Maggie Lehrman at Amulet has acquired, and Claire Stetzer will edit, NBA winner Kacen Callender's Sun Chasers. The YA contemporary romance novel is about the enduring love that grows between teens Kole and Gabriel despite the people and societal expectations that fight to keep them apart. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Beth Phelan at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency brokered the North American deal.
Nicole Ellul at Simon & Schuster has bought A Dangerous Bargain by Erin Cotter, a YA historical fantasy in which a young artist in Renaissance Florence learns he has traded away too much of his life to the workshop angel, and must team up with the cocky and talented teenage Leonardo da Vinci to track down his missing brother before his time runs out. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Kari Sutherland at KT Literary negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Rosemary Brosnan and Cynthia Leitich Smith at HarperCollins/Heartdrum have acquired American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor author Cheryl Isaacs's (Mohawk) new YA novel, Deep in the Bone, about a girl on the run who, after shedding a drop of blood that wakes something monstrous in the woods, must uncover her forgotten identity before the creature, and her own past, devours everyone she loves. Publication is slated for summer 2027; Natalie Lakosil at Looking Glass Literary & Media sold world English rights.
Lauren Knowles at Page Street has bought, in a preempt, Where the Bones Took Root by Juniper Klein, a YA fantasy debut set in a society where magic is banned, a self-taught witch consumed by grief is blackmailed by an infuriatingly handsome young man who needs her help infiltrating the alchemy cult that's implicated in her girlfriend's death; and La Belle Vengeance, a YA fantasy novel following an orphaned debutante who discovers a mysterious amulet that binds her to forbidden magic, haunting visions, and a boy with a revenge quest who swears their entanglement began lifetimes ago. Publication is set for fall 2026 and fall 2027, respectively; Paula Weiman at ASH Literary sold North American rights.
Emily Duffy at Union Square Kids has acquired world rights to Grim Reaper Girl, a YA graphic novel by Celina Frenn (l.) (Spy Grandma), illustrated by Mari Luoma, in which 16-year-old Ellen, desperate for a normal life, runs over a Grim Reaper with her hearse and inherits his powers. Now stuck with a death clock over everyone's head, a best friend with a crush, a cute ghostly guide she doesn't trust, and bodies piling up, Ellen must decide if she's meant for high school—or for death itself. Publication is scheduled for summer 2028; Jemiscoe Chambers-Black, now at Starling Literary + Media, represented the author while at Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Christie Megill at the CAT Agency represented the artist.
Kate Fletcher at Candlewick has bought, in a three-book deal, world rights to Emi Grande Grady and the Book-o-Matic by Newbery Medalist Meg Medina (l.), illustrated by Tania de Regil, about an eight-year-old's excitement to pick the new Gumshoe Hounds book from the school Book-o-Matic for her birthday, but a classmate with the same birthday also wants the book, and friends and family help Emi figure out the perfect solution. Publication will begin in fall 2027; Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Adriana Dominguez at Aevitas Creative Management represented the illustrator.
Andrew Arnold at HarperAlley has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Ghost House by Victoria Evans (The History of Everything). This middle grade graphic novel follows siblings Elsie and Rhys as they move into their late grandmother's house, which happens to be haunted, according to rumors. But when the siblings start giving haunted house tours to their new classmates, they find that the rumors just might be true. Publication is slated for 2028; Britt Siess at Britt Siess Creative Management sold world English rights.
Sarah Alpert at Norton Young Readers has bought Australian author-illustrator Sean E. Avery's Dr. Hoppenfluff's Monster, first in a middle grade graphic novel series starring Dr. Hoppenfluff, an evil bunny mad scientist who has a score to settle with Bunnyville Village. The series will reimagine classic horror stories humorously for kids in the vein of Dexter's Laboratory and Dog Man. Publication will start in summer 2028; Jordan Hamessley at JABberwocky Literary Agency did the three-book deal for world rights.
Joni Sussman while at Kar-Ben acquired Radio Mensches by Allison Marks (r.) and Wayne Marks, a contemporary middle grade novel about a smartphone-obsessed boy and his unlikely friendship with his rival classmate, a Morse code prodigy. Leila Sales will edit. Publication is scheduled for spring 2027; the authors represented themselves.
Kelly Barrales-Saylor at Ten Speed Young Readers has bought Frog Face and a second untitled character-driven picture book by Blythe Russo, starring a charismatic frog who is a little misunderstood by the rest of the animals in her neighborhood, but could use at least one good friend who loves her exactly as she is. The first book will publish in fall 2026; Molly O'Neill at Root Literary negotiated the two-book deal for world rights.
Celia Lee at Simon & Schuster has acquired The Erhu Sings by Sally Deng, the story of a boy who can't stand the distressing sound of his grandfather's erhu, until his best friend and cousin moves far away. Now his grandfather's song no longer smothers like a heavy fog, but wraps him like a blanket, helping him process his sad feelings. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Tracy Marchini at Tracy Marchini Literary sold world English rights.
Ariel Richardson at Chronicle has acquired world rights to Good Neighbor Books by Dan Paley (l.), illustrated by Keiko Hayner. In this picture book ode to bookstores, booksellers, and the communities they depend on, a tightly knit community must come together to support their beloved bookshop owner in her time of need. Publication is scheduled for fall 2028; Amy Thrall Flynn at Aevitas Creative Management represented the author, and Sophie Sheumaker at BookEnds Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Matt Phipps at Putnam has bought world rights to Blooming Behind Barbed Wire by Traci Huahn (l.) (Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School), illustrated by Mayumi Sasage. Inspired by the gardens at Manzanar, the book follows a boy's experience in a WWII incarceration camp, portraying the hope, humanity, and improbable beauty that Japanese Americans created by planting gardens behind the camp's barbed wire fences. Publication is set for spring 2028; Lara Perkins at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Essie White at Essie White Literary represented the illustrator.
Miloni Vora at Atheneum has acquired world rights to Where Daddy Is by Lora Stead (l.), illustrated by Daniel Miyares, a picture book about a boy torn between his love for his father and his fear of visiting him in jail, but when he receives a letter from his dad recounting their best times together, he's able to find his courage to reunite. Publication is scheduled for summer 2029; Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Studio Godwin Sturges represented the illustrator.
Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear Press has bought world rights to Sherman's Special Deliveries, a picture book by Kathleen Bahr (l.), illustrated by Alyssa Russell, in which mail delivery mayhem brings Sherman, a shy porcupine, together with his neighbors, in a story about learning how to give—and receive—kindness and friendship. Publication is slated for fall 2027; Elise Howard at DeFiore & Company represented the author, and Christie Megill at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Alexandra Hinrichs at Islandport Press has acquired world rights to E. Norm Moose by Schneider Family Book Award Honoree Heidi E.Y. Stemple (l.), illustrated by debut illustrator Annie Gregoire. This picture book follows a klutzy, enormous moose as she attempts to navigate the world on her own and find a friend her size. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Elizabeth Harding at Curtis Brown Ltd. represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Naomi Krueger at Beaming Books has bought world rights to Jimmy Carter: Helper, Humanitarian, Hero, a picture book biography by Sibert Honor author Suzanne Slade (l.), illustrated by Alex Aldrich Barrett, which highlights the importance of kindness as it shares how President Jimmy Carter helped others around the world for decades. Publication is set for fall 2027; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Christina Doffing at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Donna Bray at Macmillan/Balzer + Bray has acquired, at auction, Hawk & Sparrow by Ayana Gray, a glittering Gilded Age-inspired tale of mystery, magic, and romance in which sparks fly when a powerful sorcerer and an ambitious reporter form an unlikely partnership to find the culprit behind a high-profile scandal. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Pete Knapp at Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management negotiated the two-book deal for North American rights.
Alex Borbolla at Bloomsbury has bought Kat Cho's House of Forgotten Souls and its sequel. Pitched as KPop Demon Hunters meets Cemetery Boys, this contemporary YA fantasy blends Korean mythology, mystery, and romance to tell the story of a lost spirit, a reaper, a shaman, and the one girl who can save them all. Publication is set for winter 2027; Beth Phelan at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency did the two-book deal for world English rights.
Tamara Grasty at Page Street has acquired Girls Walking with Wolves by debut author Jenna Baner, a Little Red Riding Hood-inspired aro-ace YA fantasy in which a young blind woman forms a secret friendship with her village's last surviving witch while negotiating an uncomfortable courtship with a witch-hunter determined to win her heart. Publication is slated for November 2026; Emma Loy-Santelli at Serendipity Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Calista Brill at First Second has bought Hello, DELA, Kiku Hughes's YA graphic novel about August Gao, a lonely teenager who becomes emotionally reliant on her family's smart assistant DELA. Benjamin Wilgus will also edit. Publication is scheduled for 2028; Linda Camacho at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency negotiated world rights.
Brian Geffen at Henry Holt has acquired world rights for Rex Ogle's (l.) middle grade graphic novel, Bubblegum Coven and a sequel, illustrated by Matylda McCormack-Sharp. The Powerpuff Girls meets magic and middle school, as a group of kid witches must unite to form a coven in order to protect the world from monsters and mythological gods. Publication is planned for fall 2027 and fall 2028; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Virginia Duncan at Greenwillow Books has bought, at auction, Hatched, a middle grade novel by debut author Allison Bell. It follows a girl living in the Florida Everglades and the animals in her homegrown petting zoo, in a multiple-narrator exploration of found family, friendship, and forgiveness. Publication is set for winter 2027; Amy Thrall Flynn at Aevitas Creative Management handled the deal for North American rights.
Lynne Missen at Tundra has acquired Tae Lim Decks It Out by Angela Ahn (Peter Lee's Notes from the Field), an illustrated middle grade novel about a lonely immigrant boy who finds his community while starting a card game league against all odds. Publication is slated for fall 2027; Laurel Symonds at KT Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Alexandra Hinrichs at Islandport Press has bought world rights to Throwbacks and Keepers by debut author Ron Pedro, a middle grade novel about a boy who experiences homelessness, the foster care system, and too much loss before winding up on a Maine island, and finds sanctuary in lobstering and community. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; the author represented himself.
Dream Jar/Yellow Brick Books has acquired world rights to Curse on the Miami River: Legend of the Sneaker Guru by Medeia Sharif (Girl Without a Face; Frizzy Haired Zuzu), a middle grade novel about a seventh grade boy named Ahmed who sells his soul to a paranormal being in exchange for designer sneakers and elevated socioeconomic status, but when his world starts unraveling he must defeat the evil entity to break the curse. Publication is planned for spring 2028; the author represented herself.
Laura Godwin at Godwin Books has bought world rights to the first three books in a graphic novel chapter book series, Izzy and Wolfi, by Oregon Book Award winner Dane Liu (l.), illustrated by Geisel Honoree Maya Tatsukawa, featuring a dynamic pair of siblings, whose quirky imagination and clever wordplay capture the dramas of childhood and the humor and playfulness of their Asian American family. All three books are set to publish in summer 2029; Wendi Gu at HG Literary represented both the author and illustrator.
Liz Kossnar at Little, Brown has acquired world rights to Inspector Quack and the Case of the Missing Underpants and a second book in a new graphic chapter book series, Inspector Quack by Anica Mrose Rissi (l.), illustrated by Heather Fox, which follows the bumbling but lovable Chief Inspector Quack and her two Special Inspectors Buns as they get to the bottom of various mysteries. Publication will begin in winter 2028; Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary represented the illustrator.
Jody Mosley at Chronicle has bought, at auction, Polka Stripes by debut author-illustrator Nicole Cicak, the tale of two neighboring people, the Polka Dots and the Stripes, who lived in harmony for years—until one day, it changed. Now, it'll take bravery from kids like Dottie (with stripey hair) and Dash (with freckles) to make the case for harmony. Publication is slated for spring 2028; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House did the deal for world rights.
Alvina Ling at Little, Brown has acquired And Off We Go! by debut author-illustrator Vanko Vankov, a picture book that follows Lulu, a little mole who has been taught to always follow the rules, and her rebel friend Oscar, who inspires new possibilities as they bravely stray from the beaten path. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; Kait Feldmann at KT Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Sara Sargent at Rodale Kids has bought author-illustrator Amy Malloy's debut, Gary: The Naughtiest Wolf That Ever There Was, a fractured fairy tale about a very naughty wolf who won't stop scampering off to find his next yummy snack. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Molly Jamieson at United Agents sold world rights.
Alyson Day at HarperCollins has acquired world rights to The Light Garden, a picture book by Joanna Ho (l.) illustrated by Minako Tomigahara, in which a boy who splits time between two homes captures light in jars because it helps him fill in spaces caused by distance and missing, reminding him his family is still whole. Publication is set for April 2027; Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Kathleen Ortiz at KO Media Management represented the illustrator.
Andrea Spooner at Little, Brown has bought world rights to The Torn Heart, a picture book by Julia Cook (l.) (My Mouth Is a Volcano!; Wilma Jean the Worry Machine), illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki. Told from a heart's point of view, the story is about bullying, empathy and kindness, and features an addendum with parenting tips and classroom activities. Publication is slated for summer 2027; Dan Strutzel at Inspire Productions represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the artist.
Claire Tattersfield at Viking has acquired world rights to How Santa Met His Reindeer by Emily Matheis (l.), illustrated by Beth Mills, a rhyming picture book that reveals the surprising and magical story of how Santa met his trusty eight reindeer. Publication is scheduled for fall 2027; Sophie Cudd at the Book Group represented the author, and Claire Morance at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Laura Kincaid while at Holiday House bought world rights to Mothman: A Monster's Misadventure, a picture book by Franco Aureliani (l.) (Tiny Titans), illustrated by Thomas Boatwright. The story follows urban legend Mothman, who desperately wants to make friends, but every time he tries to play his favorite games like hide and seek, people just run away screaming. Alex Aceves will edit; publication is planned for summer 2028. Marie Lamba at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency represented the author and illustrator.
Jenne Abramowitz at Sourcebooks Jabberwocky has acquired world rights to the first two books in the Princess of Barkness picture book series by Jen Anyong (l.), illustrated by Steph Laberis. In Pepita: Vampire Puppy, a chompy puppy lives her best vampire life until she loses her puppy teeth; and in Pepita: Werewolf Puppy, Pepita finds her voice, leading to a night in her crate, where she contemplates changing her tune. Publication is set for summer 2027 and 2028 respectively; Morgan Hughes at FinePrint Literary represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Krestyna Lypen at Post Wave has bought world rights to Agnes Clover Does Not Want to Be a Bunny by April Genevieve Tucholke (l.), illustrated by Miranda Autumn Lewis. When a reluctant kid is forced into a pink bunny costume, she realizes that being silly can actually be fun. Publication is slated for fall 2027; Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Jessica Anderson at Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano Books has acquired world rights to We Got Next, a nonfiction picture book about the beginnings of professional women's basketball from the late 19th century to the WNBA today, written by Nicole Melleby (l.) and illustrated by Tara Anand. Publication is scheduled for fall 2027; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear Press has bought world rights to Autumn Soup by Jamie Bills (l.), illustrated by Meneka Repka (Goose Egg Island), a celebration of fall that encourages imaginative play and spending time outdoors while counting from one to 10 and back again. Publication is planned for fall 2027; the author represented herself, and Charlotte Wenger at Prospect Agency represented the illustrator.
Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has acquired world rights to Baby Mocs by American Indian Youth Literature Award-winning author Laurel Goodluck (l.) (Rock Your Mocs), and Kristen Nobles has acquired world rights to illustrations by Hawlii Pichette. This board book features the soft footwear that warms babies' wiggly toes and later their busy feet, comforting little ones in style. Publication is set for summer 2027; Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
