Lerner to Distribute Select Andersen Titles in U.S.

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By Claire Kirch -- Publishers Weekly, 1/15/2009 2:35:00 PM

Lerner Publishing Group, the Minneapolis-based children’s book publisher, announced on Wednesday that, effective fall 2009, it will be the United States distributor for a select number of titles from British children’s book publisher Andersen Press. The company was founded in London in 1976 by Klaus Flugge, who still runs the list, and it is well-known for its picture books and children’s fiction lines.

Select titles will be edited for a North American audience by Carolrhoda editorial director Andrew Karre, and will be released in a jacketed hardcover format by Lerner under the Andersen Press USA imprint. Four Andersen Press USA titles—all picture books—will be released this fall: Elmer’s Special Day by David McKee; Flabby Cat and Slobby Dog by Jeanne Willis; Millie’s Marvellous Hat by Satoshi Kitamura; and Wild Washerwomen, illustrated by Quentin Blake, written by John Yeoman. Lerner hopes to release eight Andersen Press USA titles each year.

“We’re looking for high-quality books like those we publish under the Carolrhoda imprint for the Andersen Press USA imprint,” Lindsay Chall, Lerner’s head publicist said, adding, “We’re sticking with picture books for now.”

British editions of all other Andersen Press releases will continue to be distributed in the U.S. by its longtime U.S. distributor, Trafalgar Square.

Lerner also distributes fiction and nonfiction titles from U.S. publishers, including Darby Creek Publishing and Kane Press.