanding mathematical
achievement, and explores how her childhood love for storytelling helped her
find the poetry of mathematics. Publication is planned for winter 2021; Wendi
Gu at Janklow & Nesbit Associates represented the author, and the
illustrator was unagented.  Tamar Mays at HarperCollins has acquired world
rights to Erin Dealey's (l.) picture book, Dear Earth... From Your
Friends in Room 5, illustrated by Luisa Uribe, recipient of the
2018 Society of Illustrators Dilys Evans Founder's Award. What begins as a
monthly exchange of ideas between Earth and Room 5 grows into a lasting
friendship, a school club with a surprising president, and—hopefully—lifelong
earth-smart habits. Publication is slated for winter 2021; Deborah Warren of
East/West Literary Agency represented the author, and James Burns at the
Bright Agency represented the illustrator.  Mary Kate Castellani at Bloomsbury has bought
world rights to Kathy Wolff's All We Need, a story about basic
human needs, illustrated by Margaux Meganck. Publication is scheduled
for spring 2021; Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic represented the
author, and Lori Kilkelly at LK Literary Agency represented the illustrator.  Jes Negrón at Kane Press has acquired world
rights to Joana Pastro's Lillybelle, A Damsel Never in Distress.
The book follows the titular character as she uses her feminine skills to
save herself from perilous danger, all in time for tea. Jhon Ortiz
will illustrate. Publication is set for fall 2020; Natascha Morris at
BookEnds Literary Agency represented the author, and Lemonade Illustration
Agency represented the illustrator.  Susan Dobinick at Bloomsbury has bought world
rights to Laura Purdie Salas's (l.) Zap Clap Boom, a poetic
telling of a thunderstorm, illustrated by Elly MacKay. Publication is
planned for winter 2022; the author was unagented, and Emily van Beek at
Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the illustrator.
To see all of this week's deals, click here.
IN THE MEDIA
SHELFTALKER
Kenny Brechner A World Without Emotion? An Interview with S.E. Grove
An interview with ‘The Waning Age’ author S.E. Grove explores
the fascinating underpinning of her high-concept YA thriller.
more »
Elizabeth Bluemle How to Remember That You Love Reading
Sometimes, even the most enthusiastic readers need to remember
why they love books so much.
more »
Meghan Dietsche Goel ‘I Want to Read All the Books!’
A new school year brings a new six-minute book challenge.
more »
Kenny Brechner An Interview with the Year 2019
The Year 2019 shares her top book picks.
FEATURED
REVIEWS
 Out of
This World: The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington Michelle Markel, illus. by Amanda Hall. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-06-244109-6 This striking picture book biography focuses on surrealist artist Leonora Carrington and her influences. Inspired by her grandmother’s stories, which took her “to worlds that shimmered beyond this one,” Carrington’s sensibilities eventually made her simpatico with the French surrealists. Hall complements the artist’s imagery through her own strange and radiant mixed-media spreads. more  Smile: How
Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry) Gary Golio, illus. by Ed Young. Candlewick, $17.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-7636-9761-7 Golio and Young create a lively and poetic homage to Charlie Chaplin. Despite living in poverty, Chaplin’s household fostered his love of acting, clowning, and musical theater. Golio’s rhythmic prose conjures the spirit of tragicomedy behind Chaplin’s performances, while Young’s sophisticated, abstract images communicate the exaggerated theatricality of silent film. more  We’re Not
from Here Geoff Rodkey. Crown, $16.99 (256p) ISBN 978-1-5247-7304-5 In this postapocalyptic comedy, a family of refugees from an Earth devastated by nuclear war is selected to represent humankind on an alien planet that is reluctant to take them in. Rodkey explores heady concepts such as immigration, tolerance, culture shock, and relative humor in this slapstick-laden allegory, and the story’s lighthearted tone offers an age-appropriate handling of the somber issues and dire circumstances fueling its premise. more  A Curse So
Dark and Lonely Brigid Kemmerer. Bloomsbury, $18.99 (496p) ISBN 978-1-68119-508-7 Action, tension, and tragedy fuel this retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” by YA author Kemmerer. Harper, a high school senior with cerebral palsy, gets abducted while trying to thwart a kidnapping in Washington, D.C. She awakes at Ironrose Castle in Emberfall, where a vengeful enchantress has cursed Prince Rhen and his guard to continually relive the autumn of Rhen’s 18th year. more
TALES FROM THE
SLUSH PILE
 |
January 10, 2019
 
People
Random House Children's Books has two promotions. Andrea
Posner-Sanchez has been promoted to editorial director of Little Golden
Books and Sesame Street; she was previously senior executive editor. Tracy
Heydweiller has been promoted to senior manager of production, from
manager.
Caroline Osborn has joined Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing as
subsidiary rights manager. She was most recently assistant subsidiary rights
manager at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
In the Winners'
Circle
 The winners have been revealed for the 2018 Costa Book Awards, which are given in honor of the most outstanding books of the year written by authors based in the U.K. and Ireland. In the Children’s Book category, Hilary McKay won for her historical novel The Skylarks’ War (Macmillan). The judges called the book “as perfect a novel as you could ever want to read.” To see the list of winners in all five categories, click here.  The Jewish Book Council has announced the winners of the 2018 National Jewish Book Awards. The winner in the Children’s Literature category is All Three Stooges by Erica Perl (Knopf). The 2018 finalists are Sweep by Jonathan Auxier (Abrams); All-Of-A-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins, illus. by Paul O. Zelinsky (Schwartz & Wade); and Regina Persisted: An Untold Story by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, illus. by Margeaux Lucas (Apples & Honey). Launched in 1950, the National Jewish Book Awards are North America’s longest-running awards program in the field of Jewish literature. For the complete list of this year’s winners, click here.
Of Note
 Talking
Pictures Awards Submissions Open The contest, part of a cultural initiative of the New York Rights Fair celebrating excellence in book design in five categories, is now open for submissions for its 2019 awards. more
ICYMI
Follow Us
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In the Spotlight
In the latest edition of our School & Library Spotlight, we
take a look at the rise of maker-focused education, and the many creative
ways in which DIY projects and technology are being integrated in classrooms
and libraries. Happy reading!
 'Making' Lessons Memorable Over the past decade, the maker movement has been enthusiastically embraced by kids of all ages, gaining an increasingly strong foothold in K–12 classrooms and libraries. "There are so many learning theories that stress the power of learning through play and doing things with your hands," says Heather Lister, senior maker fellow at the Foundry Makerspace in Harrisburg, Pa. more  A Makerspace Snapshot Kathy Lester, a media specialist and technology coach in Michigan, shares how she has embraced the maker movement in her community by leading students in interactive projects that include programming, robotics, crafts, and graphic design. more  Q & A with Makerspace Expert Nicholas Provenzano We spoke with ed-tech expert and author Nicholas Provenzano about fostering problem-solving skills and a passion for making in students. "There is no wrong way to make. Knitting, pottery, watercolor painting, coding, 3-D design, underwater basket weaving, and so much more are part of the maker mentality," he said. more  'A Few of My Favorite Maker Things' Heather Lister at Foundry Makerspace shares some of her essential makerspace tools, including cardboard, LEDs, and micro controllers. more  Maker Movement Resource List Basic materials—and professional development—for teachers and librarians interested in the maker movement are readily available. For those looking to jump-start the creative process, we've gathered a selection of some of the recent maker movement-related books for curious kids. more
In the News
 Wondering Where Publishing Is Headed? Ask Its Future Leaders. We brought together eight of our 2018 PW Star Watch honorees and finalists for a discussion of the big issues in today’s industry. Emily Feinberg at Roaring Brook said of the current children's landscape, “We all want to make sure that kids have access to books that they need. And the political climate has forced us to really look at ourselves.” more  HarperCollins Launches Children's Book Podcast HarperCollins Children's Books has announced the premiere of Remember Reading?, a monthly podcast dedicated to classic and contemporary books for young readers. In each 30-minute episode, guests including journalists, educators, and award-winning authors will discuss the connections between beloved books from childhood and recent favorites. more 
Book
News
 Jeff Kinney to Expand 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' World Abrams has announced that Diary of a Wimpy Kid creator Jeff Kinney will build on his hugely popular children's series with the publication of a new novel from the perspective of hero Greg Heffley's best friend, Rowley Jefferson. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal hits shelves on April 9, with a three million-copy announced first printing. more
Reading Report
 Notable Novel Sequels: January 2018 This January, novel sequels feature wicked kings, fairies-in-waiting, kid spies, black holes, magic, and more. more
Q & A
 Lincoln Peirce After writing and illustrating eight novels about irrepressible sixth grader Big Nate, Lincoln Peirce takes a different tack in his latest fictional outing. Max & the Midknights centers on a 10-year-old who serves as a troubadour’s apprentice, aspiring instead to be a knight in the medieval kingdom of Byjovia. Peirce spoke with us about venturing into the Middle Ages in his new book. Q: What inspired your choice of setting for Max & the Midknights? A: When I stopped writing the Big Nate novels, I took a little break and then began casting around for an idea for something different. Years ago, I had fiddled around with a kind of spoof story on The Sword in the Stone, and I dug that out. I remembered that I’d enjoyed working on it, but the story had never gone anywhere. As I reread the story, I realized I was more interested in a medieval adventure with a comedic twist. more
Rights Report
 Cassandra Pelham Fulton and David Saylor at
Scholastic/Graphix have acquired, in a 10-house auction, Miss Quinces and
an untitled middle grade graphic novel by Kat Fajardo. Miss Quinces
features Sue, a Honduran-American girl who, instead of going to sleepaway
camp with her friends, gets stuck visiting family in Honduras and having a
surprise quinceañera, which is the last thing Sue wants—until she grows to
appreciate both her family and their traditions. Simultaneous publication in
both English and Spanish is planned for 2020; Linda Camacho at Gallt &
Zacker Literary Agency negotiated the six-figure deal for North American
rights.  Stephanie Lurie at Disney/Rick Riordan
Presents has bought, in an exclusive submission, City of the Plague God
by Sarwat Chadda, a middle grade novel inspired by Mesopotamian
mythology. In the story, Sikander Aziz, a Muslim boy born and raised in New
York City, teams up with legendary hero Gilgamesh to defeat the ancient god
of plagues before the entire population of Manhattan is wiped out.
Publication is scheduled for fall 2020; Sarah Davies at Greenhouse Literary
brokered the deal for North American rights.  Susan Dobinick at Bloomsbury has acquired, in
a six-figure deal for world rights, Columbia University professor and debut
YA author Amra Sabic-El-Rayess's wartime memoir, Maci. Written
with Laura Sullivan, the book tells of Sabic-El-Rayess's experience growing
up during the Bosnian War, and the stray cat that saved her ("Maci"
means "kitty" in Bosnian). After surviving ethnic cleansing and
more than 1,100 days under the Serbs' military siege, the author emigrated as
a teen to the United States in 1996, where she holds several graduate
degrees. Publication is tentatively slated for late 2020; Jason Anthony and
Rob McQuilkin at Massie & McQuilkin handled the deal, in coordination
with Madeleine Morel at 2M Communications, co-agenting for Laura Sullivan.  Natashya Wilson at Inkyard Press has bought A
Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison, featuring an
"It" girl from a wealthy community who clashes with a former
childhood friend when he moves in with her family after tragedy strikes,
wreaking havoc with her summer plans, her friendships and her heart.
Publication is expected in winter 2020; Uwe Stender at Triada US did the deal
for world English rights.  Kelsy Thompson at Flux has acquired world
English rights to Outrun the Wind author Elizabeth Tammi's new
novel, The Weight of a Soul, a YA historical fantasy set in
ninth-century Sweden. When her sister is found dead under mysterious
circumstances, Lena strikes a gruesome deal with the Norse gods to bring her
back, and lands in the middle of a devastating plan to bring about Ragnarok—all
while discovering dangerous secrets about her sister's true identity.
Publication is set for fall 2019; the author represented herself.  Amy Fitzgerald at Lerner/Carolrhoda has bought
an untitled YA novel by Operation Frog Effect author Sarah
Scheerger. When Cayenne turns 18, she learns that her long-dead mother
left her a series of messages before her death; that her aunt, who raised
her, has the same gene mutation that caused her mom's breast cancer; and that
living life to the fullest comes with particular challenges when death runs
in your DNA. Publication is planned for spring 2020; Deborah Warren at
East/West Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.  Orlando Dos Reis at Scholastic Press has
acquired Gavin Brown's middle grade fantasy adventure Monster Club:
Hunters for Hire, about a group of kids who sign up as freelance monster
hunters via a popular phone app, only to uncover a sinister force pulling
strings behind the scenes. Publication is scheduled for summer 2019;
Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency negotiated the deal for
world rights.  David Linker at HarperCollins has bought, in a
four-book deal, Down in the Dumps, a chapter book series by Wes Hargis,
illustrator of Weird Al's When I Grow Up and the Agatha Parrot series.
The books tell the story of three best friends—a rotten banana, a broken
teapot, and a crusty blob of gunk—who live together in the town landfill.
Publication is set to begin in summer 2021; Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown
Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.  Whitney Leopard at Random House Graphic has
acquired Paulina Ganucheau's early chapter book graphic novel Lemon
Bird, an adventure story about the friendship between the eponymous bird
and her best friend Pupkin (a pumpkin/puppy), and the unlimited power and
strength of kindness. Publication is slated for 2021; Charlie Olsen at
InkWell Management sold world English rights.  Courtney Burke at Page Street Kids has bought
world rights to debut author-illustrator Skylaar Amann's Lloyd
Can't Sing. The picture book follows a young whale who cannot join in
with his pod's whalesong, until he finds his own way to make music: a
mysterious, magical ukulele. Publication is planned for spring 2020; the
author-illustrator represented herself.  Rotem Moscovich at Disney-Hyperion has
acquired, at auction, The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee by Julie
Leung (l.), a picture book biography about the first Chinese-American
woman pilot to fly for the U.S. military. The book follows the little-known
pilot's insatiable desire to fly, her fearless energy, and how she defied stereotypes
to find her place in the sky. Julie Kwon will illustrate. Publication
is set for fall 2020, with a second, untitled picture book to follow in fall
2021; Wendi Gu at Janklow & Nesbit Associates sold world rights, and
Hannah Mann at Writers House represented the illustrator.  Jennifer Greene at Clarion has bought world
rights to Megan Maynor's (l.) picture book, Henry Without Liza,
illustrated by Alea Marley. In the humorous and reassuring picture
book about a common childhood transition, a boy is lonely—at first—when his
older sister and constant companion begins kindergarten and he is left at
home. Publication is scheduled for spring 2021; Minju Chang at BookStop
Literary Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the
Bright Agency represented the illustrator.  Tris Coburn at Tilbury House has acquired
world rights to The Arabic Quilt by Aya Khalil (l.),
illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan. The picture book follows an
Egyptian-American girl who learns to appreciate her second language, Arabic,
after a class project intended to celebrate everyone's identity. Publication
is tentatively slated for winter 2019; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented
the author, and Christy Tugueau Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the
illustrator.  Christy Ottaviano at Macmillan/Ottaviano has
bought world rights to Gene Barretta's (l.) Starring Steven
Spielberg, a picture book biography of the filmmaker, with a spotlight on
his childhood inspirations. Craig Orback will illustrate; the book is
planned for 2021. Lori Nowicki at Painted Words Literary Agency represented
the author, and the illustrator represented himself.  Jordan Nielsen and Craig Cohen at POW! Kids
have acquired world rights to debut author John Stith's picture book, The
Climbing Tree, a story about a tree-climbing younger brother frustrated
by the fact that, no matter how high he climbs, his older brother will always
be a branch ahead. Yuliya Pieletskaya will illustrate; publication is
set for fall 2019. Clelia Gore at Martin Literary & Media Management
represented the author, and Atlanta Japp at Advocate Art represented the
illustrator.  Carol Malnor at Dawn Publishing has bought
world rights to If Animals Built Your House, written by Bill Wise
and illustrated by Rebecca Evans. In the picture book, animals
demonstrate their ability to build their homes without the use of nails,
saws, or hammers and leave readers wondering what their own houses would look
like, and how they would function, if built by animals. Publication is slated
for fall 2019; Wise represented himself, and Essie White of Storm Literary
Agency represented the illustrator.
To see all of this week's deals, click here.
IN THE MEDIA
SHELFTALKER
Elizabeth Bluemle How to Remember That You Love Reading
Sometimes, even the most enthusiastic readers need to remember
why they love books so much.
more »
Meghan Dietsche Goel ‘I Want to Read All the Books!’
A new school year brings a new six-minute book challenge.
more »
Kenny Brechner An Interview with the Year 2019
The Year 2019 shares her top book picks.
more »
Elizabeth Bluemle Welcome to 2019!
What are your New Year’s reading resolutions and
can’t-wait-to-read titles?
FEATURED
REVIEWS
 You're Missing It! Brady Smith with Tiffani Thiessen, illus. by Brady Smith. Penguin/Paulsen, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-525-51442-8 Married actors Smith and Thiessen take playful aim at cellphone-addicted caregivers in this debut. During a father-son outing to the park, a boy’s dad remains glued to his phone despite the increasingly unusual things happening nearby. A roller-skating dog walker loses control of his mutts, a butterfly leads the boy to a grounded egg that hatches into a baby bird. “You’re missing it!” the boy shouts to his dad after each incident. A refreshing and opportune reminder to put down the phone and eye the butterflies. more  No More Poems! A Book in Verse That Just Gets Worse Rhett Miller, illus. by Dan Santat. Little, Brown, $17.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-316-41652-8 Manic energy slops over the rim of this comic verse collection by singer-songwriter Miller. Most of the 20-odd poems address evergreen childhood themes. By contrast, several longer poems investigate family relationships. Illustrations by Santat fuel the fun. Hilarity runs high; classroom readalouds could become uproarious. more  The Proper
Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-To Poems Ed. by Paul B. Janeczko, illus. by Richard Jones. Candlewick, $19.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-7636-8168-5 Janeczko, an astute editor of children’s poetry, capitalizes on his readers’ natural curiosity and yearning for autonomy while opening up the possibilities for what a how-to—both the question and the answer—can be. The selections are giddily eclectic: J. Patrick Lewis offers pointers on distinguishing the Dromedary from the Bactrian camel; Irene Latham tells readers how to walk on Mars. Digitized paintings by Jones create visual cohesion even as they range as widely as the verse. more  Far Away
Lisa Graff. Philomel, $16.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-5247-3859-4 Because her mother allegedly died on the day she was born, and she never knew her father, CJ lives in a tour bus with her Aunt Nic, who works as a psychic medium. CJ benefits from her aunt’s “Gift,” cherishing the moments when her mother talks to her. On her 12th birthday, CJ is bereft when her mother announces that she will no longer visit, since she’s “being drawn Far Away.” A genuinely moving and memorable story. more  Internment
Samira Ahmed. Little, Brown, $17.99 (400p) ISBN 978-0-316-52269-4 Ahmed sets her chilling novel in the very near future: two-and-a-half years after an election that brought about a Muslim ban, Exclusion laws, and the internment of Muslims in a disturbing echo of the Japanese internments of the 1940s. Layla Amin, the rebellious 17-year-old Muslim narrator, is enraged by the changes that her small liberal California community accepts. Still, her family’s abrupt nighttime “relocation” to a camp is a shock. more |
January 8, 2019
 
People
Random House Children's Books has two announcements. Naomi
Kleinberg, editorial director of Sesame Workshop Books, is retiring after
more than 35 years at Random House. Diane Muldrow is stepping down as
editorial director for Little Golden Books after more than 20 years at Golden
Books and Random House; she is recently married and is relocating to the West
Coast.
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has two promotions. Farrin
Jacobs has been promoted to v-p, editorial director; she was previously
editorial director. Lisa Yoskowitz has been promoted to editorial director,
nonfiction; she was previously executive editor.
Penguin Young Readers has four promotions. Kate Meltzer
has been promoted to editor at Putnam Young Readers, from associate editor. Eileen
Savage has been promoted to assistant art director, from senior designer.
Brianna Lockhart has been promoted to manager, trade marketing, from
associate manager. Lyana Salcedo has been promoted to marketing
coordinator, from marketing assistant.
Christine Saunders is joining Disney Publishing Worldwide as senior publicist;
most recently she ran her own PR firm, Christine Saunders Public Relations.
Bonnier Publishing USA has two promotions. Charlie Ilgunas
has been promoted to associate editor of Little Bee Books and Yellow Jacket,
from assistant editor. Rebecca Webster has been promoted to senior
editor of BuzzPop, from editor.
Mark Your
Calendar
 The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City will host an exhibition dedicated to the fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic children's books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. "Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth" is billed as "the most extensive public display of original Tolkien material for several generations." The exhibit, which runs from January 25 through May 12, is organized by the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries in collaboration with the Morgan, with the support of the Tolkien Trust. For more information, click here.
Bestsellers
 Children's
Frontlist Fiction #1 The Meltdown (Wimpy Kid #13) by Jeff Kinney. Click here  Picture Books
#1 The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, illus. by Christian Birmingham. Click here
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