Alexa Pastor at Simon & Schuster has acquired Rachael Lippincott's Pride & Prejudice & Pittsburgh, where Freaky Friday meets Bridgerton in this YA rom-com about a girl sent back in time who meets an unexpected love interest in the 19th century. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management negotiated the deal for world rights.
Lauren Bisom at Marvel and Michael Petranek at Graphix have commissioned Victoria Ying (the forthcoming Hungry Ghost) to create an original graphic novel, Shang-Chi and the Quest for Immortality, in which the titular Marvel superhero discovers his father's power waning and secretly leaves the training compound for the first time only to learn that his father's legacy is more complicated than he had imagined. Publication is planned for October 2023; Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary brokered the deal.
Lauren Knowles at Page Street YA has bought Furious by Jamie Pacton (l.) and Rebecca Podos, a sapphic YA contemporary pitched as Becky Albertalli meets the Fast & Furious films. When aspiring F1 driver JoJo moves to a small southern town following a family tragedy, the last thing she expects is to meet (and fall for) amateur motocross racer El. After their lives collide, they team up to find El's big sister, who's been out of contact with the family for months. Publication is slated for 2024; Kate Testerman at KT Literary did the deal for world English rights.
Wesley Adams at FSG has acquired world rights to More Than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom by Yohuru Williams (l.) and Michael G. Long, co-authors of Call Him Jack. More Than a Dream will offer a fresh look at the legendary 1963 march for middle grade and YA readers, on the march's 60th anniversary, exploring many of the lesser known stories and controversial demands of the organizers, as well as the underappreciated role of Black women. Publication is set for fall 2023; Joan Brookbank at Joan Brookbank Projects represented Williams, and John Rudolph at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented Long.
Liesa Abrams at Labyrinth Road has bought a new illustrated middle grade series by Emma Steinkellner (The Okay Witch). Nell of Gumbling is about a 12-year-old girl living an ordinary life in the magical town of Gumbling, where her dads run a magic star farm, her best friend is a fairy, her second-best friend is small as a thumb, and she plans to be a world-famous artist, until the world's worst apprenticeship at Gumbling's boring archives raises secrets that may threaten Nell's happily ever after. The first book in the series will publish in fall 2023; Daniel Lazar at Writers House did the three-book deal for world English rights.
Erinn Pascal at Andrews McMeel has acquired world English rights to Guy Kopsombut's debut middle grade graphic novel Squad Goals. 11-year-old Ronin must juggle starting a new school, helping his parents launch their new Thai restaurant, and learn how to be the best e-sports player possible to help his team to victory. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024; Kathleen Ortiz at KO Media Management handled the two-book deal while at New Leaf Literary & Media.
Ben Rosenthal at HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books has bought Hugo Award winner Matt Wallace's next middle grade novel, Nowhere Special. It tells the story of two kids, Stan and Elpidia, who find hope in an unexpected friendship as they navigate challenging family circumstances and a dangerous local gang in the desolate Southern California desert. Publication is planned for fall 2023; DongWon Song at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency brokered the deal for North American rights.
Anna Parsons at Aladdin has acquired debut novelist Damara Allen's Skeleton Flute, a middle grade take on "The Pied Piper of Hamelin." Sam Windsor makes a wish on an enchanted flute to keep his parents together, only to wake up to find he's made a terrible mistake—and his world has been turned upside down. Publication is set for fall 2024; Emily S. Keyes at Keyes Agency sold world rights.
Lee Wade at Random House Studio has bought world rights to A Forest Song by Kirsten Hall (l.), illustrated by Evan Turk, a symphonic picture book poem inspired by nature and the wondrous feelings evoked by a forest. Publication is slated for fall 2024; Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions represented herself, and Brenda Bowen at the Book Group represented the illustrator.
Susan Dobinick at Astra Young Readers has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Monster Seek by Rainie Oet (l.), illustrated by Deb JJ Lee, a picture book about two children playing hide-and-seek during a thunderstorm that explores gender identity, the love between siblings, and the meaning of monstrosity. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Abigail Frank at GreenburgerKids represented the author, and Ed Maxwell at GreenburgerKids represented the illustrator.
Sara Sargent at Random House has bought North American rights to Alex Garyn (l.) and Bryan Reisberg (c.)'s debut picture book, Dogs with Jobs, based on their real-life, internet-famous corgi Maxine, and illustrated by Susan Batori (r.), about Maxine heading out into the world to find both a job of her very own and a greater sense of self. Publication is planned for summer 2024; Gwen Beal at UTA represented the authors, and Doreen Thorogood at Good Illustration represented the artist.
Allison Moore while at Bloomsbury acquired world rights to Celebrate by Josh Funk (l.), illustrated by Kip Alizadeh, a picture book journey about how even on the most outstandingly average of days, there are always things to celebrate. Megan Abbate will edit; publication is slated for winter 2025. Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Mandy Suhr at Miles Stott Children's Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Miriam Moore-Keish and Kristen Mohn at Capstone have bought world rights to I Am on Indigenous Land by Cheryl Minnema (l.) (member of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), winner of the 2020 Charlotte Zolotow Award. This picture book explores the beauty and resources of ancestral lands of 13 Indigenous groups of North America, encouraging readers to acknowledge the origins of the land and the people who lived there first. Sam Zimmerman (direct descendant of Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe) will illustrate. Publication is set for spring 2024; the author and illustrator represented themselves in the deal.
Patti Ann Harris at Scholastic has acquired world rights to Dear Child of Mine, a picture book written by Sophia Robinson (l.) and illustrated by Nicole Tadgell. The story speaks to the love and devotion to adopted children from their parents. Publication is scheduled for spring 2026; the author represented herself, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear has bought world rights to Some Days Are Yellow by Suzanne Slade (l.), illustrated by Michelle Lee, a picture book that helps children identify their feelings, and understand that life is an adventure with various experiences and emotions. Publication is planned for January 2024; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented the illustrator.
Kelly Barrales-Saylor at Sourcebooks eXplore has acquired world rights to Thank You, Library, a picture book written by Lisa Katzenberger (l.) and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr. It is a celebration of the wonders of the library, told from the perspective of young patrons. Publication is planned for winter 2024; Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Sue Tarsky at Albert Whitman has bought School of Fish by Mary Boone (l.), illustrated by Anastasiya Kanavaliuk, an informational fictional picture book about a girl whose class participates in a school program to raise salmon and release them into the wild. Publication is set for August 2024; Stacey Kondla at the Rights Factory represented the author, and Tina Doffing at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Wiley Blevins at Reycraft has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Shape Search, a photo-illustrated nonfiction picture book by Melissa Stewart. The invitation to notice and hunt for shapes in the natural world was inspired by a February 2021 Twitter conversation with authors Linda Sue Park and the late April Pulley Sayre. Publication is slated for spring 2024; the author represented herself.
Joni Sussman at Kar-Ben has bought world rights to Miri Leshem-Pelly's A Feather, a Pebble, a Shell, a picture book that follows a girl's hikes through the diverse landscapes of Israel—from rivers and forests in the north to dry deserts in the south—and her search for small items from the natural world that she can hold in her hand. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Anna Olswanger at Olswanger Literary represented the author-illustrator.
Nicole Fox at RISE x Penguin Workshop has acquired world rights to Play with Me, a three-book series of board books that model balanced and shared play, by Kat Chen (l.), illustrated by Lorraine Nam. The first in the series, Picnic, is planned for spring 2024; Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Alexandra Levick at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Rebecca Kuss at Disney/Rick Riordan Presents has acquired, in an exclusive submission, It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass (Where the Rhythm Takes You), a YA supernatural thriller inspired by Caribbean folklore, about a girl who gets pulled into a string of mysterious murders on her island home. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Wendi Gu at GreenburgerKids negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Emily Settle at Feiwel and Friends has bought Of Rusted Throats by debut author Elle Tesch, a dark YA fantasy about a keeper of the bells in a sentient city built by long-gone saints. When the soul of a vengeful saint escapes his prison, Mina must decide how far she'll go to save her city—and who she's willing to kill to do it. It's slated for publication in winter 2025; Tara Gonzalez at Erin Murphy Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Brian Geffen at Henry Holt has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Read at Your Own Risk, a diary-style, illustrated middle-grade novel by Pie in the Sky author-illustrator Remy Lai. When Hannah and her friends ditch a school assembly to play a Ouija-style game, they unleash an evil that begins communicating with Hannah in her journal, and what started out as a game turns into a sinister curse. Publication is set for spring 2024; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret did the deal for world rights.
Allison Cohen at Running Press Kids has bought How to Catch a Cryptid by Kim Long (Lexi Magill and the Teleportation Tournament). This middle grade STEM-based cryptozoology book explores different technologies that can be used to track down famous cryptids around the world. Publication is planned for winter 2025; Moe Ferrara at BookEnds Literary sold world rights.
Greg Hunter at Graphic Universe has acquired world rights to Absolutely Everything by Damian Alexander (Other Boys). This middle grade graphic novel follows Marcella, a sixth grader who struggles with undiagnosed ADHD leading to mishaps at home, in school, and with her friendships. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025; Elizabeth Bennett at the Transatlantic Agency negotiated the deal.
Siobhan Ciminera at Simon Spotlight has bought world rights to the Monster Og series written by Ame Dyckman (l.), illustrated by Elio; Lisa Lauria will edit with Destiny Reyes. In each rhyming early reader with STEM components, kind young monster Og helps others and solves problems by thinking and making a plan. Book one, Og Finds Mog, is expected in spring 2024, with book two, Og Finds the Cog, will pub in summer 2024. Scott Treimel at Scott Treimel NY represented the author, and Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Courtney Code at Abrams has acquired world rights to a picture book by school librarian and blogger Travis Jonker (l.) (The Very Last Castle; Blue Floats Away). The new book, Caboose, is about a boy who is obsessed with being first in the school line, but finds himself banished to the "caboose" role, with humorous results. Ruth Chan (Thank You, Neighbor!) will illustrate; publication is set for spring 2024. Stephen Barbara at InkWell Management represented the author, and Rebecca Sherman at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Connie Hsu at Roaring Brook has bought world rights to Powerful Like a Dragon by Christopher Cheng (l.) (Will We Always Hold Hands?). This true story, based on stories shared by the author's uncle, follows a family's escape into the mountains of China from Japanese soldiers during the second Sino-Japanese war, and how a boy finds the strength to survive through courage, resilience, and kindness. Jacqueline Tam will illustrate; publication is slated for winter 2025. Marietta Zacker at Gallt & Zacker represented the author, and Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary represented the illustrator.
Lauri Hornik at Rocky Pond has acquired world rights to Sammy & Sunny's First Day of School by Nina LaCour (l.), illustrated by Elizabeth Lilly, an empathetic look at the wonders and worries of the first day of school for a girl and her puppy. Publication is planned for summer 2025; Sara Crowe, represented the author, and Elena Giovinazzo, represented the illustrator, both at Pippin Properties.
Winsome Bingham at Reycraft has bought world English rights to Yeti and the Rubbish on Mount Everest, written and illustrated by Andrea Tripke. When Yeti discovers that piles of rubbish pollute his beloved Mount Everest, he sets a series of unfortunate events in motion. Will he be able to save his home? Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Joyce Sweeney and Marisa Cleveland at the Seymour Agency brokered the deal.
Megan Nicolay at Workman has acquired The Origami Kid, written and illustrated by Robert McGuire. Mike is stuck indoors because it's raining, and is bored, so he makes an origami dog and then a monkey, which begins a grand origami adventure for the day. The book will include origami folding paper. Publication is slated for winter 2025; Steven Chudney at the Chudney Agency handled the deal for world rights.
Emma Ledbetter at Abrams has bought The Wishing Leaf, by Kallie George (l.), a picture book about a bear who patiently waits for autumn's last leaf to fall in order to make a special wish, to be illustrated by Paola Zakimi. Publication is planned for fall 2025; Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management negotiated the deal for world rights.
Miriam Moore-Keish and Kristen Mohn at Capstone have acquired world rights to The Sunflowers Babushka Planted, a picture book by debut author Beatrice Rendón (l.), illustrated by Olga Baumert, will illustrate the true story of Rendón's grandmother's family fleeing from Ukraine during WWII. Six-year-old Tania and her parents were displaced refugees in Europe, but a memory of Tania’s babushka and her beloved sunflowers provided a feeling of home. Publication is set for spring 2024; the author represented herself, and Robyn Newton at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Ruth Linka at Orca has bought, in an exclusive submission, Dreaming Alongside by Monique Gray Smith (l.), illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt. This picture book invites readers to dream possibilities, aspirations and goals for the future, based on their observations of the world around them, with an emphasis on creation, collaboration, mutual respect, and healing. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Jacqui Lipton at the Tobias Literary Agency represented the author and illustrator.
Hilary Van Dusen at Candlewick/MIT Kids Press has acquired world rights to Cassini's Mission by Katie Venit (l.), illustrated by Julia Blattman, a nonfiction picture book about the spacecraft that discovered the building blocks for life on Enceladus, one of the moons of Saturn; Kristin Zelazko will edit. Publication is slated for 2025; Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Kathy Landwehr at Peachtree has bought world rights to Behold the Hummingbird, a picture book by Suzanne Slade (l.), illustrated by Tom Gonzalez, which shares the details of a dozen species of flying jewels and their amazing features. Publication is planned for spring 2024; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Deborah Warren at East-West Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Katie Ten Hagen at APA/Magination Press has acquired world rights to Porcupine Had a Fuzzy Sweater by Jody Jensen Shaffer (l.), illustrated by Angela Edmonds, a picture book about a porcupine who loses the sweater his grandmother made and struggles with how to tell her. Publication is set for fall 2024; the author represented herself, and Robbin Brosterman at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
