PW: Children's Books for Spring

Among publishers' spring lists, we've noticed new lines and imprints devoted to media tie-ins, and a number of reading series dedicated to promoting reading skills at the earliest possible age. Surely, the nationwide effort to expand literacy, as well as advances in our understanding of infant brain development, have energized these publishing efforts.

Other notable spring events include publication of an unfinished manuscript by Dr. Seuss, completed by Jack Prelutsky and Lane Smith; a wide variety of p try titles, releasing in time for National P try Month; a healthy dose of advice and motivation for girls and young women; board books a-plenty for infants and toddlers; and new stories by popular and award-winning authors and illustrators.

In this issue, we also examine the growing number of YA titles that confront darkness both in the world and within human beings themselves, a topic that is on the minds of many publishers, librarians and booksellers. And on the lighter side, we take a look at the enthusiastic letters authors receive from their young fans, and find out how those authors respond. So, when the weather turns warm and a shady tree beckons, it's clear that young readers will have many new literary enticements to satisfy them this spring.