Neal Porter at Roaring Brook's Neal Porter Books imprint has acquired In Plain Sight, a picture book written by editor and former colleague Richard Jackson (l.). The book, about a hiding game played by a girl and her ailing grandfather, will be illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkney. Publication is set for spring 2016; the author represented himself and Sheldon Fogelman of Sheldon Fogelman Associates negotiated on behalf of the artist.
Joanna Cardenas at Viking has acquired a middle-grade graphic novel series by Aaron Reynolds, author of Caldecott Honor-winning Creepy Carrots. The first book, Inventing Mongo, stars a cave-boy inventor entering the awkward stage of early adulthood. Publication is scheduled for summer 2016; Paul Rodeen of Rodeen Literary Management negotiated the two-book deal for world rights.
Caroline Abbey at Random House has acquired Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell by debut author Toni Gallagher. It tells the story of an 11-year-old girl who receives a voodoo doll that’s meant to be used for good, but she figures out a loophole for making bad things happen to others in order to increase her popularity. It’s scheduled for 2015; the followup, Twist My Charm: Love Potion #12, will be published in 2016. Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency did the two-book deal for world rights.
Jen Besser and Rob Valois at Putnam have acquired world rights to Legend: The Graphic Novel, a graphic novel adaptation of Marie Lu's Legend trilogy. Adapted by Leigh Dragoon and illustrated by Kaari, it's scheduled for publication in summer 2015. Kristin Nelson of Nelson Literary Agency brokered the deal. The Legend series has been sold into 32 countries and has shipped over one million copies.
Cheryl Klein at Scholastic's Arthur A. Levine Books has bought Kay Honeyman's Interference, billed as a cross between Friday Night Lights and Jane Austen's Emma. In the novel, Kate Hamilton, a Congressman's daughter raised on political campaigns and power plays, tries to use her political savvy to right the wrongs she finds in a small West Texas town. Rosemary Stimola of Stimola Literary Studio sold world English rights.
Krista Vitola at Delacorte has bought debut author Kate Darnton's Chloe in India, a coming-of-age story about 11-year-old Chloe Jones, whose family moves from Boston to Delhi, where Chloe must navigate the waters of her new prep school while India is undergoes its own dramatic social changes. Publication is planned for spring 2016; Laura Langlie did the deal for North American rights.
Kendra Levin at Viking has preempted Sirens author Janet Fox's middle-grade debut, Chatelaine: The Thirteenth Charm. It's a mystery that asks the question: would you rather spend World War II trapped in an eerie Scottish castle with a ghost or with a Nazi spy? The book is slated for winter 2016; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Michelle Frey at Knopf has bought world rights to My Favorite Pet By Gus W. for Ms. Smolinski's Class, a picture book by Jeanne Birdsall, author of the Penderwicks series, illustrated by Diary of a Worm artist Harry Bliss. In the story, Gus lists the ways you can try to play with your family's 17 sheep (all of which will get you in serious trouble). Barbara Kouts negotiated on behalf of Jeanne Birdsall and Holly McGhee at Pippin Properties negotiated on behalf of Bliss.
Anne Schwartz at Random House's Schwartz & Wade Books has three deals this week. She acquired world rights to Emily Jenkins's A Greyhound, A Groundhog, illustrated by Chris Appelhans, a picture book and tongue twister involving a little round greyhound and a little round groundhog. Publication is slated for fall 2016. The author represented herself; Judy Hansen at Hansen Literary Agency represented the illustrator. Additionally Schwartz bought two picture books by Appelhans, both picture books on subjects to be determined, in a two-book deal. They're scheduled for spring 2016 and spring 2017; Judy Hansen at Hansen Literary Agency sold world rights.
Anne Schwartz has also bought Mom and Me, a picture-book debut by Renata Galindo, about a cat who adopts a dog; it's meant to be an affirmation for children who look different than their adoptive parents. Publication is planned for spring 2016; Kendra Marcus at Bookstop Literary did the deal for world rights.
Margaret Raymo at HMH has acquired world rights to Before You, a picture book by author-illustrator Rebecca Doughty. Told in verse, the story explores how the introduction of a loved one changes a life. Publication is set for fall 2016; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House brokered the deal.
