Karen Wojytla at McElderry Books has acquired North American rights to YA crossover romantasy Where the Dark Stands Still by Ania Poranek. When a young woman seeking to rid herself of magic is captured by the demon warden of the spirit wood, he offers her a bargain: one year of servitude in exchange for any wish. But, whisked away to his crumbling manor, she soon discovers the sinister truth at the heart of their deal. Publication is set for spring 2024; Victoria Marini at Irene Goodman Agency brokered the six-figure deal with the assistance of Catherine Cho, who sold UK and Commonwealth rights to Carmen McCullough at Penguin UK, also for six figures.
Wendy Loggia at Delacorte has bought Every Borrowed Beat by Erin Stewart (The Words We Keep). Seventeen-year-old Delaney has a new heart after years of waiting for a transplant. Not knowing what to do with time she never thought she'd have, Delaney latches onto the one thing that gives her meaning: learning as much as she can about the person whose heart she inherited. But Delaney's search for closure becomes more complicated after she befriends Clayton—the suspected donor's best friend and a boy who makes her new heart race. Publication is slated for fall 2024; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House sold U.S., Canada, non-exclusive open market rights.
Alexander Te Pohe at Entangled Teen has acquired The Lotus Flower Champion by mother-daughter authors Pintip Dunn (l.) and Love Dunn, pitched as Squid Game meets Peter Pan with folktales from Thailand; it's a fantasy thriller about a girl with OCD who is marooned with 11 other people on a remote island that looks like paradise but feels like hell, due to the machinations of a scientist desperate to unlock their latent psychic abilities. Stacy Abrams and Molly Majumder will edit; publication is planned for fall 2023. Kate Testerman at KT Literary did the deal for world rights.
Ashley Hearn at Peachtree Teen has bought Giddy Barber Explodes in 11 by debut author Dina Havranek, a YA novel that explores the effects of anxiety and burnout on the quiet teens who look "fine" on paper but are breaking underneath, in which a teen girl makes several terrible decisions in an effort to find the support she needs. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the deal for world rights.
Megan Brown at IDW has acquired world rights to Best Foot Forward!, a debut YA graphic novel by Liv Hamilton. After simultaneously coming out and confessing her feelings to her childhood best friend, wallflower band geek Lacey Hanley is left picking up the pieces of a broken friendship just in time for the start of the new marching season. Publication is set for fall 2026; Hamilton was unagented.
Margaret Ferguson at Holiday House/Margaret Ferguson Books has bought A Story of Our Own by APALA Medalist Kao Kalia Yang, a YA memoir about her journey to becoming a writer in a Hmong American refugee household and the stories that kept her family together. Publication is slated for summer 2025; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Margaret Raymo at Little, Brown has acquired world rights to a three-book middle grade graphic novel series, The Brainstormerz, written by Kwame Alexander (l.) and co-author Cassidy Dyce (c.), illustrated by Eisner Award-winning Rashad Doucet (r.), about three friends who put their heads together to think creatively and solve tricky problems, often with hilarious results. The first book in the series, Money Talks, will be published in summer 2025; Deneen Howell at Williams & Connolly represented the authors, and Jas Perry at KT Literary represented the illustrator.
Anna Parsons at Aladdin has bought North American rights to The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen, pitched as a cross between Wings of Fire and Gundam and set in a futuristic version of our solar system where the planets are inhabited by dragons. Lunar Jones, a young scavenger on the cursed planet of Mars, stumbles across a secret that will either unlock a new future for all Martians—or doom them forever. Publication of the first book is planned for fall 2024; Kristin Nelson at Nelson Literary Agency negotiated the two-book deal.
Alessandra Preziosi at Clarion has acquired world rights to Diana Ma's middle grade contemporary novel The Rainbow Fair. When Sophie Hu is put in charge of the Muslim booth at her middle school's Rainbow Fair, she has to navigate the complexities of friendship and intersectional cultural identities as a Chinese Muslim girl. Publication is scheduled for winter 2025; Christa Heschke and Daniele Hunter at McIntosh and Otis brokered the deal.
Howard W. Reeves at Abrams has bought We Are Warriors, journalist Ellen Lee's middle grade narrative nonfiction book that tells the story of Chinese Americans from their arrival in the U.S. in the mid-19th-century to today. Publication is projected for fall 2024; Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Agency handled the deal for world rights.
Karen Lotz and Andrea Tompa at Candlewick Press have acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Orris & Timble, a trilogy of early reader books about a misanthropic rat and a naïve owl—and the beginning of a beautiful friendship, by two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo (l.), illustrated by Carmen Mok. The first volume, Orris & Timble: The Beginning, is set to publish globally in spring 2024. Holly McGhee at Pippin Properties represented the author, and Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the illustrator.
Liz Szabla at Feiwel and Friends has bought North American rights to Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate's (l.) picture book adaptation of Odder, her 2022 novel, with Charles Santoso illustrating. Publication is planned for spring 2025; Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties represented the author, and Tamara Shannon at Shannon Associates represented the illustrator.
Andrea Welch at S&S/Beach Lane Books has acquired world rights to The Family Tree, a picture book about what happens when a family's rush-around, work-a-day ways are interrupted by something green, growing, and impossible to ignore, written by Liz Garton Scanlon (l.) and Audrey Vernick (c.), and illustrated by Fiona Lee (r.). Publication is slated for fall 2025; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the authors, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Sylvie Frank at Disney-Hyperion has bought world rights, in a preempt, to 7 Ate 9 author Tara Lazar's (l.) new picture book, Party Animals, and an untitled sequel, illustrated by Anna Raff. The Party Animals can make a party out of anything, but an unexpected ouchie incident causes them cease their celebrating and consider: is there always a bright side? The first book will publish in spring 2025; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Marcia Wernick at Wernick & Pratt represented the illustrator.
Paula Wiseman at S&S/Paula Wiseman Books has acquired world rights to Trusty Bus by Elizabeth Verdick (l.), illustrated by Jeff Harter, a picture book about a bustling school bus that takes care of beloved riders each day—and even keeps an eye on feathered friends—while also answering the question: “Where does the bus go when I’m in school?” Paula Wiseman and Danielle Collins will edit; publication is scheduled for summer 2025. Mary Cummings at Great River Literary represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Megan Abbate at Bloomsbury has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to A Year of Kites by Monisha Bajaj (l.), illustrated by Amber Ren. The picture book takes readers on a journey around the globe, showing how kites are flown to honor gods and ancestors, bring good fortune, celebrate milestones, and join communities together. Publication is set for winter 2025; the author was unagented, and Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Brett Duquette at Little Bee Books has acquired in an exclusive submission, world rights to Rushie Ellenwood's (l.) debut picture book, A Song for Nolan, illustrated by Sally Chen, and published in partnership with GLAAD, about a nonbinary child who, while attending a birthday party at a rollerskating rink, is inspired to request a song for a gender-inclusive "all-skate." Publication is planned for summer 2024; Alexandra Weiss at Azantian Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator was unagented.
Sunita Apte at Reycraft has bought world rights to Packhorse Librarians by Candice Ransom (l.) (Only Margaret), illustrated by Massimiliano di Lauro. The picture book tells of one young librarian determined to bring books to the children and families who were isolated by mountains and poverty in early 20th-century Appalachia. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Victoria Wells Arms at HG Literary represented the author, and Naima Danawi at Illozoo represented the illustrator.
Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has acquired world rights to Old Clothes for Dinner?!, by Nathalie Alonso (l.), illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro. When Magaly's Cuban abuela comes to live with her family and cooks a dish called ropa vieja, Magaly scrambles to hide her old clothes before they end up on her dinner plate. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Heather Cashman at Storm Literary Agency represented the author, and Jess Lomax at Inkling Illustration represented the illustrator.
Bobbie Bensur at Paw Prints has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to The Museum Lives in Me, a picture book series that explores concepts self-discovery, empowerment, and the power of art, as inspired by our world's museums and their collections, from author, documentarian, and children's bookstore owner Victoria Scott-Miller (l.). Francisco Santoya will illustrate the first book, with a different illustrator to be featured in each subsequent title. Publication will start in spring 2024; Regina Brooks at Serendipity Literary represented the author in the five-book deal, and Jesse Byrd at Jesse B. Creative represented the illustrator.
Connie Hsu at Roaring Brook has acquired, in a preempt, to Susie Yi 's debut YA graphic novel When a Tiger Flies, which follows a 16-year-old Korean-American prodigy as she attends her first year at Harvard. A daughter of a "Tiger Mom," Ara is far from her overprotective family and struggles with school, friendships, and a toxic first love, and discovers that she herself is a tiger too—strong, fierce, and resilient. Publication is planned for spring 2025; Kathleen Ortiz at KO Media Management sold world English rights.
Jim Chadwick at DC Comics has bought Barda by Ngozi Ukazu, a YA graphic novel that features the iconic New God warrior as a teen who finds herself curious about love even on the harsh world of Apokolips, and uses her strength to forge a path from soldier to hero. Publication is slated for summer 2024; Chelsea Eberly at Greenhouse Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Meg Gaertner at Flux has acquired debut author Crystal J. Bell's The Lamplighter, a feminist YA horror novel set in a 19th-century whaling village that is famous for its lucky ship figureheads—and infamous for people disappearing into the nightly fog. When a girl goes missing during 18-year-old Temperance's watch as lamplighter, Temperance will risk everything to expose the dark truth behind the disappearances. Publication is set for spring 2024; Michelle Hauck at Storm Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Alexa Wejko at Soho Teen has bought Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello. In this hate-to-love YA romance, popular guy Trey and artsy, introverted Ariel have nothing in common—until they have to team up to save Trey's family's business, the oldest Black-owned bookshop in London, from closing before the Christmas Eve deadline. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Simon & Schuster UK sold North American rights.
Andrea Colvin at Little, Brown has acquired, at auction, in a six-figure deal, The Weirdies by Michael Buckley, an illustrated middle grade novel pitched as Tim Burton meets Annie, in which three bizarre and slightly psychotic siblings attempt to fit in in the dull suburbs of Sunshine Circle. Publication is planned for spring 2025; Alison Fargis at Stonesong did the two-book deal for world rights, and Addison Duffy negotiated the TV deal to CBS on behalf of Cloud Nine Productions.
Brian Geffen at Henry Holt has bought, at auction, Deeply Dave, a debut middle-grade graphic novel adapted from an animated webcomic by Mike Grover. Deep sea diver Dave plunges into the abyss to save his astronaut mom from the monsters that lurk below, and while searching the aquatic darkness, learns from some surprising allies the true meaning of friendship. Publication is slated for 2025; Chad Luibl at Janklow & Nesbit brokered the deal for world rights.
Stephanie Stein at HarperCollins has acquired, in an exclusive submission, North American rights to middle grade novel The Truth About Triangles by Lambda Literary Award finalist Michael Leali (The Civil War of Amos Abernathy). Pizza-obsessed, openly gay 12-year-old Luca Salvatore is determined to rescue his family's failing pizzeria; an opportunity to showcase their restaurant on a cooking show might just be what Luca needs to fix everything and chase his pizza dreams. Publication is set for summer 2024; Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties handled the deal.
Erinn Pascal at Andrews McMeel has bought world rights to Matt Eicheldinger's debut children's book, Matt Sprouts and the Curse of Ten Broken Toes, about 12-year-old Matt Sprouts who, after a chain of unfortunate events, thinks he is cursed, and must put a stop to his misfortune by growing up, taking action, and learning that friendships are the most important part of conquering the impossible. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Dani Segelbaum at the Carol Mann Agency negotiated the two-book deal.
Catherine Laudone at S&S/Paula Wiseman Books has acquired Wonder & Awe by Annie Herzig, a debut picture book about a girl's sense of awe coming alive with her new snowy friend. But when it all melts away, waiting to see her friend again seems unbearable, until the girl rediscovers the magical wonder all around her. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Charlotte Wenger at Prospect Agency sold world rights.
Kate O'Sullivan at Clarion has bought world rights to Here's to The Horses, a picture book by Gideon Sterer (l.), illustrated by Daniel Miyares. Set in conversation with the reader, the book is a love letter, ode, and history of horses as well as an honest accounting of the incredible debts they are owed. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the author, and Studio Goodwin Sturges represented the illustrator.
Joan Powers at Candlewick has acquired world rights to Hazel the Handful by Jamie Michalak (l.), illustrated by Matt Myers, a picture book about a feisty Yorkie who lives a sensational life with her girl, Bea, until the baby shows up and (nearly) ruins everything. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Victoria Wells Arms at HG Literary represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Helen Brown at Magic Cat has bought world rights for The Little Book of Words That Matter: 100 Words for Every Child to Understand by Joanne Ruelos Diaz (l.), illustrated by Annelies Draws. The inclusive collection of 100 words introduces children to complex concepts—from managing big feelings to celebrating our differences to inspiring change. Publication is set for fall 2023; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Yolanda Scott at Charlesbridge has acquired world rights to Just Us by Molly Beth Griffin (l.), illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan. In the picture book, a family's holiday plans are thwarted by a snowstorm, and the family must adapt their usual traditions for a smaller, yet still meaningful, celebration. Publication is planned for summer 2024; Jennifer Flannery at Flannery Literary represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Andrea Welch at S&S/Beach Lane Books has bought world rights to The Bone Wars: The True Story of an Epic Battle to Find Dinosaur Fossils by Jane Kurtz (l.), illustrated by Alexander Vidal. The nonfiction picture book tells the story of two 19th-century paleontologists, O.C. Marsh and Edward Cope, whose friendship turned to rivalry as they raced to discover the best new dinosaur fossils in a scientific battle filled with sabotage, espionage, and secrecy. Publication is set for fall 2023; Kari Sutherland at Bradford Literary represented the author, and Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary represented the illustrator.
Kayla Tostevin at Page Street Kids has acquired world rights to Conga, Wild and Free: A Howler Monkey's Triumphant Rescue by Becca McMurdie (l.), illustrated by Lisa Fields, the true story of a rescued baby monkey raised by a biologist in Costa Rica and successfully released back into the rainforest. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Christy Tugeau Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Kate DePalma at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to the picture book Firefly Galaxy by Sarah Nelson (l.), illustrated by Argentinian artist Estrellita Caracol; Autumn Allen will edit. Sofia and her siblings can hardly wait for nightfall—Sofia hopes to fill a jar with fireflies. When at last Mars flickers and the owl hoo-hoos, Sofia and her family venture into a summer night where firefly light is like a glittering galaxy. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Marilyn Brigham at Amazon/Two Lions has acquired world rights to The Last Day Julian Was My Best Friend by Jody Jensen Shaffer (l.), illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, a picture book about a boy who wants to have one last amazing day with his best friend before he has to tell his friend the truth about the terrible thing he did. Publication is planned for May 2024; the author represented herself, and Mela Bolinao at MB Artists represented the illustrator.
Rebecca Davis at Astra Young Readers has bought world rights in a preempt to Sea Wolves: Keepers of the Rainforest by Melanie Crowder (l.) and Megan Benedict (c.), illustrated by Roy Henry Vickers (r.). Told in free verse, this is a portrait of an elusive species: wolves that have adapted in remarkable ways to their coastal environment. Publication is slated for fall 2024; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the authors, and the illustrator represented himself.
Bobbie Bensur at Paw Prints Publishing has acquired world rights to several picture books, in a seven-book deal, from author-illustrator and youth services public librarian Farouqua Abuzeit, writing as Fifi Abu, in an exclusive submission. In Some Moms, Abu weaves an ode to mothers of all sorts; publication is scheduled for November 2023. The author is unagented.
