Kiara Valdez at First Second has acquired, in a preempt, Anamnesis by JCJB, pitched as Studio Ghibli meets Yoruban folklore. The manga-style YA graphic novel debut follows Isra, a narcoleptic, romance novel-obsessed witch living in a magical but war-stricken land, who draws power from memories and teams up with a ragtag group of travelers to save her world. Publication is scheduled for winter 2026; Jas Perry at KT Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Orlando Dos Reis at Scholastic Press has bought, in a two-book deal, This Is Our Place and an untitled second YA novel by Vitor Martins (Here the Whole Time), originally published in Brazil as Se a Casa 8 Falasse; Larissa Helena will translate. Set in—and narrated by—a house, this contemporary novel alternates between Ana in 2000, Greg in 2010, and Beto in 2020 as they navigate first loves, heartfelt goodbyes, and new beginnings. Publication is set for fall 2022; Taissa Reis at Três Pontos in Brazil did the deal for world rights (excluding Portuguese).
David Saylor at Scholastic/Graphix has acquired, at auction, New Yorker cartoonist Liam Francis Walsh's middle grade graphic novel Red Scare. Set in 1953, amid rumors of Communist spies undermining the country, a girl struggling to recover from polio finds a mysterious artifact that gives her the power to fly, and she finds herself dodging unscrupulous FBI agents—and mysterious aliens. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Daniel Lazar at Writers House negotiated the deal for world rights.
Rachel Diebel at Feiwel and Friends has bought Swing, a debut middle grade graphic novel by Audrey Meeker, in which two students paired together in gym class learn, through the historically gendered art of swing dancing, how other people's expectations can send you down a path you're not sure you want to be on and discover how to take back the lead. Publication is slated for fall 2024; Melanie Figueroa at Root Literary handled the deal for world rights.
Nancy Mercado at Dial has acquired, at auction, in a six-figure, two-book deal, the middle grade debut by poet Jasminne Mendez (l.), Aniana del Mar Jumps In, a novel-in-verse about a young swimmer who is diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In this tale set in Galveston, Texas, about chronic illness and disability, mothers and daughters and the secrets they keep, Aniana must learn how to grieve who she once was in order to become who she was meant to be. Publication is set for 2023; Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary sold world rights.
Kelsy Thompson at Jolly Fish has bought Melissa Hart's contemporary middle grade novel, Daisy Woodworm Changes the World. When 13-year-old amateur entomologist Daisy gets an assignment to "change the world," she's determined to help her older brother—who has Down syndrome and adores men's fashion—fulfill his dream of becoming a YouTube celebrity. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Jennifer Unter at the Unter Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Taylor Norman at Chronicle has acquired, at auction, North American rights to Printz Award winner Nina LaCour's (l.) The Apartment House on Poppy Hill, first in a new series in the spirit of Eloise and Tales of the City, following the residents of a San Francisco apartment building and the calamities that befall them, through the eyes of nine-year-old Ella Josephine Norwood, who holds everyone—and everything—together, to be illustrated by Joana Avillez, in a three-book deal. Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties represented the author, and Kate Mack and David Kuhn at Aevitas Creative represented the illustrator.
Jessica Smith at Aladdin has bought the first four books in a new series, Adventures in Fosterland by Kitten Lady Hannah Shaw. Inspired by real rescue babies that Hannah has raised, these fictional chapter books tell the stories of kittens and other animal babies in Fosterland, a magical place where the lost are found, the sick are healed, and the hungry are fed and loved. Publication for the first two books is planned for summer 2022; Myrsini Stephanides negotiated the deal for world rights while at the Carol Mann Agency.
Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has acquired, in a preempt, world rights to Diffy, an underwater story about discovering how stories connect us, and a second untitled picture book by Caldecott Honor author-illustrator Brian Lies, for publication in spring 2024. Erin Murphy of Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented Lies in the deal.
Maria Modugno at Random House Studio has bought in a preemptive bid, Squash and Squash 2, by debut author-artist Sasha Mayer. The books feature an unusual cat who has an up-and-down friendship with his person. Publication is slated for summer 2023 and summer 2024; Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary sold world rights.
Catherine Laudone at S&S/Paula Wiseman Books has acquired two untitled picture books by Apryl Stott (Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light). Publication is scheduled for summer 2024 and summer 2025; Maggie Byer-Sprinzeles at the Byer-Sprinzeles Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Martha Mihalick at Greenwillow has bought Still Life by Alex London (l.), illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky. In this picture book, an artist details all the strict rules of a still life painting, but behind the artist's back, the painting has its own story to tell—and it's anything but still. Publication is set for winter 2024; Robert Guinsler at Sterling Lord Literistic represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself.
Holly West at Feiwel and Friends has acquired world rights, in an exclusive submission, to Hush Little Rocket by Mo O'Hara (l.), illustrated by Alexandra Cook. Sung to the tune of "Hush Little Baby," the picture book takes a gentle bedtime flight through the solar system. It is planned for winter 2023; Gemma Cooper at the Bent Agency represented the author, and Thao Le at the Sandra Dijkstra Agency represented the illustrator.
Mabel Hsu at HarperCollins/Tegen has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Micah's Rise by Antwan Eady (l.), illustrated by Ricardo Edwards. This picture book showcases that where there is resistance, there can also be joy, when a boy chooses to join his first protest on the same day as his seventh birthday. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Steve Malk represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself.
Frances Gilbert at Doubleday has bought world rights to Elmore the Christmas Moose by Dev Petty (l.), illustrated by Mike Boldt. In this first holiday title from the team that created I Don't Want to Be a Frog, Elmore the moose applies to be Santa's new reindeer, despite the fact that a) he can't fly and b) he's not a reindeer. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Jen Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency did the deal in an exclusive submission.
Simon Boughton at Norton Young Readers has bought world rights to the picture book Fast Feet, Big Brains, a kid-friendly look at human origins through the lens of six famous hominid fossils by Elizabeth Shreeve (l.) (Out of the Blue), illustrated by paleo-artist Juan Carlos Alonso. Publication is set for fall 2023; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and the artist represented himself.
Tracy Mack at Scholastic Press has acquired world rights for All Aboard the Schooltrain: A Story from the Great Migration by Glenda Armand (l.), illustrated by Keisha Morris, a picture book inspired by the author's family's experience of the Great Migration. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Claire Easton at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Luana Kay Horry has bought world rights to A Good Thing Happened Today, a debut picture book written by Good News Movement creator Michelle Figueroa (l.). A lighthearted and rhythmic reminder that good things happen every day, this picture book is meant to inspire readers to continue being the change they want to see in the world. Ramona Kaulitzki will illustrate; publication is set for winter 2022. Anne Moore Armstrong represented the illustrator, and the author represented themselves.
Sylvie Frank while at S&S/Paula Wiseman Books acquired world rights to The Elevator on 74th Street by Laura Gehl (l.), illustrated by Yas Imamura, a picture book about an elevator named Ellie who helps her favorite tenant make a new friend; Paula Wiseman will edit. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Erzsi Deak of Hen&ink Literary Studio represented the author, and Freddie Dawson of the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Kristine Enderle at Magination Press has bought world rights to Avi an Anxious Avocado by Brenda S. Miles (l.). Avi is always wondering what if? what then? what's going to happen? and ends up avoiding everything that frightens him. With the help of friends (and lots of exposure practice, confidence-building, and calm support), Avi faces his fears and is ready to try new things. Monika Filipina will illustrate; publication is planned for fall 2022. The author represented herself, and Robbin Brosterman at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Allison Hunter Hill at Starry Forest Books has acquired world rights to Not a Book About Bunnies by debut author Amanda Henke (l.), illustrated by Anna Daviscourt. Porcupine is determined to be the star of this picture book, but a carrot-crunching, spotlight-stealing bunny keeps getting in the way. Publication is slated for spring 2022; the author represented herself, and Jodie Perry at Shannon Associates represented the illustrator.
Rebecca Kuss while at Inkyard Press bought, at auction, world rights to Bridges and Islands, a YA anthology centering multiracial and multicultural experiences edited by Rebecca Balcárcel (l.) and Ismée Williams; Stephanie Cohen will edit. In addition to contributions from Balcárcel and Williams, the volume will include short stories from Adi Alsaid, Akemi Bowman, Anika Fajardo, Shannon Gibney, I.W. Gregorio, Veera Hiranandani, Rainey Nasugraq Hopson, Emiko Jean, Erin Entrada Kelly, Torrey Maldonado, Melina Mangal, Goldy Moldavsky, Randy Ribay, Loriel Ryan, Tara Sim, Eric Smith, Jasmine Warga, and Karen Yin. Publication is set for winter 2023; Katie Grimm at Don Congdon Associates represented Balcárcel and Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented Williams.
Jennifer Besser at Roaring Brook Press has acquired a duology by YA author Joan He (The Ones We’re Meant to Find). The first book, Strike the Zither, is a reimagining of the Chinese military epic "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," in which a strategist must help her warlordess to victory against the rival kingdoms to the north and the south while overcoming her fate as written by the gods. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; John Cusick of Folio Literary Management brokered the deal for North American rights.
Nancy Siscoe at Knopf has bought, in an exclusive submission, Liar's Test, a YA fantasy novel by Aboriginal writer Ambelin Kwaymullina. The story follows a teen girl who, after being held captive since childhood by the ruling sun priests of the Risen, has now been selected as a candidate for the Queen's Test, giving her one chance to win the crown, topple the kingdom, and free her people, drawn from and inspired by the history of Aboriginal women and their resistance to settler-colonialism. Publication is slated for summer 2023; Katelyn Detweiler at Jill Grinberg Literary Management did the deal for North American rights.
Stephanie Stein at HarperTeen has acquired, in a preempt, Lies We Sing to the Sea by Sarah Underwood. In this sapphic fantasy YA debut, which reimagines the fate of Penelope's hanged maids in The Odyssey, failed oracle Leto is sacrificed in Ithaca's annual tithe to a vengeful Poseidon, but awakens on a long-forgotten island where an immortal girl with strange, oceanic powers tells her there is only one way to break Poseidon's curse: return to Ithaca and kill the prince. Publication is planned for winter 2023; Catherine Cho at Paper Literary negotiated the two-book deal for North American rights.
Mekisha Telfer at Roaring Brook Press has bought Dan Clay's debut YA young adult novel, Becoming a Queen. The story follows a teenage boy who turns to drag performance to overcome his grief when tragedy strikes. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US handled the deal for world rights.
Liesa Abrams at Labyrinth Road has acquired North American rights, in a preempt, to Finders & Seekers by Natasha Tarpley (I Love My Hair!), a supernatural middle grade series featuring five students living in South Side, Chicago who find themselves thrust into the role of "Seekers" for the Finders & Seekers agency, which provides "reunification and resolution services" for an unusual clientele—ghosts—while also exploring the folklore and ghost stories of African, Asian, and Latinx diasporic cultures and traditions. Publication will begin in spring 2024; Jesseca Salky at Salky Literary Management did the three-book deal.
Whitney Leopard at Random House Graphic has bought, in an exclusive submission, a contemporary middle grade graphic novel trilogy by Sina Grace. The first book, The Big Deal, features young Sasan Rad as he tries to navigate his Persian heritage with his American identity. Sasan is determined to get the newest game console even it if means doing chores all summer, but it turns out his mother has other plans. Publication is set for 2024; attorney Harris Miller sold world rights.
Alyson Heller at Aladdin has acquired four titles in a new fantasy series by Joan Holub (l.) and Suzanne Williams called Creatures in Training, for Aladdin's Quix line. Young Creatures and Beasts from Greek mythology gather at a fantastical outdoor school on Mount Olympus to acquire skills they'll need to assist Greek goddesses and gods as per myths. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Liza Voges at Eden Street brokered the deal.
Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Sisterhood of Sleuths by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman (l.) (Book Scavenger), illustrated by Vesper Stamper (What the Night Sings). When 11-year-old Maizy finds a box of vintage Nancy Drew books, her mysterious discovery uncovers a truth from the past that will lead to self-discovery in the present, connecting three generations of women. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author, and Lori Kilkelly at LK Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Kara Sargent at Aladdin has acquired The First Magnificent Summer and The Second Magnificent Summer, two middle grade novels by R.L. Toalson (The Colors of the Rain). The story is told from the point of view of Victoria Reeves, a budding author, as she navigates the summer she gets her first period while spending time with her estranged father and his new family (aka The Replacements) and examining the sometimes difficult relationships kids have with their parents (and step-parents). Publication is set for summer 2023 and summer 2024; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency did the deal for North American rights.
Jessica Anderson at Christy Ottaviano/Little, Brown has bought, at auction, world rights to Indigenuity: A Celebration of Traditional North American Indigenous Knowledge by Deidre Havrelock (l.) (Saddle Lake Cree) and Edward Kay. Featuring historic photographs and accessible experiments, this nonfiction middle grade work details the countless ways Native inventions have laid the foundations for and expanded scientific and technological progress. The book is scheduled for summer 2023; Amy Tompkins at Transatlantic Literary Agency negotiated the deal.
Mallory Kass at Scholastic has acquired four books in a debut middle grade series by Remi Blackwood from series creator Jasmine Richards of the U.K. fiction studio Storymix. This illustrated series, called Future Hero, is about a boy who finds a portal to a legendary world in his local barbershop, and learns he's the hero they've been waiting for, pitched as a younger Black Panther meets Last Gate of the Emperor. Books 1 and 2 are scheduled for summer 2022, and books 3 and 4 are slated for spring 2023; Allison Hellegers brokered the deal for North American rights on behalf of Storymix.
Sally Morgridge at Holiday House has bought world English rights to The Adventures of Zooni, an early graphic novel series written and illustrated by Vikram Madan (Bobo and Pup Pup), pairing a rollicking rhyme with an irresistible plucky dog who keeps encountering trouble, but always finds help by a cast of animal friends in a collection of short and mini stories. The books are planned for fall 2023 and summer 2024; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio negotiated the two-book deal.
Karen Nagel and Jessi Smith at Aladdin have acquired debut chapter book series Tim Possible and the Time Traveling T-Rex by author-illustrator Axel Maisy. The series follows the adventures of Tim, a worry-prone fourth grader, whose life gets turned upside down when he accidentally obtains the power to turn his worries into reality after a time-traveling dinosaur lands in his backyard. The first book is set for summer 2022; Gemma Cooper at the Bent Agency did the four-book deal for world rights.
Jordan Brown at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has bought world rights to Me and Ms. Too, the debut picture book from author Laura Ruby (l.), illustrated by Dung Ho. In the story, a girl describes her life before and after her father remarries in this celebration of blended families. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Tina Dubois at ICM Partners represented the author.
Hilary Van Dusen and Olivia Swomley at Candlewick/MIT Kids Press have acquired world rights to Clouds in Space: The Nebula Story, written by APALA Award-winner Teresa Robeson (l.) (Queen of Physics), illustrated by Diana Renjina. This nonfiction picture book is a personified look at nebulas, whether they're the last breath from a supernova—expelling elements that make us—or a nursery for stars and planets. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Tracy Marchini at BookEnds represented the author, and Christine Hong at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Kyra Ostendorf at Free Spirit has bought world rights to Laney Dances in the Rain by Ken Willard (l.), illustrated by Matthew Rivera. This wordless picture book about a girl who loves to dance in the pouring rain shows how her encounter with a boy who tries to ruin her fun allows her to embrace her true self and bring joy to herself and her neighbors. Publication is planned for fall 2022; the author was unagented, and Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Agency represented the illustrator.
Jonah Heller at Peachtree has bought world rights to Ten Dragon Eggs: A Book About Counting Down by Lynda Graham-Barber (l.), illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler. In this picture book for early math learners, readers are introduced to colors, numbers, and ordinal vocabulary as they encourage Mama Dragon to hatch her baby draglings. Publication is set for summer 2023; the author represented herself, and Mela Bolinao at MB Artists represented the illustrator.
Allison Hunter Hill at Starry Forest Books has acquired world rights to The End by John Bray (l.), illustrated by Josh Cleland, a meta picture book about beginnings, endings, and everything in between. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; the author and illustrator represented themselves.
