Highlights magazine has taught generations of children to follow their curiosity. But many fans may be unaware of Highlights Press, which is celebrating its 10th year of publishing books for young readers. Since its launch, Highlights Press has expanded its offerings from Hidden Pictures–inspired puzzle and activity books to board books, early learning titles, readers, joke books, nonfiction tales, picture books, and innovative book-plus formats. “What sets our books apart is our deep understanding of what kids are interested in and what challenges them,” says Marlo Scrimizzi, senior editorial director at Highlights.
Behind the magic is an ongoing effort to nurture relationships with young readers. Every year, more than 35,000 children send mail to Highlights, including stories, drawings, poems, jokes, and ideas that illuminate their hopes, questions, fears, and what makes them laugh. This trove of “incredibly valuable information,” Scrimizzi says, has contributed to two exciting new titles from Highlights Press.
The Ultimate Science Cookbook for Kids (Highlights Press, February 2025) is the brand’s first cookbook and a mash-up of STEM and easy recipes, such as Marshmallow Meteorites and an Edible, Exploding Volcano. While other cookbooks take a how-to approach, this one encourages kids to follow their instincts. The response has been overwhelming. “Our readers loved it!” Scrimizzi says. Reviewers and educators praise the kid-friendly instructions, while librarians and educators appreciate the classroom applicability. Interactive bookstore events have drawn crowds of eager young cooks. “Watching kids light up as they build, experiment, and snack alongside their families has been a powerful reminder of how books like this can spark curiosity, creativity, and connection—both on the page and in the community,” Scrimizzi says.
Another upcoming release, Christmas Puzzle and Play (Highlights Press, September 2025), stems from a chance encounter at the 2023 New York Toy Fair with sustainable toy brand Plus-Plus. “We instantly knew that this would be an amazing collaboration,” Scrimizzi says. “Our brands share the same values, and we complement each other in a very cohesive way.” The result is a unique holiday activity set that includes dozens of Hidden Pictures and other puzzles, as well as holiday stickers and colorful Plus-Plus pieces to inspire hands-on building.
Both new titles advance the Highlights legacy, according to the brand’s vice president of product development Liz Van Doren. Highlights magazine represents a foundational experience for so many children and encourages a lifelong pursuit of learning, and the press continues this tradition through books. “Building a large, diverse, and vibrant book publishing program is just one of several brand expansions planned over the next few years,” says Chris Bauerle, vice president and general manager of books and consumer products at Highlights.
Focused for the moment on developing its publishing program, the publisher hired a trio of industry veterans last year, adding to the team’s impressive publishing bona fides, which include Penguin Random House, Scholastic, Harcourt Children’s Books, DK, and Sourcebooks. In fact, many children’s publishing and education professionals credit Highlights magazine with inspiring their vocational journey. Perhaps it’s not surprising then that some go on to work for Highlights Press. “When choosing a career path, what could be more fun for someone who was a Highlights kid than creating content that inspires kids?” Van Doren says.
The Highlights Press team is constantly dreaming up new puzzles, crafts, and ways to think about history, science, and geography, Scrimizzi says. “We hope that our customers will continue to see and value the amazing innovation and empathy for kids embedded in our products. The legacy of the magazine is discovery and joyful learning, and we intend to continue to innovate on that every single day.”
