Zareen Jaffery at Kokila has acquired The Secret World of Briar Rose, a YA fantasy novel by YouTuber Cindy Pham. In this queer "Sleeping Beauty" retelling, a cynical thief and her sister travel inside the dreams of a cursed princess. As they explore a lush world fueled by imagination, they suspect the princess is hiding darker secrets behind her perfect paradise—and that there are some things their subconscious can't bury forever. Publication is set for 2026; Thao Le at Dijkstra Literary sold world rights.
Whitney Leopard at Random House Graphic has bought School Bus Graveyard by Red, the YA horror Webtoon comic with more than 250 million views, for print as a graphic novel series. Ashlyn has always been a loner, but she's forced to make friends quickly after a field trip gone horribly wrong leaves her and a few classmates seeing bloodthirsty ghosts out to kill them. Can they work together and survive long enough to uncover what's happened to them? Jordan Blanco will also edit; the first volume's publication is slated for summer 2026. Tina McIntyre at Webtoon Entertainment sold world rights.
Rachel Stark at Disney Hyperion has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Kiss Me Like the Last Time by Darianne Schramm (72 Hours of You). In this YA tragic speculative romance, pitched as Adam Silvera meets Don't Look Up, a girl with the ability to glimpse a relationship's final kiss the moment their lips touch spends the days before the nuclear apocalypse with the one boy whose end she can't bear to see. Publication is planned for summer 2027; Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary Agency did the deal for North American rights.
Ricky Miller at Avery Hill Press has bought world rights for Born, a YA graphic novel by debut author Sarah Ling. In this science fiction adventure set in a world where everyone is a clone, a baby is born for the first time in 6,000 years—and Fin's decision that she has to find it sets into motion events that change everything. Publication is scheduled for fall 2027; the author was unagented.
Michelle Frey at Knopf has acquired, at auction, in a six-figure deal, The Prince and the Prophecy and a second novel in the Wayward T.A.L.E.S. series by debut author Alexis Hatcher. Pitched as The Good Place meets How to Train Your Dragon and Aru Shah, this dual-narrative, middle grade adventure-fantasy series, crafted with misshapen fairy tales, reluctant heroes, and high stakes, takes readers into both a fantasy world and the world of T.A.L.E.S. (The Association of Legends and Epic Sagas), the place where such stories are created. Publication is set for summer 2027 and summer 2028; Lori Steel at SteelWorks Literary sold world English rights.
Karen Li and Emma Sakamoto at Groundwood Books have bought Again by Jean Little First Novel Award winner Tziporah Cohen (No Vacancy), a middle-grade novel in which 12-year-old Charlie struggles to adjust to school and Little League after the death of his sister in a road accident. When he discovers a magic baseball that offers him the chance to go back in time and save her, he must come to grips with the unexpected consequences of rewriting history. Publication is slated for winter 2027; Jacqui Lipton at Tobias Literary Agency sold world rights.
Hannah Hill at Delacorte has acquired, in a nine-house auction, Park Day by Elana K. Arnold (l.) and Nina LaCour (c.), illustrated by Kristyn Stroble (r.), an epistolary middle grade novel about best friends Leo and Vivi discovering who they are and where they fit—if not with each other—after Leo is suspended for defending Vivi in a bullying incident and must be indefinitely homeschooled. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; Sara Crowe at Sara Crowe Literary sold North American rights.
Sam Palazzi at Scholastic has bought, at auction, world rights to Licorice by Kara LaReau (l.), illustrated by Kelly Murphy, a middle grade retelling of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. In the book, a feral tabby cat is adopted by a loving family at 5 Manderley Road, only to realize her new home might be haunted by her feline predecessor. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Ammi-Joan Paquette while at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and the artist represented herself.
Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has acquired world rights to The Great Big Life of Leo by Derrick Barnes (l.), illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, an illustrated chapter book series about a boy whose big imagination and three favorite stuffed animals help him navigate moving from a small southern town to New York City, which feels like being on a whole new planet. Publication is slated for summer 2027 for book one and fall 2027 for book two; Regina Brooks at Serendipity Literary Agency represented the author, and Lori Nowicki at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Karen Chan at Gloo Books has bought world rights to Cat and Lola, an early reader graphic novel series by comedian and Saturday Night Live alum Melissa Villaseñor (l.), illustrated by Mexican artist Jimena Sánchez Sarquiz. The series follows the mismatched adventures of spunky, free-spirited Lola and her prim and proper cat, Cat, showing kids how friendship shines brightest when you embrace yourself, your differences—and still laugh through the chaos. The first book in the series, Cat and Lola: School Picture Day, will publish in fall 2026; Tatiana Sarah at Compound Management represented the author, and Advocate Art represented the illustrator.
Grace Maccarone at Holiday House has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Pumpkin on a Vine, an I Like to Read early reader by David L. Harrison (l.), illustrated by Alice Feagan. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; the author represented himself, and Heather and Ethan Long at Tugeau 2 represented the illustrator.
Kelly Barrales-Saylor at Ten Speed Young Readers has bought, in a five-house auction, VolcaNOPE, Matt Roeser's debut as an author-illustrator: a picture book about an optimistic volcano who refuses to erupt, keeping his anger bottled up until it all comes out in a glorious explosion. Publication is planned for spring/summer 2027; Jessica Saint Jean at Root Literary negotiated the two-book deal for world rights.
Kristie Choi at Atheneum has acquired The Lazy River by Drew Beckmeyer (Stalactite & Stalagmite), a picture book about a discarded swim shoe making its 179th cycle around a lazy river, meeting various lost items along the way. Publication is scheduled for spring 2028; Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has bought world rights to 1 Wicked Bunny by Daniel Bernstrom (l.), illustrated by Justin Worsley, a counting picture book featuring an evil mastermind bunny who searches for the perfect minions. Will Bunny find them—or will they find Bunny? Publication is slated for winter 2028; Brenda Bowen at the Book Group represented the author, and Neil Dunnicliffe at Spring Literary represented the illustrator.
Esther Cajahuaringa at Knopf has acquired world rights to The World's Game by Pura Belpré author winner Yamile Saied Méndez (l.), illustrated by Andrés Landazábal, a picture book about the most popular sport in the world and the fans who celebrate and gather to watch the event. Publication is set for summer 2026; Linda Camacho at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Danielle Collins and Allyn Johnston at Simon & Schuster/Beach Lane Books have bought world rights to Small Pets by Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Benson Shum. The picture book features a day in the life of some of the smallest—and cutest—pets in a small, cozy neighborhood. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Steven Malk at Writers House represented the author, and Teresa Kietlinski at Bookmark Literary represented the illustrator.
Tyiana Combs at Penguin Workshop has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to The Coral Keeper by Melissa Cristina Márquez (l.) (Mother of Sharks; Leo's Lobo), illustrated by Maria Gabriela Gama. The picture book follows Mateo, a Puerto Rican boy chosen to become a guardian of the sea by protecting the coral reef, and all the creatures that call it home. But as pollution harms the reef, Mateo must work with his community to save the vibrant ecosystem. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Alexandra Weiss at Azantian Literary represented the author, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Naomi Krueger at Beaming Books has bought world rights to The Great Emotion Commotion, co-authored by Kirsti Call (l.) and Kim Chaffee (c.), illustrated by Tommy Doyle (r.). Feeling multiple emotions simultaneously can be confusing and maybe even catastrophic, like trying to carry a manicured T. rex and a jumbo water balloon at the same time. This picture book explores all the feels and reminds readers that they don't have to juggle them alone. Publication is set for spring 2027; Charlotte Wenger at Prospect Agency represented the authors, and David Moxey at Moxey Creative represented the illustrator.
Sarah Rockett at Tilbury House has acquired world rights to Heronry, a journey through one season in a colony of Great Blue Herons by Barbara Herkert (l.), illustrated by Gordy Wright. Publication is scheduled for summer 2026; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Susan Penny at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Rick Rinehart at Muddy Boots has bought Saving Puff: A Puffin Rescue Story by Jennifer O'Connell (Ten Timid Ghosts). Based on the real Puffling Patrol in Iceland, the picture book follows a girl who rescues a young puffin that flew the wrong way due to light pollution, and who must now care for him until he is big enough to be released into the ocean. Publication is planned for early 2027; Marie Lamba at Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency sold world English rights.
Alison Romig at Delacorte Press has acquired, at auction, The Fallen Sun by C.M. Basma, a fantasy duology inspired by Middle Eastern folklore and Lebanese culture following a girl trapped on an island annexed by war, who escapes to join an underground rebellion against the human king who has been stripping her people of their magic for the last century. Publication for the first book is slated for summer 2027; Gyamfia Osei at Andrew Nurnberg Associates sold North American rights.
Mara Delgado-Sanchez at Tor Books has bought The Sun Has a Shadow and a second untitled book by Dami Salako. In this Nigerian-inspired YA fantasy set in a world plagued by perpetual darkness and shadow-monsters, a boy must guide the last remaining phoenix-rider on a perilous journey to save their kingdom. Publication is scheduled for winter 2027; Dorian Maffei at Kimberley Cameron & Associates negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Mekisha Telfer and Eleonore Fisher at Roaring Brook Press have acquired world rights to The Haunting of Aspen Estate by Molly McDonough, a queer paranormal middle grade novel about a growing friendship between two girls, one alive and one dead. They must reckon with a malicious entity who seeks to control them both, and forces them to face a harrowing choice: summon the courage to stand up against the shadows, or risk losing the one soul who truly understands them. Publication is set for fall 2027; Saba Sulaiman at Talcott Notch Literary Services did the deal.
Kendra Levin at Simon & Schuster has bought, in a six-figure deal, Armor for Liars and a second novel by S.E. Grove, about a brilliant young woman who risks it all to infiltrate a secret society of enchanters and gets unexpected help from one of their victims—now a vengeful spirit—in this historical dark academia novel. Publication is planned for summer 2026; Susan Hawk at Upstart Crow Literary handled the two-book deal for North American rights.
Kristin Allard at Norton Young Readers has acquired Alexandra Fallgren's debut YA novel I Don't Belong to You, in which, after a lifetime of having her most important moments used as "content" for her influencer mother's brand, a queer teen girl must find the courage to stand up for herself by suing her mother for control of her online footprint. Publication is slated for winter 2027; Sara Crowe at Sara Crowe Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Annie Berger at Sourcebooks Fire has bought None of This Is Real, a YA thriller by Sara Walters (Missing Dead Girls). Two years ago, Roe's brother killed two of his friends and himself. Now, someone, or something, is trying to make sure Roe is the one who pays for her brother's crimes. Publication is scheduled for spring 2027; Sharon Pelletier at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret sold world English rights.
Whitney Leopard at Random House Graphic has acquired Swimming Lessons for a Mermaid by Yongchan, a YA contemporary fantasy romance webtoon. Choa is a mermaid with a unique problem—she can't swim. Feeling like a fish out of water among the waves, she trades her tail for a pair of human legs, but when the handsome star of the high school swim team discovers her secret, he offers her an incredible opportunity: free swimming lessons. Jordan Blanco will also edit; the first volume is set for publication in spring 2027. Webtoon Entertainment sold world English rights.
Liz Kossnar at Little, Brown has bought world rights to You're the One, a YA graphic novel by Karina Evans (l.), illustrated by Lissy Marlin, a volleyball rivals-to-teammates-to-lovers romance pitched for fans of Fence and Heartstopper. Publication is planned for summer 2028; Jessica Mileo at Inkwell Management represented the author, and Britt Siess at Britt Siess Creative Management represented the illustrator.
Justin Krasner at Sourcebooks eXplore has acquired Moving On, the graphic memoir debut by James Riley (l.), illustrated by debut illustrator Jen Lynch, which explores what it's like to grow up in a family that never stayed in one place very long. James's family moved several times while he young, and as a third move looms, James's personality and sense of self are slowly disappearing without an anchor to a home, school or friends. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the deal for world rights.
Meriam Metoui at Viking has bought world English rights to The Girl with the Telescope Heart by Hayley Chewins (l.) (I Am the Swarm), illustrated by Mira Miroslavova, a middle grade fantasy in which a girl who has grown up imprisoned in a forest of glass trees joins the resistance group her parents founded in order to complete their world-altering mission, after they are accused by the realm's tyrannical Queen of being magical, time-traveling spies. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Patricia Nelson at Looking Glass Literary & Media represented the author while at Marsal Lyon Literary, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Charlotte Greenbaum at Abrams Fanfare has acquired, at auction, Blythe Russo’s debut original graphic novel series, Dessert Island, which channels a supportive warmth reminiscent of The Great British Bake-Off, as a young accidental hotelier begins to crumble under the pressure of trying to run his great-grandmother’s famed island inn, until an assortment of cheerful pastry guests help him discover the sweetness of community, kindness, and shared success. Publication for the first book is set for spring 2027; Molly O'Neill at Root Literary did the three-book deal for world rights.
Esther Cajahuaringa at Knopf has bought, at auction, in a two-book deal, Nummi Chums by Jen de Oliveira. The middle grade graphic novel is about three kids who play a video game called Nummi Chums, but then are zapped into the video game world and must find a way out. The first book is planned for summer 2028; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Aevitas Creative Management sold world English rights.
Tracy Mack at Scholastic Press has acquired Stream, the next middle grade verse novel by Aida Salazar (Ultraviolet). Told in dual POV, the book follows Elio and Celi, who get in trouble over their device use and are sent to Mexico to an off-the-grid rancho by a stream, where they struggle to make the greatest connection of all—with themselves and nature. Publication is slated for summer 2026; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency brokered the deal for North American rights.
Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has bought world rights to Vanessa Brantley-Newton's The Seed Doll. Set in the Low Country of South Carolina, the story is about a girl named Annie Mae, whose clever idea helps her family when their seeds are destroyed before planting time on their farm. Publication is scheduled for spring 2027; Lori Nowicki at Painted Words negotiated the deal.
Margot Blankier at Tundra has acquired Basil and Dill's Big Roam and an untitled picture book by Ignatz Award nominee Zoe Persico. Basil and Dill, two forest gnomes, embark on a vacation through magical, fantasy-filled lands, but must learn to compromise without losing their friendship. Publication is set for summer 2027 and summer 2028; Natascha Morris at Tobias Literary Agency sold world rights.
Kate Harrison at Dial has bought Elizabeth Lilly's author-illustrated Goose and Turtle, a picture book about an anxious Goose who misses her adventurous best friend Turtle when he leaves for a trip. Publication is planned for summer 2027; Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary & Media did the two-book deal for world rights.
Michael Yuen-Killick at Red Comet Press has acquired Zazel, written and illustrated by Rebecca Solow. The picture book is inspired by the life of aeralist Rosa Richter, who dazzled Victorian society and challenged convention when she dared to be the first human launched from a cannon. Publication is scheduled for spring 2027; Mona Kanin at Great Dog Literary sold world rights.
Sydnee Monday at Kokila has bought world rights to Who the Flan Am I? by I Want to Be Spaghetti! creators Kiera Wright-Ruiz (l.) and Claudia Lam, a picture book about one little flan on a quest to learn more about their flancestry by traveling through time to meet their own custard-inspired dishes found in different cultures. Publication is slated for summer 2027; Leila Campoli at Calligraph negotiated the deal.
Carol Hinz at Lerner/Millbrook has acquired world rights to At the Water's Edge by Kamalani Hurley (l.), illustrated by Remi Jose. This picture book biography shares the life story of Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott, a pioneering Native Hawaiian seaweed scientist. Publication is set for spring 2027; James McGowan at BookEnds Literary Agency represented the author, and Aliza Hoover at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Naomi Krueger at Beaming Books has bought world rights to Helpers All Around, a picture book by poet James Crews (l.), illustrated by Phillip Cullen, in which a child and his grandmother look around their community for examples of people doing small acts of kindness. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Gareth Esersky at Carol Mann Agency represented the author, and Lucie Luddington at Luddington Creative represented the illustrator.
Jaime Gelman at Little Bee Books has acquired world rights to Oodles of Noodles by Jessie Atkin (l.), illustrated by Moesha Kellaway, a counting board book that pairs animals with food in unique combinations, like cakes of steaks for snakes and chairs of pears for bears. Publication is planned for summer 2026; Jennie Kendrick at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Daisy Bee Butterworth at Plum Agency represented the illustrator.
