Digital creator and online star Rachel Accurso, better known as Ms. Rachel, creates musical videos to help young children’s development, and has racked up more than eight million followers in her five years on YouTube. Accurso has signed a multi-book deal with Random House that will launch with her debut picture book this fall.
Ms. Rachel and the Special Surprise!: Encouraging Speech and Learning Through Play and Music is illustrated by Monique Dong and slated to publish on September 24. Sara Sargent, senior executive editor at Random House Books for Young Readers, will edit Accurso’s debut picture book, with editorial director Dennis Shealy and associate editor Angela Song editing future projects.
“I understood that I was working with the Taylor Swift of toddlers,” said Sargent, who knew of Accurso’s online success before the deal. “As an editor working with one of the most famous people in children’s entertainment today, there was both an excitement and a humility. I wanted to work with her and also make sure that we created something that really honors everything that she does,” she told PW.
“I am beyond thrilled to announce my first-ever picture book for young readers and their families,” Accurso said in a statement. “It is truly a privilege to be able to teach and connect with children not just through YouTube but also through books and the enduring magic of storytime.”
In Ms. Rachel and the Special Surprise! Accurso asks for the reader’s help in searching for her missing special box, and guides readers through early developmental exercises on their journey. Readers familiar with her videos will enjoy appearances from characters on her show.
Also on tap is a new line of early learning toys with Spin Master, slated to release later in 2024.
Accurso’s online career was inspired by events in her own life. When her son was diagnosed with a speech delay, Accurso sought out online tools that would help with language development, and when she couldn’t find any, armed with her dual master’s degrees in early childhood development and music education, she made the content she needed herself and decided to share it. Her catchy tunes utilizing nursery rhymes and original songs such as Songs for Littles soon blasted her into internet fame, and now a publishing career.
“We wanted to make something that kids would deeply enjoy,” Sargent said. “Kids love Rachel’s content so much, and we were very cognizant of making a book that they would love and react to the way that they love and react to her videos.”
