And here are the latest PW Preview for Librarians newsletters followed by the PW Children's Bookshelf newsletters:
January 9, 2026
New Lawsuit Challenges Utah’s Book RemovalsThe ACLU of Utah, on behalf of the Kurt Vonnegut estate, three authors, and two students, argues that portions of House Bill 29, the “sensitive material review” law responsible for statewide book removals, violate the First Amendment. More
Post-B&T, Vendors Jostle for the Library MarketThe wholesaler’s departure presents a challenge, and a boost, to its former competitors. More
Supply Chain Disruptions Hobble Strong Holiday Sales SeasonIndie booksellers reported robust holiday sales thanks to a variety of hot titles, but also expressed frustration with shipping delays and other issues, as Ingram and publishers struggled to keep up with an unanticipated surge in orders. More
B&T Liquidation Firm Holds Closeout SaleAs the closure of Baker & Taylor nears, the GA Group is holding a bulk sale of more than 462,000 books that remain in the library wholesaler’s inventory. More
Marble Press Acquires CamCat Publishing Assets from B&TThe San Francisco–based children’s publisher has acquired the catalog and IP of CamCat Books from the soon-to-close Baker & Taylor in a transaction that includes 124 YA and adult titles. More
Follett, OverDrive’s Sora App Partner for Expanded PreK–12 ReachFollett Content Solutions, the largest provider of children’s and YA print books to the U.S. preK–12 market, and Sora, OverDrive’s student reading app, are teaming up to provide schools with streamlined purchasing access to print and digital materials. More
Library Applicants Sought for Pulitzer ExhibitionThe ALA Public Programs Office and the Pulitzer Prizes invite public libraries, including tribal and state libraries, to apply as hosts of the traveling exhibit “Pulitzer on the Road.” More
Amazon Business Now Offers Exclusive Benefits to LibrariesA vast selection, exceptional savings, and trusted delivery - libraries can now save 30-45% off list price on popular titles and access MARC records management. Book buying has never been easier on Amazon Business. Log in or create an Amazon Business account to access your library pricing and access MARC records by visiting the library hub. (Sponsored) More
Highlights of Next Week's Stars
Crazy GenieInès Cagnati, trans. from the French by Liesl Schillinger. New York Review Books, $16.95 trade paper (200p) ISBN 979-8-89623-020-5
Safe Passage: The Untold Story of Diplomatic Intrigue, Betrayal, and the Exchange of American and Japanese Civilians by Sea During World War IIEvelyn Iritani. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $32 (480p) ISBN 978-0-374-26107-8
No One’s Coming: The Rogue Heroes Our Government Turns to When There’s Nowhere Else to TurnKevin Hazzard. Grand Central, $30 (336p) ISBN 978-0-306-83518-6
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Now I See Spring; Now I See Summer; Now I See Fall; Now I See WinterMac Barnett, illus. by Jon Klassen. Tundra, $9.99 (24p) ISBN 978-1-77488-673-1; ISBN 978-1-77488-677-9; ISBN 978-1-77488-665-6; ISBN 978-1-77488-669-4
New Books and More
Starred Reviews Releasing This WeekHere’s a handy roundup of all the books that received starred reviews in PW that are hitting shelves this week. More
9 Books That Should Be on Your RadarThe first quarter of the year is bursting with new books. Our editors think you should pick up these titles. More
Spring 2026 Writers to WatchThis season’s buzzy adult and YA fiction debuts, including stories of a sex worker assassin, a New York cab driver accused of murder, and a Latina teen poet, are all about controlling the narrative. More
Death Becomes HerThe bestselling author’s new novel is a modern gothic thriller about murder and extreme weather in the American South. More
Ancient Words for Wising Up NowPrinceton University Press’s Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers series offers contemporary translations of classic philosophical works that weigh in on timeless topics from life, death, and politics to sports and travel. More
Making Space for Palestinian Children’s BooksWe spoke with Hannah Moushabeck—author and co-owner of Interlink Publishing—and fellow members of the Palestinians in Kidlit support group about the importance of lifting up Palestinian voices and stories. More
SNL's Kenan Thompson and Bryan Tucker on Their Picture Book DebutEmmy-winning actor and comedian Kenan Thompson (l.), the longest-tenured Saturday Night Live cast member, has co-written a debut picture book, Unfunny Bunny, with stand-up comedian and SNL senior writer Bryan Tucker. We asked the duo to discuss their collaborative process. More
‘My Love Letter to Basketball’: PW Talks with Kadir NelsonAcclaimed author and artist Kadir Nelson’s Basket Ball: The Story of the All-American Game highlights revolutionary figures from the history and evolution of the game. We spoke with Nelson about the ways basketball spans music, art, literature, and sports. More
PW JobZone: Latest Jobs
- Library Ideas, LLC is seeking a new Freelance Design Professional
- Fox Chapel Publishing is seeking a new National Account Sales Assistant
- Hachette Book Group is seeking a new Editorial Assistant, UNSQ Adult Editorial
Find out about these and other great jobs at Jobzone
Top 10 Bestsellers
1 Theo of Golden |
2 The Housemaid |
3 |
4 Murder at Holly House |
5 Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story (Expanded Edition): A Mother's Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love (Revised) |
6 |
7 The Atomic Habits Workbook: Official Companion to the #1 Worldwide Bestseller |
8 The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All, Vol. 3 |
9 The Surrogate Mother |
10 |
For more PW bestsellers lists, click here.
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December 19, 2025
PW’s next print issue will be published on January 5. Your next Preview for Librarians newsletter will arrive on January 9. Happy holidays, however you may celebrate, and see you in 2026!
The Top Library Stories of 2025Distribution, federal funding, the freedom to read, and digital and print collection development were behind the most-talked-about library stories in 2025—and they aren't going away in 2026. More
Reintroduced Right to Read Act Aims to Bolster Literacy, School LibrariesU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and newly sworn-in U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07) have reintroduced the Right to Read Act, designed to increase federal funding to address the nation’s literacy crisis. According to a statement, the legislation “reaffirms that first amendment rights apply to school libraries in response to the alarming trend of book banning.” More
John Green, Jodi Picoult Top PEN’s Banned Books ListA new report from PEN America on the 52 most frequently banned books since 2021 shows schools across the country targeting titles related to race, LGBTQ+ identities, and sexual abuse, as well as bestselling novels by Green and Picoult. More
Carnegie Corporation Grant Supports Libraries in NeedThe philanthropic foundation has announced 57 grants totaling more than $38.4 million, including a $2 million grant to the Association of Rural and Small Libraries. ARSL executive director Kate Laughlin called the pledge “transformative.” More
GAO Report Assesses Public Library FacilitiesThe Government Accountability Office released a study on the condition of public library buildings in the U.S., finding that 70% required additional maintenance and only 20% report “good” or “very good” condition. More
NBCC Announces Award LonglistsThe National Book Critics Circle has unveiled the seven longlists for its annual awards. Finalists will be announced on January 20, with winners to follow at a ceremony on March 26 in New York City. More
Hoopla Digital Shares 2025 Trends, Growth CategoriesThe media app studied circulation data from more than 10,000 public libraries, finding romantasy and thrillers leading the lists of top audiobooks and e-books. Borrowing of audiobooks, Hoopla’s biggest category, increased 18% in the year. More
Highlights of Next Week's Stars
The Wall Dancers: Searching for Freedom and Connection on the Chinese InternetYi-Ling Liu. Knopf, $30 (336p) ISBN 978-0-593-49185-0
A Giant Leap: How AI Is Transforming Healthcare and What That Means for Our FutureRobert Wachter. Portfolio, $32 (352p) ISBN 979-8-217-04424-5
In Sickness and in Health: Love Stories from the Front Lines of America’s Caregiving CrisisLaura Mauldin. Ecco, $30 (256p) ISBN 978-0-06-333913-2
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Into the WildernessHaven Iverson, illus. by August Zhang. Roaring Brook, $18.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-250-35308-5
Navigating NightJulie Leung, illus. by Angie Kang. Random House/Schwartz, $18.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-593-89769-0
When Cherry Blossoms FallKatrina Goldsaito, illus. by Yas Imamura. Little, Brown, $18.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-3162-8112-6
Her Hidden Fire (Her Hidden Fire #1)Cliodhna O’Sullivan. Viking, $22.99 (448p) ISBN 979-8-217-04050-6
Skating WilderBrandon Dumais, illus. by AJ Dungo. Flying Eye, $21.99 paper (176p) ISBN 978-1-913123-20-8
New Books and More
Starred Reviews Releasing This WeekHere’s a handy roundup of all the books that received starred reviews in PW that are hitting shelves this week. More
9 Books from 2025 You Shouldn’t OverlookAs our editors continue to look back on the books published this year, we thought it would be worth shouting out these under-appreciated gems. More
10 Holiday RomancesAn advent calendar of classic Christmas movies, 12 days of Christmas sex toys, and seasonal stories of fake dating and second chances round out this year’s notable romances, reviewed by PW. More
Writers Talking Writers: Julian Brave NoiseCat on Herman Melville and Abraham Verghese on Ernest HemingwayThe Academy Award nominee and National Humanities Medal recipient discuss the long shadows of two literary giants. More
Patriotism and Profit at Random House During WWIIA new biography by Gayle Feldman, Nothing Random: Bennett Cerf and the Publishing House He Built, straddles 20th-century American cultural history, using Cerf’s life to link books, Broadway, Hollywood, and TV. This excerpt focuses on changes that would transform publishing and Cerf himself. More
The Top 15 Children’s and YA Stories of 2025Manga editions of Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants books; an exclusive tour of Shel Silverstein’s archives; and the unexpected pairing of Stephen King and Maurice Sendak were among PW’s most-clicked stories about kids’ and YA books in 2025. Catch up on some of the big stories you may have missed! More
Children’s Publishers Choose Their Favorite Reads of 2025We asked staffers at children’s publishing houses to tell us about their favorite children’s or YA book they read this year. Here we present their recommendations. More
On Tour with Mac Barnett and Shawn HarrisAuthor Mac Barnett and illustrator Shawn Harris recently visited schools and bookstores to celebrate The First Cat in Space and the Baby Pirate’s Revenge, the fourth book in their First Cat in Space graphic novel series. Click through for tour highlights, from drawing demonstrations to sea shanty singalongs. More
PW JobZone: Latest Jobs
- Hachette Book Group is seeking a new Digital Sales Analyst, Online & Digital Sales
- W.W. Norton & Company is seeking a new Custom Publishing Assistant
- Fox Chapel Publishing is seeking a new Senior Marketing Associate
Find out about these and other great jobs at Jobzone
Top 10 Bestsellers
1 Dog Man: Big Jim Believes: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #14): From the Creator of Captain Underpants |
2 Partypooper: a Side-Splitting Birthday Disaster from the #1 International Bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series (Book 20) |
3 |
4 Stop, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life |
5 |
6 From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (Snoop Dogg Cookbook, Celebrity Cookbook with Soul Food Recipes) |
7 The Secret of Secrets |
8 Eric Carle: Around the Farm |
9 |
10 |
For more PW bestsellers lists, click here.
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December 12, 2025
PW’s 2025 Person of the Year:Nihar Malaviya
The Penguin Random House CEO has gone all in on protecting the First Amendment and the freedom to read. For his efforts and those of PRH, he is Publishers Weekly’s Person of the Year. More
Supreme Court Denies Petition to HearTexas Book Banning Case
After the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed free speech claims in Little v. Llano County last May, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition to hear the case, in which a Texas library removed books on ideological grounds. PRH, PEN America, ALA, and NCAC were among the organizations urging SCOTUS to take the case. More
PLRI Formalizes as International AssociationAfter 30 years, Public Lending Right International has become a formal international organization, headquartered in Geneva. The group, which ensures rightholders are paid by libraries for works lent to patrons, includes the International Publishers Association and Federation of European Publishers. More
Word-of-Mouth Recs Best AI at Everand, FableA survey of 1,600 users on the digital platforms found that readers still favor book recommendations from people over algorithms, while audiobook listening outpaced e-book reading. More
Storytel Adds English Audiobook Sales to Streaming PlatformCiting the growing popularity of reading and listening to books in English across Europe, the Stockholm-based company has begun offering English-language titles from Penguin Random House and Hachette for sale in Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands. More
ALA Names Mychal Threets Honorary Ambassador for National Library WeekReading Rainbow host Mychal Threets will be the honorary chair of the American Library Association’s 68th annual National Library Week, to be held April 19–25, 2026, with a theme of “Find Your Joy.” More
10 Out of 10: PW Talks withJonathan Hamilt
Drag Story Hour’s cofounder looks forward to celebrating the nonprofit’s 10th anniversary with a family-friendly party at San Francisco Public Library on December 14. More
Amazon Business Now Offers Exclusive Benefits to LibrariesA vast selection, exceptional savings, and trusted delivery - libraries can now save 30-45% off list price on popular titles and access MARC records management. Book buying has never been easier on Amazon Business. Log in or create an Amazon Business account to access your library pricing and access MARC records by visiting the library hub. (Sponsored) More
Highlights of Next Week's Stars
The Wall Dancers: Searching for Freedom and Connection on the Chinese InternetYi-Ling Liu. Knopf, $30 (336p) ISBN 978-0-593-49185-0
A Giant Leap: How AI Is Transforming Healthcare and What That Means for Our FutureRobert Wachter. Portfolio, $32 (352p) ISBN 979-8-217-04424-5
In Sickness and in Health: Love Stories from the Front Lines of America’s Caregiving CrisisLaura Mauldin. Ecco, $30 (256p) ISBN 978-0-06-333913-2
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Into the WildernessHaven Iverson, illus. by August Zhang. Roaring Brook, $18.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-250-35308-5
Navigating NightJulie Leung, illus. by Angie Kang. Random House/Schwartz, $18.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-593-89769-0
When Cherry Blossoms FallKatrina Goldsaito, illus. by Yas Imamura. Little, Brown, $18.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-3162-8112-6
Her Hidden Fire (Her Hidden Fire #1)Cliodhna O’Sullivan. Viking, $22.99 (448p) ISBN 979-8-217-04050-6
Skating WilderBrandon Dumais, illus. by AJ Dungo. Flying Eye, $21.99 paper (176p) ISBN 978-1-913123-20-8
New Books and More
Starred Reviews Releasing This WeekHere’s a handy roundup of all the books that received starred reviews in PW that are hitting shelves this week. More
Adult Books for Spring 2026Our editors combed through thousands of books that will be published between February 1 and July 31, 2026, to select spring and summer’s most notable titles in 13 categories. More
Kristi DeMeester Is Screaming on the InsideThe author’s horror fiction lays bare dark truths about the real world with grand ambition—just don’t call it literary. More
At the Top of the World: PW Talks with Neil SheaIn Frostlines, the National Geographic reporter travels with animal packs and Indigenous hunters to explore how climate change is transforming the Arctic. More
Winnie-the-Pooh at 100: PW Talks with Gyles BrandrethIn Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear, the biographer explores the complicated life of A.A. Milne and his Winnie-the-Pooh stories. More
Freedom from the Phone: PW Talks with Jonathan Haidt and Catherine PriceAuthor and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt teamed up with science journalist Catherine Price to speak directly to tweens in The Amazing Generation: A Guide to Freedom and Fun in a Screen-Filled World, drawing on Haidt’s adult bestseller The Anxious Generation. We asked the duo why they believe kids can lead the charge toward less tech-dependent lives. More
It’s a Holiday Smorgasbord of Children’s BooksBooksellers are heralding a cornucopia of holiday and everyday choices for children and teens this December. We checked in with them about which titles are flying off the shelves, from seasonal picture books to tried-and-true classics. More
A Newly Discovered ‘Mr. Willowby’ Book for Christmas“Mr. Willowby’s Christmas tree/Came by special delivery” in 1963’s Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by the late Robert Barry. Now, in a never-before-published sequel discovered by Barry’s son, Mr. Willowby’s Head Over Heels Christmas, characters from the original picture book take a sleigh-inspired adventure. More
PW JobZone: Latest Jobs
- Hachette Book Group is seeking a new Associate Manager, International Sales Latin America and Caribbean
- Hachette Book Group is seeking a new Sales Associate, Gift Sales
- Hachette Book Group is seeking a new Sales Associate, Gift and Specialty Sales
Find out about these and other great jobs at Jobzone
Top 10 Bestsellers
1 Dog Man: Big Jim Believes: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #14): From the Creator of Captain Underpants |
2 Partypooper: a Side-Splitting Birthday Disaster from the #1 International Bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series (Book 20) |
3 |
4 The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition [With Light Girl Doll] |
5 The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition [With Light Boy Doll] |
6 |
7 Crowntide (Lightlark #4) |
8 The Book of Unusual Knowledge |
9 Until He Comes: 365 Daily Devotions as We Await His Return |
10 The Secret of Secrets |
For more PW bestsellers lists, click here.
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Holly West at Feiwel and Friends has acquired The Night Serpent by Alex Land, a YA fantasy in which a betrayed queer teen's heartbreak and rage are so strong they summon the big bad from their failed D&D campaign, and now she and her estranged friends must work together with their characters to stop the Night Serpent from destroying both worlds. Publication is planned for spring/summer 2027; Amy Bishop-Wycisk at Trellis Literary Management sold world rights.
Samia Garcia-Fakih at First Second has bought Meat Cute by Alyssa Zaczek (l.) (Martin McLean, Middle School Queen), illustrated by Jackie Morrow (Supper Club), a YA graphic novel pitched as The Bear meets Pride & Prejudice, about 17-year-old Lou, who works to save her family's Chicago hot dog stand while navigating a love/hate relationship with the annoyingly charming son of a rival restaurant. Publication is slated for fall 2028; Jessica Mileo at InkWell Management sold world rights.
David Levithan at Scholastic has acquired Deady Bear by K.R. Alexander, a middle grade horror novel. When one of his discarded birthday presents returns with a vengeance, Gideon learns that no bad deed goes unpunished. Can he right his wrongs and get rid of the teddy bear for good, or will this birthday be his last? Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Brent Taylor at Triada US did the deal for world rights.
Mary-Kate Gaudet at Little, Brown has bought, in a preempt, world rights to Queen of the Crows by Bea Birdsong (l.) (How to Grow a Family Tree), illustrated by Gaia Bordicchia. In this picture book, Lulu's ears—perfect for holding songbird earrings—have become not so great at hearing. Lulu finds strength in the understanding and friendship of her elderly neighbor, and together they care for the neighborhood crows, who in turn take care of them. Publication is set for winter 2028; Melissa Edwards at Stonesong represented the author, and Ammi-Joan Paquette at Aevitas Creative Management represented the illustrator.
Denene Miller at S&S/Denene Millner Books has acquired world rights to Day Shift, Night Shift by Ariel Vanece (l.), illustrated by Jade Orlando. The story follows the problem-solving explorations of young mechanic Atticus, whose toy train won't climb the hill, until railroad mechanic Pop Pop says something that sparks an idea. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Ana Crespo at East West Literary Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has bought world rights for the picture book Crab Did It! by Leslie Helakoski (l.), and Kristen Nobles has acquired world rights for illustrations by Cathy Gendron. Crab is accused of pinching his opponents during a lively game of reef tag, and soon everyone learns the importance of considering all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Publication is slated for summer 2027; Garrett Alwert at Emerald City Literary represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Naomi Shulman at PJ Publishing has acquired world rights to The Mystery of the Missing Latkes by Laurie Friedman (l.), illustrated by Mike Deas. This emerging-reader chapter book follows ace detective Lila Tov as she unravels the mystery of who ate all of the family's latkes on the first night of Hanukkah. Publication is scheduled for December 2027; Susan Cohen at PearlCo Literary Agency represented the author, and Tamara Shannon at Shannon Associates represented the illustrator.
Emma Hintzen at Sourcebooks eXplore has bought world rights to Baby Builds a Snowman by Christine Evans (l.), illustrated by Becky Paige, the first of four titles in a board book series that introduces basic science behind favorite seasonal activities through interactive text and flaps. Publication for the first book is set for fall 2027; Elizabeth Bennett at the Transatlantic Agency represented the author, and Becky Wilson at the Plum Agency represented the illustrator.
Sarah Alpert at Norton Young Readers has acquired How to Crash a Kite by author-illustrator Ellie Peterson. The STEAM picture book follows two very different siblings who are trying, and failing, and then trying again to build their very own kites. Publication is planned for winter 2027; Adria Goetz at KT Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Christianne Jones at Capstone has bought world rights to The Pest of Summer, a picture book by author-illustrator Katy Hudson, in which an earnest raccoon sets out to make friends—which isn't easy when the entire forest only thinks of her as a sneaky bandit who causes trouble. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency sold world rights.
Naomi Krueger at Beaming Books has acquired The Ghost Who Refused to Haunt by Nadia Ahmed, a picture book about ghostie Luna who refuses to haunt scary, instead opting for her own unique haunting style. Publication is scheduled for September 2027; Dan Cramer at Page Turner Literary Agency sold world rights.
Houdini’s Library: How Books Created the World’s Greatest Magician
Rachel Stark at Disney Hyperion has acquired Brent Fisher's The Day the World Drowned and an untitled second book. In this lightly speculative debut aimed at fans of Jandy Nelson and A.S. King, Lake Michigan is swallowing a small town, and 17-year-old Jackson may be the only person who can stop the rising water. But to do so, he'll have to escape the cycle of grief he's been trapped in since his father's death—and work with the boy who caused it. Publication is set for spring 2027; Eric Smith while at P.S. Literary brokered the deal for North American rights.
Dainese Santos at Simon & Schuster has bought, in a preempt, A Christmas Kiss in New York by Crystal Velasquez (l.), illustrated by Chelsea Reyes. This YA graphic novel captures the joy and unexpected romance of Christmas in New York City as two just-dumped teens stranded on Christmas Eve follow 10 steps to get over their exes and end up falling for each other. Publication is planned for fall 2028; Chelsea Eberly at Greenhouse Literary Agency did the deal for North American rights on behalf of Working Partners; the author and illustrator were unagented.
Samantha Millburn at Shadow Mountain has acquired Wish on a Willow by debut author Maria Oka, a middle grade contemporary with a hint of magic about a lonely girl who finds a wish-granting willow tree on her Gee-pa's Nebraska farm and must decide whether to share the wishes with her newfound friends or hoard them for her injured father. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Krista Van Dolzer at the Unter Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Ivan Taurisano at First Second has bought, in an exclusive submission, Fox and the Magic Book, Estrela Lourenço's young reader graphic novel debut series about a fox who stumbles upon a curious book and accidentally unleashes magic and mayhem. Simultaneous publication of the first two books is scheduled for 2027; James McGowan at BookEnds Literary handled the three-book deal for world rights.
Aimee Friedman at Scholastic has acquired world rights to The Witch, the Bat, and the Scaredy-Cat, a picture book by Sarah Mlynowski (l.) (A Dragon for Hanukkah), illustrated by George Sweetland. The story follows a feisty young witch as she attempts to cast an important spell but keeps getting interrupted by spooky creatures, with a surprise Halloween twist. Publication is set for summer 2027; Laura Dail at Laura Dail Literary Agency represented the author, and Nicole Tugeau at Tugeau 2 represented the artist.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has bought world rights to Happy Shabbat from Daddy, Papa, and Me and Celebrate Shabbat with Mommy, Mama, and Me by Lesléa Newman (l.), illustrated by Zara González Hoang. These picture books follow a LGBTQ+ family as they prepare for Shabbat together with prayer, candles, challah—and lots of love. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Elizabeth Harding at Curtis Brown represented the author, and Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Mary-Kate Gaudet at Little, Brown has acquired world rights to No Way, José y José y José by debut author Jamie Rodarte (l.), illustrated by Sara Palacios. In this humorous picture book, a child must come up with his own unique nickname to stand out from classmates with the same name. Publication is slated for summer 2028; Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Minju Chang at BookStop Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Katie Heit at Scholastic has bought world rights to The Fun Guy, a punny story about Myles Porcini, a rambunctious little mushroom who uses his big personality to save the forest, by Stef Wade (l.) (A Place for Pluto), illustrated by Steph Laberis (Grumpy Cat). Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Christa Heschke and Daniele Hunter at McIntosh and Otis represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Catherine Laudone at S&S/Beach Lane Books has acquired world rights to DNA to the Rescue: How Scientists Harness the Power of DNA to Save Endangered Species by Jessica Stremer (l.) (Wonderfully Wild), illustrated by 2025 Sendak Fellow Rob Dunlavey (Whale Fall). This nonfiction picture book explores the field of conservation genetics by showing how wildlife biologists use discoveries made in laboratories to influence the actions they take to save endangered animals from extinction. Publication is set for spring 2028; Natascha Morris at Tobias Literary Agency represented the author, and Holly McGhee and Marissa Brown at Pippin Properties represented the illustrator.
Christianne Jones at Capstone has bought world rights to Murphy and the Egg: The Old Eagle Who Became a Papa by Gloria Koster (l.), illustrated by Jennifer Amelie, a picture book based on the true story about an injured bald eagle who builds a nest, finds an "egg," and eventually becomes a father. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Emelie Burl at Susan Schulman Literary Agency represented the author, and Emily Fernandez at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Elizabeth Patterson at Beaming Books has bought world rights to Sometimes I Am a Waterfall by Jody Jensen Shaffer (l.), illustrated by Amélie Videlo, a picture book about managing the big feelings that lead to tears. Publication is scheduled for fall 2027; the author represented herself, and Christina Doffing at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Daniel Moreton at Grosset & Dunlap has acquired, with Celina Sun and Nick Magliato editing, Hola, Lola, a bilingual picture book by Emmy Award-winning animator and character designer Sandra Equihua, about a spunky girl's adventure in a bodega, where she finds a broad array of items labeled in English and Spanish. Publication is planned for August 2026; Adriana Dominguez at Aevitas Creative Management did the deal for world rights.
Naomi Shulman at PJ Publishing has bought Hanukkah Party Time by Alan Silberberg. In this illustrated board book, an anxious latke is ready to get the Hanukkah party going in the face of repeated delays. Publication is slated for December 2027; Jill Grinberg at Jill Grinberg Literary Management sold world rights.
Susan Rich at Little, Brown has acquired, at auction, Ghost Guild, a supernatural middle grade series by Annie Barrows. The first book, The Lost Three, offers an account of the Maconochie siblings, whose transition into the afterlife has been badly mishandled by the Ghost Guild, and who now must find their own way in the world as ghosts. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Liza Dawson at Liza Dawson Associates negotiated the two-book deal for world rights.
Andrea Tompa at Candlewick has bought, in an exclusive submission, Take to the Sky by three-time Newbery Honoree Christina Soontornvat. Set in the world of A Wish in the Dark, the middle grade novel tells the story of three unlikely friends—a bird, a boy who used to be a bird, and a boy who may or may not be a prince—who traverse the mountains of northern Thailand to fulfill their destinies. Publication is set for spring 2027; Jodi Reamer at Writers House sold world English rights.
Cianna Sanford at Scholastic has acquired world rights to The Dragoneer by Sarah J. Mendonca. Pitched as How to Train Your Dragon meets Impossible Creatures, this illustrated middle grade novel is about 12-year-old dragon-phobe Lucas Firebrand who, after saving a young dragon from a poacher's trap, must embark on an epic journey in order to break their bond, all while being pursued by a group of dangerous dragon poachers. Publication is slated for fall 2027; Emily Forney at BookEnds Literary sold world rights.
Heidi Kilgras at Random House has bought world rights to Too Many Chickens by Lori Haskins Houran (l.) (Welcome to the Woofmore), illustrated by Alexandra Columbo, a Step into Reading book about chickens wreaking havoc in a children's fort. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Karen Lotz at W.W. Norton has acquired world rights to an untitled debut picture book by Jason Carter, chairman of the Carter Center in Atlanta, and grandson of Jimmy Carter, the only centenarian U.S. president. Drawing upon decades of wisdom and humor exchanged in their close relationship, the book explores the lessons and wonders to be discovered in the grandparent-grandchild relationship. Publication is scheduled for spring 2028; Rick Richter at Aevitas Creative Management represented the author.
Joy Bean at Arctis Books USA has bought the picture book And Then We Saw the Bag…, written and illustrated by Emma AdBåge (l.). In this humorous story about play, power dynamics, and relationships, two sisters come home to find that their parents have cleaned the house while they were away, including the girls' room, and have thrown away their treasured belongings. The book will be translated from the Swedish by Melissa Bowers; publication is set for fall 2026. Maria Åhlin at Rabén & Sjögren Agency did the deal for U.S. English rights.
Carol Hinz at Lerner/Millbrook has acquired world rights to Rooted in Hope: A True Story of Farming, Freedom, and Finding Home by Scott Riley (l.) (The Floating Field) with Muhidin Libah (c.), illustrated by Oboh Moses (r.) (Freedom Braids). This nonfiction picture book chronicles the true story of how Somali Bantu farmers rebuilt their lives after being uprooted by civil war and eventually founded a community farm in Maine. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Erica Rand Silverman at Stimola Literary Studio represented the authors, and Sylvie Hamel at Anna Goodson Illustration Agency represented the illustrator.
Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to Alex and the Squid by Meghan Wilson Duff (l.) (How Are You, Verity?), illustrated by Nathalie Dieterlé (Jojo and the Food Fight!). With no money for the book fair, Alex sneaks a book about his favorite animals—cephalopods!—into his backpack, but then a giant squid visits his dreams to show him that he needs to make it right. Publication is planned for fall 2026; the author was unagented, and Ella Lupo at Purple Rain Illustrators represented the illustrator.
Janine O'Malley at FSG has acquired Like the Moon We Rise by Annabelle Cormack, a debut YA fantasy following Auriel, an indentured servant-witch who is offered a bargain by the haughty Prince Ambrose: pretend to be the enchantress prophesied to liberate his people from the cruel Empress, and live a life of freedom, luxury and power. But the more Auriel learns about the Empress, the less sure she is that she's the enemy. And the more she learns about Ambrose, the less sure she is that she can trust him. The first book in the trilogy is set for winter 2027; Molly Ker Hawn at David Higham Associates did the three-book, six-figure deal for North American rights.
Wendy Loggia at Delacorte Press has bought Kiersten White's Wilde and Wicked along with a sequel, in which a girl reluctantly accepts a boarding school scholarship, only to discover she's the heir to a notorious magical bloodline everyone thought was destroyed. As she unravels her dark legacy and a generations-spanning mystery, she's caught between the school's golden boy and his dangerously magnetic twin. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Michelle Wolfson at Wolfson Literary sold world English rights.
Holly West at Feiwel and Friends has acquired Aiden Thomas's Stray Gods, a YA fantasy in which a trio of cursed teens navigate the gang-ruled streets of a neon-drenched city, while battling their own monstrous powers. Publication is scheduled for fall 2029; Jennifer March Soloway at Starling Literary + Media brokered the six-figure deal for world rights.
Jenny Lopez at Sourcebooks Fire has bought, in a two-book deal, world rights to Kaitlin Reilly's debut novel, Look What You Did, a YA thriller about a teen who must confront her own buried trauma to clear her friend's name of murder and expose the dark secrets of her small town. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Jillian Davis at Kaplan Stahler Literary negotiated the deal.
Amy Fitzgerald at Lerner/Carolrhoda has acquired North American English rights to Annabelle Steele's YA novel Being Amani, originally published in the U.K. The protagonist's abusive estranged father resurfaces, asking for a second chance to be part of her life, just as she's embarking on her first romantic relationship—and noticing some troubling similarities between her dad and her new boyfriend. Publication is set for fall 2026; Petula Chaplin at Petula Chaplin Rights Agency did the deal on behalf of Hashtag Press and MMS Sales Agency.
Polo Orozco at Putnam has bought Deadly Little Lessons, a YA thriller by Danielle Valentine (How to Survive Your Murder). Pitched as Squid Game meets boarding school, the story is set at an academy where students are put through a twisted test of human resilience, and in order to graduate, they first need to survive. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Hillary Jacobson at CAA sold world English rights.
Rose Pleuler at HarperAlley has acquired world rights to Body Count, a YA graphic novel by Andy Schlebecker (l.) and David Chippendale (c.), illustrated by V. Vireak (r.). The story follows Noah and Kevin, a new college couple whose spring break road trip is derailed by a zombie apocalypse—leading the pair to find romance and revenge confronting their homophobic hometown and their fears about being gay. Publication is tentatively slated for spring 2028; Elise Howard at DeFiore & Company represented the authors and illustrator.
David Levithan and Talia Seidenfeld at Scholastic have bought two novels by Barbara Dee (Maybe He Just Likes You); Sam Palazzi will edit. Nothing to See Here follows four eighth graders who team up and start posting fake rumors as an experiment to show everyone the dangers of online gossip after an online incident forces a student to leave their middle school. Your Eyes Are Like Two Clouds is the story of a non-literary seventh grader who uses AI to compose love poems which he sends anonymously to his crush, who mistakenly believes they're written by her own crush. Publication is planned for fall 2026 and fall 2027 respectively; Jill Grinberg at Jill Grinberg Literary Management did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Kate Fletcher at Candlewick Press has acquired author-illustrator Lisa Anchin's Maud and the Very Eventful Week, a quirky, slightly gothic early reader featuring little vampire Maud and her busy week, during which she operates a spider-and-juice stand, discovers a giant tooth, encounters a haunted teapot, and hosts a yard sale. Publication is set for summer 2026; Andrea Morrison at Writers House brokered the deal for world rights.
Ryan G. Van Cleave at Bushel & Peck has bought world English rights to Unsinkable by Fred Koehler, an illustrated middle grade novel following a boy adrift on a storm-damaged boat, a story of survival, courage, and the quiet power of hope. Publication is scheduled for 2028; the author represented himself.
Sally Morgridge at Holiday House has acquired world rights to chapter book series Orion & Cosmo by Stephanie Ward (l.), illustrated by Jessica Goecke. The dual POV series stars a space-obsessed boy who needs to find his missing astronaut mother, and the Martian who arrives on Earth just in time to help. Books one and two will publish in fall 2027, and book three will publish in spring 2028; Erzsi Deak at Hen&ink Literary represented the author, and Christie Megill at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Ann Kelley at Random House Studio has bought Andrea Zuill's picture book, Not a Kitty, a humorous story about Fig the possum, whose act of playing dead goes awry when she gets mistaken as a cat by an enthusiastic girl. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Erzsi Deak at Hen&ink Literary sold world rights.
Meredith Mundy at Abrams Appleseed has acquired world rights to When Is NOW?, a picture book written and illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler (Marabella's Moment), in which a little pig, worn out by life's hectic pace, learns to live in the moment and notice the NOW. Publication is planned for spring 2027; the author-illustrator represented herself.
Kate O'Sullivan at Clarion has bought world rights to What Is the Wind? by Gideon Sterer (l.) (If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone), illustrated by Guojing (The House That Floated), a picture book ode in alliverative verse to the wonder of the wind that explores its many forms—from a welcome breeze to its whines and whistles. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the author, and Isabel Atherton at Creative Authors represented the artist.
Cheryl Klein while at Algonquin Young Readers acquired world rights to a nonfiction picture book by Kate Messner (l.) and co-author Ruth Rappaport-Kristal (c.), illustrated by Kelly Wu (r.), titled Ice Cream for Breakfast, the true story of the origins of Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, a global day of sweet celebration, to be edited by Samantha Gentry at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Publication is set for winter 2028; Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary represented the authors, and Wendi Gu at Hannigan Getzler Literary represented the artist.
Elizabeth Schleisman at Beaming Books has bought world English rights to Not Again, Dragon Chen! by Amanda Adams (l.), illustrated by Wazza Pink, a picture book about a boy and his imaginary dragon's tantrums, and their journeys to learning how to navigate big emotions. Publication is slated for fall 2027; Eve Adler at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Christina Doffing at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Brian Geffen and Carina Licon at Holt Books for Young Readers preempted world rights in a six-figure, two-book deal to MS Duirham's YA debut, The Only, pitched as The Hunger Games and The Selection. In a corporate theocracy, a child is chosen every 10 years to be the living embodiment of the Goddess, worshiped until she turns 17, and then is ritually beheaded. As the current Only begins to question her duty to sacrifice herself, she crosses paths with a commoner who refuses to accept the corporation's lies, and the two girls team up to take on the men in power and burn it all down. Publication is set for winter 2028; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the deal.
Sarah McCabe at McElderry Books has acquired, at auction, The Murder at the End of This Book by E.K. Johnston, a speculative YA novel in which an apprentice time traveler finds a dead boy in her hotel room bathtub and is thrown into a complicated paradox where she must work with him to solve his murder in order to prevent it. Publication is scheduled for 2027; Josh Adams at Adams Literary did the deal for North American rights.
Jennifer Ung at Quill Tree has bought Foreigners, the next YA novel by E.L. Shen (The Queens of New York), a multigenerational family saga in which a young immigrant woman's secrets in the 1960s have shocking and reverberating effects in the present day. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency sold North American rights.
Margot Blankier at Tundra Books has acquired Anna Abudi's debut novel, Clockwork Souls, a YA-crossover steampunk romantasy pitched as Red, White, and Royal Blue meets Gideon the Ninth. Set in an alternate Napoleonic Paris powered by reanimated corpses and riddled with demons, a magical bureaucrat and his long-time rival reluctantly team up to find Frankenstein's lost research, but each is hiding dangerous secrets. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Jamie Vankirk at Rainbow Nerds Literary did the six-figure, two-book deal for world rights.
Cindy Harris at Andrews McMeel has bought world rights to Alex Kahler (l.) and Meghan Boehman 's YA graphic novel, The Cursebreakers. The story follows a group of young teens who seek refuge in a manor of curious artifacts, unleashing an ancient evil that threatens to destroy their entire town, unless they can hunt down and break the curses on the haunted artifacts. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the deal.
Gráinne Clear and Emily McDonnell at Walker Books, with Sarah Ketchersid and Audrey Iocca at Candlewick Press, have acquired world rights to The Unchosen One by Amy Sparkes, a middle grade trilogy opener that takes common fantasy tropes and spins them on their head. Unhappy with being proclaimed the Chosen One, Tassie must set out with her best friend, a griffin called Spin, on a quest through magical lands to find a new Chosen One before it's too late. Simultaneous publication is set for summer 2026; Julia Churchill at AM Heath handled the deal.
Laura Whitaker-Jones at Moon + Bird has bought, in a two-book deal, world rights to the History Channel's The Curse of Oak Island research team Corjan Mol (l.) and Christopher Morford's new middle grade fiction series The Sandbar Six, meant to transform young readers into detectives, placing them in the center of real mysteries and treasure hunts throughout history. Publication of book one, tentatively titled The Secret of Morris Island, is planned for June 2027, with book two releasing in February 2028; the authors represented themselves.
Celia Lee at Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights to Beauty Emergency! by Maggie Smith (l.) (You Could Make This Place Beautiful), illustrated by Sarah Gonzales (winner of the Ezra Jack Keats illustrator award), a picture book based on the phrase and call to action Maggie coined to describe the beautiful but fleeting things we must stop and marvel at before they're gone. Publication is slated for spring 2028; Joy Tutela at David Black Literary represented the author, and Alexandra Levick at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Emily Duffy at Union Square Kids has bought world rights to The Resident Ghost by Anne Marie Pace (l.), illustrated by Leanne Hatch, a picture book about a friendly ghost who wants to go on vacation and must find a housesitter to fill in for him. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; Rachel Orr at Prospect Agency represented the author, and Janine Le at Janine Le Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Natalia Vázquez Torres at Charlesbridge has acquired Abuelito and I Go Fish by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom, a picture book about a girl struggling to express and handle frustration, boredom, and other big emotions while on a fishing trip with her grandfather. A spring 2028 publication is planned; Emily Mitchell at Wernick & Pratt sold world rights.
Nancy Siscoe at Knopf has acquired Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise by Katherine Rundell (the Impossible Creatures series), a pocket-sized celebration of the joys and vital importance of children's literature for adult readers. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Peter Knapp at Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management sold North American rights.
Phoebe Yeh at Crown Books for Young Readers has bought Jin Young, In Between, Ellen Oh's YA novel about two star-crossed lovers trapped in parallel worlds and the lengths they go to be together, even if it means the undoing of their worlds. Publication is scheduled for summer 2026; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Annie Berger at Sourcebooks Fire has acquired, at auction, James Trevino (l.) and Elizabeth Sagan's Gravespell and two sequels. The first in a contemporary fantasy series pitched as Netflix's Wednesday at a school for magic, by way of One of Us Is Lying, the book follows four teens accused of murdering the daughter of the American President of Magic, while the world around them teeters on the edge of a brutal civil war between those born with magic and those born without. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Peter Knapp at Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management sold North American rights.
Sarah McCabe at McElderry Books has bought world English rights to the YA graphic novel Perfect Season by authors and filmmakers Rebekah McKendry (l.) and David Ian McKendry (c.), illustrated by Fern Roberts (r.). Pitched as Friday Night Lights meets Scream, the book follows the new girl in town as she investigates the high school football team that would do anything to maintain their winning streak—including human sacrifice. Publication is tentatively set for spring 2028; Bridget Smith and Valentina Sainato at JABberwocky Literary Agency represented the authors, and Claire Draper at Au Literary Management represented the illustrator.
Tamara Grasty at Page Street has acquired Monica Chin's debut novel Don't Print This, a queer YA mystery about a boy who becomes entangled in the murder investigation of a local reporter in order to rebuild his relationship with his best friend, who also happens to be the reporter's son. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Nicole Eisenbraun at Ginger Clark Literary handled the deal for world rights.
Liz Kossnar at Little, Brown has bought world rights to Too Big to Say, an upper middle grade novel with graphic novel elements, written by Lambda Award-winning author Phil Bildner (l.) and illustrated by Lambda Award-winning creator Mike Curato, about two friends who help each other make tough decisions while on a joint mission to hike up a mountain and climb a fire tower, pitched as an LGBTQ+ Stand by Me for fans of The Trouble with Heroes and Hey, Kiddo. Publication is set for winter 2027; Erin Murphy while at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Brenda Bowen at the Book Group represented the illustrator.
Anuoluwapo Ohioma at Disney/Freedom Fire has acquired two books in a new paranormal horror series for middle graders, Monster Hunters of Lost Lake by Damara Allen (The Skeleton Flute). Siblings Charlie and Claire discover that their unassuming grandfather has been secretly protecting the town of Lost Lake from monsters. When something happens to him, it's up to them to step outside their comfort zones and pick up where he left off. Publication will begin in spring 2028; Emily Keyes at Keyes Agency did the deal for world rights.
Margot Blankier at Tundra Books has bought Frogatha's Birthday, a picture book by debut author-illustrator Eva Lou Phillips, winner of the MICA Ezra Jack Keats Collegiate Bookmaking Competition. The story introduces Frogatha, a frog girl living in a human world, who is afraid of the spotlight and must hatch a plan to avoid celebrating her birthday at school. Publication is scheduled for spring 2028, with a second book to follow in spring 2029; Claire Morance and Shadra Strickland at Painted Words sold world rights.
Laura Godwin at Godwin Books has acquired world rights to A Super Definitely True Story of the Great Animal Race by Dane Liu (l.), illustrated by Aki, a cheeky picture book retelling of the zodiac race folktale, in which the winner Rat sets the record straight, featuring an evil Jade Emperor and gutsy Rat, who helped all the animals stand up and fight back. Publication is slated for fall 2027; Wendi Gu at HG Literary represented the author, and Kirsten Hall at Catbird Agency represented the illustrator.
Ellen Cormier at Dial has bought world rights to The Explorers, a picture book by Dee Hahn (l.), illustrated by Ashlyn Anstee. No one loves exploring quite like Etta and Grandma Maisie—but with Etta off to school and Grandma Maisie off to the retirement home, their adventures seem worlds apart. Publication is planned for summer 2026; Naomi Davis at BookEnds represented the author, and Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
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