In spring 2012, Abrams will launch its third imprint dedicated to children’s books: Appleseed Books. Helmed by publishing director Cecily Kaiser, the imprint will publish eight to 12 titles per season, aimed at children up to age five. “The Appleseed list will be commercially appealing with the added plus of the trademark Abrams aesthetic,” said Kaiser in a statement announcing the new imprint. “Even the youngest children deserve beautiful books. And when beauty is presented in a relevant and engaging way, parents, teachers, caregivers and librarians get on board too.”

The Appleseed list will be a mix of board, novelty, and picture books; it joins the existing Abrams Books for Young Readers and Amulet Books imprints. Kaiser was hired by Abrams in June 2010; she was previously editorial director for Cartwheel Books and Little Scholastic. Abrams has not yet announced any titles or authors for the imprint’s debut list.