Alyssa Miele at Quill Tree Books has acquired Madeleine Roux's Now We Hunt the Doe, a YA fantasy about a young woman who is hunted by the monstrous count she's promised to, only for the hunted to become the hunter. An additional untitled novel was also acquired. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024; Kate McKean at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Dana Leydig at Viking has bought, in an exclusive submission, I Loved You in Another Life, a YA coming-of-age love story by David Arnold (Mosquitoland). In alternating POV, the story follows Shosh and Evan, the only two people who hear the voice of a mysterious singer, whose lyrics bring their souls together time and again, through the ages. Publication is planned for fall 2023. Daniel Lazar at Writers House did the deal for North American rights.
Sally Morgridge at Holiday House has acquired Murder for the Modern Girl author Kendall Kulper's new YA mystery, A Starlet's Secret to a Sensational Afterlife, in which a budding starlet and her handsome but moody co-star go from bitter enemies to reluctant partners when they get tangled up in the disappearance of a beautiful young actress in 1930s Hollywood, for publication in spring 2023. Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties sold world rights.
Rose Pleuler at HarperAlley has bought, at auction, Encore! by debut graphic novelist Miles Burks, adapted from the popular Webtoon. When Clayton Noguchi's ex-best friend Aron Santos lands in his theatre class due to an unfulfilled graduation requirement, the boys rekindle their friendship, but the painful history between the two threatens to stand in the way of their growing feelings. Publication is set for summer 2024; Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency handed the deal for world rights.
Della Farrell at Holiday House has acquired Breathing Underwater by Abbey Nash, a YA novel about a competitive swimmer whose carefully planned future is threatened by an epilepsy diagnosis just before a national meet. As she struggles with change and uncertainty, an unexpected romance shows her there may be more to life than making plans. Publication is slated for summer 2024; Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency sold world rights.
Jonah Heller at Peachtree Teen has bought world rights to Shooting for Stars by Christine Webb (The Art of Insanity), a YA rom-com that follows science-minded Skyler as she teams up with film club-member Cooper to defy her father and video an application to study abroad... in space. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024; Emily Keyes at Keyes Agency represented the author.
Carolyn Yoder at Astra/Calkins Creek has acquired world rights to an untitled YA graphic novel memoir by Raymond Santana (l.), illustrated by Keith Henry Brown. The graphic novel, exploring Santana's life before and after his experiences as one of the Exonerated Central Park Five, is a story of passion and spirit and determination, but also of creativity and hope. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Rasheed Young represented the author, and Claire Easton Morance at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Phoebe Yeh at Crown has bought contemporary middle grade novel The Reckoning by Wade Hudson, author of nonfiction memoir Defiant: Growing Up in the Jim Crow South and co-editor and contributor of the collection Recognize: An Anthology Honoring and Amplifying Black Life, among numerous other titles. In the book, tween Lamar dreams of being a filmmaker, but when his grandfather is shot in a senseless act of racism, Lamar begins to question his small Louisiana town and his own place in it. Publication is set for spring 2024; the author represented himself for world rights.
Allison Cohen at Running Press Kids has acquired The Young Green Witch's Guide by Robin Rose Bennett. Pitched as The Spell Book for New Witches meets The Confidence Code for Girls, this middle grade nonfiction is for readers who want to connect with natural magic, learn about herbalism, and become more confident with fun activities that support mindfulness and self-love. Publication is slated for summer 2024; Chelsea Eberly at Greenhouse Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Karen Boersma and Jennifer Stokes at Owlkids have bought, in a two-book deal, world rights to animal scientist Stephanie Gibeault's (l.) Making Sense of a Dog's Senses: How Dogs Perceive the World, illustrated by Raz Latif, a middle-grade exploration of how the five senses (and possibly a sixth sense) are experienced by our canine companions, along with a subsequent untitled picture book also on canine perception. Publication of the first book is planned for spring 2024; Jacqui Lipton at Raven Quill Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator was unagented.
Lee Wade at Random House Studio has acquired To See an Owl by Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell, a picture book about a girl who begins bird watching in the hopes of seeing an owl. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio brokered the deal for North American rights.
Mabel Hsu at HarperCollins/Tegen has bought, in an exclusive submission, Erika Meza's debut author-illustrated picture book To the Other Side. This tale follows two young siblings who have left home to play a game and cross a finish line—but when the journey across endless lands becomes difficult and the little brother no longer believes in his sister's game, the two refugee children must still find a way to forge ahead and see what awaits them on the other side of the border. Publication is slated for summer 2023; Claire Cartey at Holroyde Cartey did the deal for world rights.
Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has acquired world rights to bestselling YA author Julie Murphy's (l.) debut picture book, Chubby Bunny, illustrated by Sarah Winifred Searle. When Barbara "Bunny" Binks gets teased about her weight after a playground game, she learns to embrace self-love—not to mention her new nickname. Publication is set for fall 2023; John Cusick at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the author, and Jen Linnan at Linnan Literary Management represented the artist.
Liz Bicknell at Candlewick Press has bought world rights to Boar and Hedgehog by David Elliott (l.) in an exclusive submission, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin. When grumpy Boar meets sunny Hedgehog, he slowly and reluctantly warms up to the idea of friendship. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Steve Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Andrea Tompa and Melanie Cordova at Candlewick Press have acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Newbery Honor author Rajani LaRocca's (l.) Mauntie, illustrated by Nadia Alam. The story follows a girl who must come to terms with sharing her favorite auntie (Mauntie) with her older cousin. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties represented the illustrator.
Clarissa Wong at Scholastic has bought world rights to Tala Learns to Siva by debut Hawaiian-Samoan author Kealani Netane (l.), illustrated by Dung Ho (Eyes That Kiss in the Corners). The story, inspired by the author's own experience as a Polynesian dancer, follows Tala, a Samoan girl, who finds inner courage through her family while learning their traditional Samoan taualuga dance. Publication is slated for summer 2024; Ellen Goff at HG Literary represented the author, and the illustrator was unagented.
Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins acquired world rights to Face to Face by Dinah Johnson (l.), illustrated by Muhammad Yungai, a picture book that celebrates the extraordinary, ordinary faces of children, and all that their beautiful faces can communicate. It is scheduled for summer 2024; Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Khadijah Pegues-Yungai represented the illustrator.
Clarissa Wong, while at HarperCollins, has bought world rights to Box of Dreams by debut author Faith Kazmi (l.), illustrated by Christine Almeda; Megan Ilnitzki will edit. Inspired by the author's family, this picture book celebrates the dreams that are shared with loved ones far away as a child packs up a special balikbayan box with her mom to send back home to the Philippines. Publication is set for summer 2024; Tara Gonzalez at the Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary represented the illustrator.
Liz Szabla at Feiwel and Friends has acquired world English rights to Sloth Is Not a Baby, a picture book about a sloth who wants his friends to see him as more grown up, by Nelly Buchet (l.) (How to Train Your Pet Brain) and illustrated by Janie Bynum (Chick Chat). Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Erzsi Deak at Hen&ink Literary Studio represented the author and the illustrator.
Maria Modugno at Random House Studio has bought world rights to Carrie Kruck's (l.) Alfred Blooms, a picture book about a boy whose garden won't grow. When flowers start growing out of his head, though, Alfred finds friendship in sharing a part of himself. Carmen Mok will illustrate; publication is planned for spring 2025. Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the illustrator.
Denene Millner at S&S/Denene Millner Books has acquired world rights to Ninja Nate, written by Emmy Award-winning journalist and digital entrepreneur Markette Sheppard (l.), illustrated by Robert Paul Jr. The story follows Nate, who uses his imagination to cast himself as a stealthy ninja in order to cope with a major injury. Publication is set for fall 2023; the author represented herself, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to Whatever Comes Tomorrow by poet Rebecca Gardyn Levington (l.) (Brainstorm!), illustrated by Mariona Cabassa (A Gift for Amma). Inspired by the author's own lifelong struggle with anxiety, this picture book reassures readers that, whatever the future may hold, they have the resilience and strength to make it through. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Kaitlyn Sanchez at Context Literary Agency represented the author, and Mela Bolinao at MB Artists represented the illustrator.
Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear Press has acquired world rights to Apple Pie Tired, written by Beth Charles (l.) and illustrated by Hannah Brinson. In this picture book, Lola must help Mom and Dad at the farm store as they prepare to bake hundreds of apple pies for Thanksgiving—regardless of her own holiday plans. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Essie White at Storm Literary Agency represented the author and the illustrator.
Molly Yao Shen at Yeehoo Press has bought world rights to Betsy Ellor's (l.) picture book My Dog Is NOT a Scientist. Yara wants to win the science fair, but her play-loving dog Renzo keeps turning the scientific method on its ear, until Yara discovers that play is science after all. Luisa Vera will illustrate; publication is planned for summer 2023 in the U.S. and mainland China. The author represented herself, and Malena Bastón at IMC Illustration Agency represented the illustrator.
Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has acquired world rights to illustrations by Tequitia Andrews (l.) for An Earth Song by Langston Hughes—first in the Petite Poems series of picture books introducing young readers to poetry—and to illustrations by Tatyana Feeney for Theme in Yellow by Carl Sandberg and Hope Is the Thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson in a two-book deal. Publication is set for spring 2023, fall 2023, and spring 2024; Susan McCabe at Lilla Rogers Studio represented Andrews, and Rachel Orr at Prospect Agency represented Feeney.
Ken Wright and Liza Kaplan at Viking have acquired a middle-grade historical novel collaboration set at Bletchley Park by award-winning and bestselling authors Ruta Sepetys (l.) and Steve Sheinkin. Lizzie and her older brother Jakob have always shared a love of riddles. Now they're living inside one of the greatest secrets of World War II: Britain's code-breaking factory, during the pivotal summer and fall of 1940. As Bletchley's top minds race to crack Nazi codes, Lizzie and Jakob must solve a family mystery that will change their lives forever. Publication is set for fall 2024; Steven Malk at Writers House did the deal for world rights.
Alexandra Hightower at Little, Brown has bought So Let Them Burn and a sequel, Kamilah Cole's YA fantasy duology debut, in a six-figure preempt. Pitched as a Jamaican Joan of Arc retelling and inspired by Zendaya's 2018 Met Gala look, the novel follows a 17-year-old girl who once wielded the magic of the gods to save her island from dragon-riding colonizers must now save her sister from the same enemy, even if it means bargaining with a long-forgotten god and ending the world. Publication for the first book is planned for winter 2024; Emily Forney at BookEnds Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Eileen Rothschild at Wednesday Books has acquired Cubby Clark Is Not in Love, a YA rom-com by Mazey Eddings, author of the forthcoming Tilly in Technicolor. Pitched as Heartstopper: Volume 3 meets Almost Famous, this sapphic rom-com follows a chaotic band on the brink of collapse and the disastrous Icelandic road trip that's their last chance at stardom (as long as the bandmates can avoid catching feelings for each other along the way). Publication is scheduled for winter 2024; Courtney Miller Callihan at Handspun Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Suzy Capozzi at Union Square & Co. has bought Illusions of Fire by YA and contemporary romance writer Nisha Sharma. Pitched as Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets North Indian Hindu mythology, the YA paranormal fantasy follows the descendant of a fire goddess raised by a trio of rakshasi demons, the cocky warrior-in-training she meets, and most unfortunately, the end of the world prophecy. Sharma's first YA paranormal fantasy includes her trademark wit and a swoony romance. Publication is slated for 2024; Joy Tutela at David Black Literary handled the deal for world English rights.
Alexa Wejko at Soho Teen has acquired Tash McAdam's YA thriller No One Left but You. Ever since his summer romance turned into his bully, newly out trans guy Max is having a hard time at school—until he catches the eye of the new It girl, Gloss, and loses himself in an all-consuming relationship. When his bully is murdered and Gloss takes the blame, Max has to figure out who's lying, and who to trust. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Stacey Kondla negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Samantha Gentry at Little, Brown has bought Hearts of Gold by Kylie Schachte (You're Next), a YA action-adventure pitched as Our Flag Means Death meets modern-day Indiana Jones, with a sapphic hate-to-love romance, in which the daughter of a famous archeologist must team up with her arch-nemesis to uncover the truth about a legendary gang of queer pirates—and find their long-lost treasure. Publication is set for fall 2023; Margaret Sutherland Brown at Folio Literary did the deal. Schachte is now represented by Lauren Spieller at Triada US.
Tamara Grasty at Page Street Kids has acquired world rights to Malicia, a YA horror novel by Steven dos Santos. Pitched as One of Us Is Lying meets It, and set in a diabolical Dominican thriller theme park, four stranded teens navigating friendship and queer love must survive their own secrets and the terrors at the haunted site of one of the grisliest mass murders in history. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Lynnette Novak at the Seymour Agency brokered the deal.
Rachel Stark at Disney Hyperion has signed Jason June (Jay's Gay Agenda) to write The Spells We Cast—a YA contemporary fantasy in which two boys, pitted against each other in a contest to keep their magic, discover the sparks that fly between them—for the Melissa de la Cruz Studio imprint. Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author in a two-book deal, for publication starting in summer 2023.
Greg Hunter at Lerner/Graphic Universe has bought Just Another Story and Red Stones, two works of graphic nonfiction written and illustrated by Ernesto Saade. In Just Another Story, Saade shares his cousin's account of a hazardous migration from El Salvador to the U.S.; publication is planned for spring 2024. In Red Stones, Saade depicts the early years of the Salvadoran Civil War through the eyes of Olivia, a 13-year-old messenger from Santa Marta; publication is slated for fall 2025. Nicolas Grivel at Nicolas Grivel Agency represented Saade in the deals for world rights.
Alex Wolfe and Rob Valois at Penguin Workshop have acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to author-illustrator Brett Bean's Honey Bunny and Muk Muk Moose, an illustrated chapter book series about two forest friends who make whimsical inventions to help the forest—even if it takes a few times to get them right. Publication will begin in summer 2024; Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency negotiated the two-book deal.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights for two picture books and an early reader series by author-illustrator Greg Pizzoli (The Watermelon Seed). The early readers, Earl and Worm, introduce two unlikely friends, Earl E. Bird and Worm, as they navigate birthdays, writer's block, and more. The first picture book, Lucky Duck, follows Susan the duck as she finds out what it really means to feel lucky, and the second, titled When the Sun Goes Down, shows a child as she asks other critters where they go when the sun goes down, before she herself settles down for bed. Publication for the early readers will begin in summer 2024; the picture books are set for spring 2024 and spring 2026; Steven Malk at Writers House did the five-book deal.
Janine O'Malley at FSG has acquired A Letter to Olivo, a picture book by acclaimed author-illustrator Yangsook Choi (The Name Jar). Upon moving to the U.S. from Korea, Jihun is tasked with writing a letter to his best friend—but he is struggling to write in English, and his best friend back home can't read. Fueled by love and creativity, Jihun "writes" the class's most unique letter and in doing so connects with a neurodivergent student who also struggles with the assignment. Publication is planned for spring 2024; Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary Agency handled the deal for North American/UK/OM English and Korean rights.
Renee Kelly at Penguin Workshop has bought world rights to Programmed to Paint by visual development artist and debut author-illustrator Mauricio Abril. A young robot programmed to be perfect wants to create art, but there's just one problem: art isn't perfect. With the help of his classmates, he soon discovers the messy glory of creativity. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Alyssa Eisner Henkin of Birch Path Literary brokered the deal.
Joy Peskin at FSG has acquired world rights to Daniel Mahoney's picture book We Don't Eat Our Neighbors, which follows Libby and Herbert Alligator as they move from the swamp to the suburbs after their mother lands her dream job as a pastry chef, and Herbert learns to curb a craving for his favorite snack—people. Publication is slated for winter 2024; the author-illustrator represented himself.
Kate O'Sullivan at Clarion has bought, at auction, in a two-book deal, world rights to Gifts from Crows by Gideon Sterer (l.), co-author of The Christmas Owl, illustrated by Shadra Strickland (Loving vs. Virginia). The nonfiction picture book tells the true story of a food-dropping four-year-old and the crows in her neighborhood who delivered her hundreds of gifts in return (shiny rocks and shells and rings and toys, etc.), exploring the magic and mystery of human/animal friendships and the legacy and biology of these curious birds. Publication is set for fall 2024; Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the author, and Lori Nowicki represented the illustrator.
Lauri Hornik at Rocky Pond Books has acquired world rights to The Broken Heart by Aaron Chan (l.), Chinese Canadian writer, musician, and filmmaker, and author of This City Is a Minefield; Josiane Vlitos will illustrate. This picture book with identity-inspired LGBTQ2S+ themes tells the story of a girl who likes to fix things, and who sets out to help her brother mend his heart after his relationship with his boyfriend has ended. Publication is planned for spring 2024; Emmy Nordstrom Higdon at Westwood Creative Artists represented both the author and illustrator.
Andrea Welch at S&S/Beach Lane Books has bought world rights to Frances Gilbert's (l.) Can You Hug a Forest?, a picture book that imagines all the many ways to show love and gratitude to our forests, such as hugging leaves, ferns, and flowers—and even the wind and streams. Amy Hevron will illustrate; publication is scheduled for summer 2023. The author represented herself, and Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions represented the illustrator.
Nancy Inteli at HarperCollins has acquired world rights to Love Grows by Ruth Spiro (l.), author of the Baby Loves Science series, a picture book about a child's newfound love of plants, and how we can grow closer to our loved ones, even when miles apart, to be illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins. Publication is slated for winter 2024; Susan Hawk at Upstart Crow Literary represented the author, and Emily van Beek at Folio Literary Management represented the illustrator.
Claire Stetzer, while at Bloomsbury, bought Yay! by Jessica Kulekjian (l.), illustrated by Zara Gonzalez Hoang, a picture book celebrating all of life's moments, whether big or small. Alex Borbolla will edit; publication is planned for spring 2024. Tracy Marchini and James McGowan at BookEnds Literary represented the author, and Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Simon Boughton at Norton Young Readers has acquired world rights to The Oddball Book of Armadillos by Elizabeth Shreeve (l.) (Out of the Blue). The playful nonfiction picture book compares modern-day armadillos to their prehistoric cousins, with adaptations to changing climates and ecosystems over time. Isabella Grott will illustrate, along with the companion title, The Upside-Down Book of Sloths. Publication is set for winter 2024; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Kate Kendrick at Astound US represented the artist.
Jennifer Greene, while at Clarion, bought world rights to Becoming Real: The True Story of the Velveteen Rabbit, a debut nonfiction picture book biography by Molly Golden (l.), illustrated by Paola Escobar, chronicling how acclaimed children's author Margery Williams turned her grief to creativity in the process of writing the beloved classic. Anne Hoppe is editing; publication is set for winter 2025. Jacqui Lipton at Raven Quill Literary Agency represented the author, and Amy Kitcherside at Pickled Ink represented the illustrator.
Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has acquired world rights to Cicely, a picture book biography about the life of actress and trailblazer Cicely Tyson, whose career spanned decades, written by award-winning author Renée Watson (l.) and illustrated by fine artist Sherry Shine. Publication is scheduled for winter 2024; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Walter and Cathy Shannon at E&S Gallery represented the illustrator.
Anna Sargeant at Sourcebooks has bought world rights to The Reindeer Remainders by Katey Howes (l.), a picture book that showcases STEAM and SEL concepts as reindeer students divide into groups throughout the school day and learn to manage the emotions and logistics of being left out. Marie Hermansson will illustrate. Publication is slated for June 2024; Essie White at Storm Literary Agency represented the author, and Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Yolanda Scott at Charlesbridge has acquired world rights to Dear You, Dream Big, written by Baptiste Paul (l.) and illustrated by Toni Chambers. This picture book celebrates Black creativity, leadership, and innovation and encourages Black children to stand tall and be proud. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
