 |
|||
|
|||
|
Spotlight on Bologna
 Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear Up Despite a rainy forecast and the overwhelming gloom of international politics, the attendees of this year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair are focused on weathering challenges as a community. more   Jacqueline Woodson on the Global Majority and the Future of Children’s PublishingIn a wide-ranging conversation on the second day of the Bologna Fair, National Book Award-winning author and former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jacqueline Woodson (l.) spoke with Maria Russo, editor-at-large at Union Square Kids, reflecting on Woodson’s path to becoming an author, book bans and the state of free expression, and more. This was Woodson’s first-ever appearance at the fair. more  AI Takes Center StageArtificial intelligence, and the opportunities and hazards it presents for creators and members of the publishing industry, was a recurring theme at a number of panels on the first two days of the fair, including at the AI Summit that took place on Tuesday. more   Awards News
 Michael Rosen and Cai Gao Win Hans Christian Andersen AwardsThe International Board on Books for Young People announced the 2026 winners of its prestigious book awards on April 13, the opening day of the fair. The recipients of this year’s Hans Christian Andersen Award—the highest international distinction given to authors and illustrators of children’s books—are Michael Rosen (the United Kingdom) and illustrator Cai Gao (China). more  Jon Klassen Wins Astrid Lindgren Memorial AwardJon Klassen is the winner of the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world’s largest children’s book prize. The award was announced live from Stockholm on Tuesday and broadcast simultaneously at Bologna. more  International Publishers, Creators, Industry Leaders Take Home PrizesThe six winners of the 2026 BOP – Bologna Prize for the Best Children’s Publishers of the Year were announced at a ceremony at Palazzo Re Enzo, in Bologna’s historic Piazza Maggiore. The event also included the presentation of the BolognaRagazzi Awards and honorees, and other prizes. more Just Announced
 Candlewick to Publish New Board Books from Jon Klassen Candlewick Press announced during the Bologna Fair the forthcoming publication of two new board books from Caldecott Medalist and newly minted Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award laureate Jon Klassen. The Castle with Nobody in It and The Cave with Nobody in It will complete his board book trilogy that began with The House with Nobody in It. more  Out Next Week
 Hot Off the Press: Week of April 20 Among the books hitting shelves next week are a picture book about the struggle to leave the house, a middle grade novel following a tween grappling with anxiety, a YA novel about a teen’s favorite characters coming to life, and more. more
Rights Report
 Marisa DiNovis at Knopf has acquired Birdie Schae's YA novel Hit or Miss, a queer spin on 10 Things I Hate About You. To avoid disappointing her romance-obsessed sister, who can't date until she does, a closeted aroace teen fake-dates her sister's academic rival—only for her sister to fall for him. Publication is scheduled for fall 2027; Brent Taylor at Triada US sold world English rights.  Alice Jerman at Little, Brown has bought, in an exclusive submission, On Thin Ice by Jennifer Iacopelli, sequel to Finding Her Edge, the ice dance book turned Netflix series. The book continues Adriana Russo's story as she juggles ice dance, her family, and Freddie and Brayden. Publication is planned for February 2027; Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary negotiated the six-figure deal for North American rights.  Hannah Hill at Delacorte Press has acquired, at auction, The Book Witch by Nora Elghazzawi, a debut fantasy romance inspired by Lebanese folklore. When a young author strikes a bargain with a handsome sorcerer and the stories she writes start coming true, her new power draws the attention of an eligible prince, leaving her with a choice—write herself onto the throne, or risk her heart for a man who holds the key to her fate. Publication is set for summer 2027; Catherine Cho at Paper Literary brokered the deal for North American rights.  Reka Simonsen at Atheneum has acquired world English rights to The Thieves’ Game by Laura Martin (l.), illustrated by Matt Schu, a dual-POV middle-grade adventure in the spirit of Chasing Vermeer in which the daughter of an art thief and the son of the detective who arrested him join forces to solve a mystery at Chicago’s Field Museum, and unravel the secrets of a treasure hidden for generations. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; Jodi Reamer at Writers House represented the author, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.  Erica Finkel at Amulet/Abrams has bought world rights to Magic Shoyu Shop by Debbi Michiko Florence (l.) (the Jasmine Toguchi series), illustrated by Minako Tomigahara, an illustrated middle grade series about 10-year-old Chiyo, who, while making a delivery of her family's magic soy sauce, accidentally starts a chain of magical events that include a Japanese dragon and tanukis. Publication is planned for spring 2028 and 2029; Tricia Lawrence at Aevitas Creative Management represented the author, and Kathleen Ortiz at KO Media Management represented the artist.  Hannah Kimber at Andrews McMeel has acquired Guardians of Winter by James Persichetti (l.), illustrated by Abi Park, a middle grade graphic novel about a world divided by seasons in which the summer empire is slowly taking over and two siblings who travel through the seasons to rescue the heart of winter and restore balance to their world. Publication is set for spring 2028; Danielle Burby at Mad Woman Literary Agency sold North American rights.  Claire Stetzer at Amulet has bought world rights to Celia and the Water Panther by Carole Lindstrom, author of the Caldecott-winning We Are Water Protectors. This middle grade series follows a young medicine healer trying to prevent her brother from becoming a wendigo when she finds a portal to a future where nature has been destroyed. Publication is slated for fall 2027; the six-figure, two-book deal was negotiated while under the representation of Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio.  Reka Simonsen at Atheneum has acquired The Listening House by Jamie Sumner (the Roll with It series), a magical middle grade novel-in-verse about Del, an 11-year-old boy who, after a traumatic accident, is unable to speak and finds healing and unexpected friendship with a mysterious, seemingly sentient house. Publication is scheduled for fall 2028; Keely Boeving at WordServe Literary sold world rights.  Jennifer Greene at Nosy Crow has bought Jennifer Wolf Kam's middle grade debut, Minnow Mayberry Talks to Ghosts. After an accident leaves Minnow both motherless and with the ability to see spirits, she moves to Pickling Forks, Long Island, where she discovers the town's dead are mysteriously stuck and cannot cross over—but in a place packed with ghosts, why can't she find the one she wants to talk to most? Publication is set for winter 2027; Kristina Pérez at Pérez Literary & Entertainment brokered the deal for world rights.  Kate O'Sullivan at Clarion has bought A Box of Ducks by Anna Walker (Florette), a picture book about the strangely familiar sweetness and chaos of taking care of a box full of noisy birds. Publication is slated for winter 2028; Stephen Barr at Writers House sold world rights excluding Australia and New Zealand.  Natalia Vázquez Torres at Charlesbridge has acquired world rights to Imagine You're an Octopus by David Opie. This picture book invites readers to spend a day in the life of an octopus: searching for food, looking for places to hide from predators, and curiously touching those weird, two-legged creatures (humans). Publication is scheduled for summer 2028; Amy Thrall Flynn at Aevitas Creative Management represented the author-illustrator.  Tracey Keevan at Union Square Kids has bought world rights to A Song for Wally Dog by Julie Bliven (l.) (Sometimes Shy), illustrated by Leanne Hatch (My Thoughts Have Wings); Maria Russo will edit. In this picture book, grief can feel like a great big muffling quiet—but for one girl, birdsong can break that quiet open and allow feelings to emerge. Publication is set for winter 2028; Erin Murphy at Aevitas represented the author while at Erin Murphy Literary Agency, and Janine Le at Janine Le Literary Agency represented the illustrator.  Elisabeth Clary at Sourcebooks Wonderland has acquired world rights to Your Shed Set Sail by Nathan Christopher (l.) (When Santa Wrote Back!), illustrated by Tommy Doyle, a rhyming picture book in which a child finds grand adventure at sea after turning her backyard shed into a boat. Publication is planned for summer 2027; Lilly Ghahremani at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and Gary Swift at Lemonade Illustration Agency represented the illustrator.  Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has bought world rights to Many Ways of Being Native by Ginger Reno (l.), illustrated by Johnson Yazzie, a picture book told through dreamlike visions, showing there's no limit to what the Native spirit can achieve. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself.  Krestyna Lypen at Post Wave has acquired world rights to Love, Love by Lisa Katzenberger (l.) (I Can Do It Even if I'm Scared), illustrated by Thai My Phuong (America's Dreaming). From the point of view of Love itself, Love writes a letter addressed to a child as a reminder that love is around every corner, even when you least expect it. Publication is scheduled for fall 2027; John Rudolph at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.  Hannah Moushabeck at Interlink Publishing has bought world rights to Dua Begins with Do, a picture book by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (l.), illustrated by Palestinian illustrator Noha Eilouti. The story follows a Muslim child reflecting on the violence she sees against Palestinians and discovering how prayer and action can work hand in hand. Publication is planned for winter 2027; Paige Terlip while at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.  Elizabeth Patterson at Beaming Books has acquired Las Posadas by Belen Medina (l.), illustrated by Alejanda Ruiz, an immersive picture book that brings to life the music, food, and community of the nine-night celebration reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. Publication is slated for fall 2027; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Christina Doffing at Astound US represented the illustrator. FEATURED REVIEWS
  Augusta Pine Does Not ExistEmily Lloyd-Jones. Macmillan/Balzer + Bray, $20.99 (416p) ISBN 978-1-250-41052-8 The narrator is 15 when her botched hacking of a driverless car kills her boyfriend and, briefly, herself, deactivating her government-issued biometric tattoo, which is used to confirm one’s identity. At the hospital, the Identity Security Division extends an offer: get re-inked and face murder charges or let everyone think she’s dead and become Augusta Pine, an untraceable ISD operative. When cyberterrorists seize control of a nearby smartbuilding seeking Project Persephone, a top secret government property purportedly stashed somewhere inside the building, resourceful Augusta sets out to save Nonna—and the day. more  Bear HairJeff Mack. Holt, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-250-40967-6 After a round-eyed brown bear discovers an electric-blue wig on the ground, “hair on bear” quickly becomes “hare on bear” with the arrival of a fuzzy pink bunny who steals the hairpiece, leaving behind a “bare bear.” As tongue-twisting text proceeds through other possible orderings of the four rhyming words, the pair battle for the hair. Flatly colored minimalist backdrops place all the attention on Bear and Hare, capturing their furry selves with hundreds of individually drawn lines. more  Incredibly Fast and Not at All FunTadgh Bentley. Atheneum, $19.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-66597-140-9 Seeking an efficient, crowd-avoiding route from his cliffside home to his beehives on the other side of the valley, Bear creates a fast, twisty rail system he dubs “the Honey Runner.” To the protagonist’s immense surprise and despite his warnings, other creatures clamor for repeated rides. When signs fail to dissuade the masses, the accidental designer implements modifications, yielding transport “so stomach-twaddlingly uncomfortable that surely no sane critter would ride it, and Bear would finally be left in peace.” more  To Dance the Moon and StarsTasia MS and Barbara Perez Marquez. Joy Revolution, $24.99 hardcover (256p) ISBN 978-0-593-80918-1; $18.99 paper ISBN 978-0-593-80919-8 After a lifetime of training, teenage Myra believes that she should be ready to succeed her grandmother as the high priestess of Ah’ron, but she has yet to receive her first vision from the god Alrun. Ahead of a festival, dashing Prince Eyden—heir to the throne and Myra’s childhood friend—returns home from abroad, and he urges her to reconsider the life and responsibilities thrust upon her. When her grandmother suddenly falls ill and the dark forces loom closer, Myra is forced into the role of acting high priestess and must figure out how to combat the progressing shadows. more  We Are JoyChrystal D. Giles, illus. by Kitt Thomas. Random House, $18.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-593-64773-8 Teaming up with Thomas, middle grade author Giles makes her picture book debut with this dynamic celebration of Black joy viewed through the lens of community and culture. Bustling digital illustrations with shape-peppered backgrounds depict group scenes of brown-skinned children playing, gathering to eat corn bread dressing and sweet potato pie, taking part in academics, reading with an elder, and more. more |
April 15, 2026
 
E-mail not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
People  Ginger Knowlton, executive VP of Curtis Brown, Ltd., is retiring on April 15 after 40 years with the agency. Sneak Previews  Take a look ahead at some of the big titles for children and teens due out this fall, from picture books to YA novels, in our exclusive roundup. more Bestsellers  Children’s Frontlist Fiction#1 Big Jim Believes (Dog Man #14) by Dav Pilkey. Click here  Picture Books#1 It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler, illus. by Roger Bollen. Click here Follow Us  Follow us on Bluesky and Instagram! | ||
