Kieran Viola at Disney has acquired world rights to Good as Gold by Candace Buford (Kneel), with Kelsey Sullivan editing. Pitched as a Black, Southern reimagining of The Outer Banks meets Gossip Girl, this soapy YA suspense novel brings together the haves of Langston Lakes and the have-nots in a quest to find their town's mythical hidden treasure. Publication is planned for summer 2023; Carrie Pestritto at the Laura Dail Literary Agency negotiated the deal.
Mara Delgado Sánchez at Wednesday Books has bought The Wildest Things and a second book in a duology by Andrea Hannah (Where Darkness Blooms). In this sapphic YA fantasy, when Snow White is never kissed, she awakens in her glass coffin 20 years later to a forest that has been ravaged by the Blight and where the animals have mutated. Snow must survive the deadly forest and kill the Evil Queen's daughter to reverse the damage, but she's falling in love with her instead. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Victoria Marini at the Irene Goodman Agency did the deal for world English rights.
Carolina Ortiz at HarperCollins has acquired educator Keith F. Miller Jr.'s debut coming-of-age YA novel Pritty, the inspiration behind the forthcoming short film of Kickstarter fame, and its sequel —which follows 17-year-old Jay and Leroy, who on the cusp of their own love story must scramble to uncover old secrets between their families and fight to save their older brothers and their community from a deep well of intergenerational damage, even if the cost might be their own electric connection. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Ellen Goff at HG Literary sold North American rights.
Tiffany Colón at Scholastic has bought Love Letters to Joy Corvi by Melissa See (You, Me, and Our Heartstrings). In this YA contemporary retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, Joy, a panromantic asexual girl with cerebral palsy who is determined to be valedictorian, seeks love advice from an anonymous student at her academy. But she's unknowingly writing to—and falling for—the last person she ever expected. Publication is set for summer 2023; Emily Forney at BookEnds Literary sold world English rights.
Stephanie Cohen at Inkyard Press has acquired world English and audio rights to Keynan Masters and the Peerless Magic Crew and an untitled second book by debut author DaVaun Sanders, aimed at fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky and Amari and the Night Brothers, kicking off a middle grade fantasy series where Keynan unravels the secrets of Peerless Academy and his own freestyling magic, while trying to save the world from scary storms that stem from mysterious forces. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Mary C. Moore at Kimberley Cameron Associates negotiated the deal.
Shana Corey at Random House has won, in a six-figure preempt, On Guard, a semi-autobiographical middle grade graphic novel from debut author-illustrator K. Rose. The novel follows 12-year-old Grace as she navigates her rocky relationship with her mother after her parents' messy divorce and finds her people through the fencing club after going through a brutal friendship breakup. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary Agency handled the two-book deal for world rights.
Meghan Maria McCullough at Levine Querido has bought Letisha Marrero's middle grade novel, Salsa Magic. Maya Montenegro Calderon's world turns upside down when her estranged great aunt from Puerto Rico shows up at her family's restaurant in Brooklyn, because Maya knows Titi Yaya—from the all-too-vivid underwater dreams she has every night. Maya will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of their mystical connection. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Joy Tutela at David Black Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Sam Palazzi at Scholastic has acquired Erin Soderberg Downing's Just Keep Walking, pitched as Wild for middle-grade readers. When 12-year-old Jo and her mother attempt to hike the Superior Hiking Trail along Lake Superior's north shore to heal the wounds of her father's abandonment, one obstacle after the next continue to test her strength and ultimate survival. After Jo's mom sustains a hike-ending injury, Jo will have to confront her greatest fears and learn how to be alone. Publication is set for spring 2024; Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich and Bourret did the deal for world rights.
Sally Morgridge at Holiday House has bought 102 Days of Lying About Lauren, a debut middle grade novel by Maura Jortner in which 12-year-old Mouse was abandoned by her mother in an amusement park and has survived for three months by following her list of Rules to Live By, but when a nosy girl and an impending storm threaten to expose Mouse's hiding place, it might take more than rules to keep her safe. Publication is planned for summer 2023; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Andrea Colvin at Little, Brown has acquired world rights to a modern graphic adaptation of A Little Princess by Ivy Noelle Weir (l.), illustrated by Melanie Kim. Although she is far away from her home in South Korea, military child Sara Crewe makes friends with ease at her new boarding school in Los Angeles. However, she struggles to get into the good graces of the school's caretaker, Miss Minchin. Publication is scheduled for winter 2026; Anjali Singh at Ayesha Pande Literary represented the author, and the illustrator was unagented.
Hilary Van Dusen at MIT Kids/Candlewick Press has bought world rights to From Brainy Bees to Calculating Chimpanzees: Mathematical Abilities in Animals by animal scientist Stephanie Gibeault (l.), illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett, a middle grade nonfiction book that explores animals' numerical abilities while teaching mathematical concepts. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Jacqui Lipton at Raven Quill Literary Agency represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Winsome Bingham at Reycraft has acquired English and Spanish rights to Sophia Ezomoghene's The Osagie Twins chapter book series. In the first book, twins Eddie and Nosa break the #1 house rule of going into Baba's home office; when they knock over a vase, releasing Eshu the trickster god, they need to recapture him before Baba gets home. Publication for book one is set for fall 2023; Jemiscoe Chambers-Black at Andrea Brown Literary Agency negotiated the three-book deal.
Neal Porter at Holiday House/Neal Porter Books has bought The Smell of Wet Dog: Poems About Dogs, written and illustrated by Barney Saltzberg (One of These Is Not Like the Other), a celebration of humankind's best four-footed friend, tall, small and everywhere in between. It's scheduled for fall 2024; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio brokered the deal for world rights.
Mabel Hsu at HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books has acquired Pura Belpré and Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner C.G. Esperanza's Kicks in the Sky. The picture book follows a group of kids who discover that the colorful sneakers hanging from telephone wires have given them new skills—moonwalks to two-steps, alley-oops to slam dunks—but where on earth did these magical kicks come from? Publication is planned for fall 2023; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency sold North American rights.
Connie Hsu at Roaring Brook has bought world rights to Abuelo, the Sea, and Me by Ismée Williams (l.), illustrated by Tatiana Gardel; Nicolás Ore-Giron will edit. In the picture book, a child walks with her abuelo season by season along the beach as he reflects on his youth in Havana, sharing his life story and exploring their shared heritage. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich and Bourret represented the author, and Jemiscoe Chambers-Black at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Ellen Cormier at Dial has acquired world rights to I Have Three Cats by Michelle Sumovich (l.), illustrated by Laura Park. The picture book features a witty and unreliable narrator who owns three cats, but that moocher who keeps turning up for food certainly isn't one of them. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Hannah Mann at Writers House represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Ann Kelley at Random House Studio has bought world rights to Dog vs. Strawberry by the creators of Cat Dog Dog, author Nelly Buchet (l.) and illustrator Andrea Zuill, a picture book about the greatest race of all time between a dog and a strawberry. Publication is set for spring 2024; Erzsi Deak at Hen&ink Literary represented the author and illustrator.
Dana Chidiac at Henry Holt has acquired world rights to Cute Toot, a picture book by Breanna J. McDaniel (l.) (Hands Up!), illustrated by Olivia de Castro, about a family game of hide-and-seek gone awry when the baby sister can't stop passing gas. It's planned for winter 2024; Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Cecily Kaiser at RISE x Penguin Workshop has bought world rights to Eat Your Superpowers!: How Colorful Foods Keep You Healthy and Strong by Toni Buzzeo (l.), illustrated by Serge Bloch, a reference guide for young eaters about the specific benefits of foods sorted by color. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and Marlena Torzecka at Marlena Agency represented the illustrator.
Sonali Fry at Crown has acquired world rights to Happy Día de los Muertos!, a board book that features a family's traditions as they celebrate the Day of the Dead, written by Diane de Anda (l.) and illustrated by Gloria Felix. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Ronald Zollshan at KirchoffWohlberg represented the author, and Kate Kendrick at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Kelly Barrales-Saylor at Sourcebooks eXplore has bought Can You Dance Like a Peacock?, an exploration of how different animals and insects "dance," moving to communicate and protect themselves, by STEAM expert Rekha S. Rajan (l.), illustrated by Jean Claude. Publication is projected for fall 2023; Lilly Ghahremani at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and Atlanta Japp at Advocate-Art represented the illustrator.
Tamar Brazis at Viking has acquired A Rainbow Inside My Body by E. Katherine Kottaras (l.) (How to Be Brave) and Vanitha Swaminathan (c.), illustrated by Holly Hatam (r.). This picture book introduces readers to the chakras, seven major power centers inside the body that impact our minds and spirits, and how awareness of them allows us to healthily respond to stress and experience harmony. Publication is set for summer 2024; Jennie Kendrick at Red Fox Literary represented the authors, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Ashley Hearn at Peachtree Teen has acquired Things I'll Never Say, a debut novel by Cassandra Newbould, editor and contributor of the body-positive anthology Every Body Shines. For fans of Becky Albertalli and Julie Murphy, this cathartic epistolary YA follows bi, fat surfer girl Casey who, after her twin brother's death, turns to journaling to navigate her grief and her crushes on the remaining members of their tight-knit friend group. Publication is planned for summer 2023; Ernie Chiara at Fuse Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Lauri Hornik at Rocky Pond Books has bought The Islands of Elsewhere by Heather Fawcett (Even the Darkest Stars) in a two-book deal. The Snolly sisters are spending the summer at their grandfather's seaside home, which includes three mysterious islands that the locals think are magic, as their family grapples with Granddaddy's dementia. Pitched as The Penderwicks with pirates, the book explores sibling bonds, multi-generational families, and the magic of imagination. Publication is set for June 2023; Brianne Johnson at HG Literary did the deal for North American English rights.
Wesley Adams at FSG has acquired, at auction, world rights to the middle-grade graphic novel duology Tegan & Sara: Junior High and Tegan & Sara: Crush, written by musicians and authors Sara Quin (l.) and Tegan Quin (c.), illustrated by Eisner Award winner Tillie Walden (r.), the contemporary story of identical twins growing up and growing apart, coming to terms with their queerness, and falling in love with music over the course of junior high. Publication for book one is slated for spring 2023; Marc Gerald at Europa Content represented the authors, and Seth Fishman at the Gernert Company represented the illustrator.
Oni Press has bought spooky middle grade graphic novel trilogy The Night Mother by Jeremy Lambert (l.), comics writer (Buffy; Goosebumps) and producer of Oscar-winning short films, and illustrator Alexa Sharpe. When the Night Mother casts her town in perpetual night to sap the souls of the living, it's up to the girl who lives in the graveyard to stop her. Publication of book one is scheduled for fall 2023; Tamara Kawar at ICM Partners brokered the three-book deal for world English rights.
Victoria Rock at Chronicle has acquired Go Go Guys by Rowboat Watkins (Rude Cakes), a rhyming bedtime romp about three very awake kids who have miles to go before counting sheep and going to sleep. It's planned for fall 2024; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio sold world rights.
Susan Rich at Little, Brown has bought world rights to The Pelican Can by Toni Yuly, a picture book written in a rhythmic cheer-squad chant that celebrates the magnificent things that a pelican can do, based on observational science. Publication is set for summer 2024; Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates handled the two-book deal.
Jenna Lettice at Random House has acquired, in a preempt, Ashley Belote's Witch & Wombat, a humorous picture book about a little witch who receives a wombat familiar instead of a cat; and Sheepwrecked, a swashbuckling adventure starring pirate sheep. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023 and 2024, respectively; Moe Ferrara at BookEnds Literary negotiated the two-book deal for world rights.
Catherine Laudone at S&S/Paula Wiseman Books has bought, in a preempt, author-illustrator Lauren Emmons's debut picture book, No Cats in the Library. Stray cat Clarisse loves to look at picture books, but there's just one problem—cats are not allowed in the library. But Clarisse is determined to find a way back inside and prove the library is exactly where she belongs. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Tara Gonzalez at the Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author for world rights.
Elizabeth Barton at Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights to Rex & Oslo by author-illustrator Doug Cushman (How to Be a Good Puppy) in a two-book deal for Ready-to-Reads about best friends, Rex, a warthog. and Oslo, an oxpecker, who come to understand what best friends really do: talk with and learn from and care about each other. Publication in summer 2023 is planned; Erzsi Deak at Hen&ink Literary sold world rights.
Emma Ledbetter at Abrams has bought world rights, in an exclusive submission, to Susan Verde's (l.) new picture book series, Sensing Your World, illustrated by Juliana Perdomo (Sometimes All I Need Is Me). The series introduces each of the five senses as a way to find joy, connection and beauty in the world. The first book, Can You See It?, due in spring 2023, encourages readers to look closer to see deeper, not just with their eyes but with their whole hearts. The second, Are You Listening?, will follow in spring 2024. Erica Rand Silverman at Stimola Literary Studio represented both the author and illustrator.
Nina Gruener at Cameron Kids has acquired world rights to Soren's Seventh Song by Dave Eggers (l.), illustrated by Mark Hoffmann, a picture book about a whale who thinks whale song is boring and writes his own, catchier tunes. Publication is set for fall 2023; Steven Malk at Writers House represented the author, and Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Liz Bicknell at Candlewick has bought world rights to In the Desert by David Elliott (l.) in an exclusive submission, illustrated by Gordy Wright. The text is a poetic celebration of desert animals. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Susan Penny at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Aneeka Kalia at Viking has acquired world rights to Sari Sisters by Anitha Rao-Robinson (l.), creator of the Kindness Is Everything podcast, and illustrated by APALA Honor winner Anoosha Syed. Seeing how anxious her older sister is about wearing a sari for the first time, the younger sister helps her find the joy and playfulness in the experience by throwing a dance party. Publication is slated for fall 2024; Tanusri Prasanna at DeFiore and Company represented the author, and Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary represented the illustrator.
Yolanda Scott and Alexandra McKenzie at Charlesbridge have bought world rights, at auction, to On Friday Afternoon by Michal Babay (l.) (The Incredible Shrinking Lunchroom), illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt, which follows Leelee and her dog as they perform mitzvahs around the house to get ready for Shabbat. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Laurel Symonds at the Bent Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself.
Sonali Fry at Crown has acquired world rights to All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson, a picture book biography about the hard work, determination, and excellence of the first Black female Supreme Court Justice, written by Carole Boston Weatherford (l.) and illustrated by Ashley Evans. Publication is set for fall 2023; Rubin Pfeffer at Rubin Pfeffer Content represented the author, and James Burns at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Harriet Low, while at HMH Books, bought world rights to It Belongs to the World: Frederick Banting and the Discovery of Insulin, a picture book biography by Lisa Katzenberger (l.) about the doctor who discovered the world's only effective treatment for diabetes, and who strived to make it available to all. Janina Gaudin, known online as Miss Diabetes, will illustrate; Kait Feldmann will edit. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Alexandra Cooper at Quill Tree has acquired world rights to the picture book Teacher to a Movement, about the life and work of civil rights activist, teacher, and trailblazer Septima Poinsette Clark, who championed literacy, voting rights, and equity for all, co-written by her granddaughter Yvonne Clark-Rhines (l.) and Monica Clark-Robinson (c.), illustrated by Abigail Albano-Payton (r.). Publication is slated for winter 2024; Natalie Lakosil while at Bradford Literary Agency and Laura Bradford represented the authors, and Jennifer Rofe at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
