Bria Ragin at Delacorte Press has acquired The Protégé by Erica Ridley, pitched as Cruella meets Dexter. In this historical horror novel set in 19th-century France, an 18-year-old girl would kill to become assistant to Paris's top modiste, and does, while also seeking revenge against the bourgeoisie responsible for the death of her family. Publication is slated for summer 2025; Lauren Abramo at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret sold world rights.
Arthur A. Levine at Levine Querido has bought Printz Honoree Sacha Lamb's next YA fantasy novel, Sorel. It follows teenage runaway Sorel as she takes on the male identity of Isser Jacobs, but it soon becomes clear that there is a real Isser Jacobs—and people want him dead. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency brokered the deal for world English rights.
Lydia Gregovic at Delacorte Press has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson (A Hunger of Thorns), a dark academia YA fantasy in which a teen girl travels to an exclusive boarding school located deep within the Scottish moorlands after a deadly incident at her old school, but her fresh start is interrupted when she discovers that its halls are hiding centuries of secrets—including an ancient society that may have ties to demonic magic. Publication is planned for spring 2025. Katelyn Detweiler at Jill Grinberg Literary Management did the deal for North American rights.
Ashley Hearn at Peachtree Teen has bought Hollow by Taylor Grothe, a queer YA horror debut in which Cassie Davis returns to her hometown in upstate New York, eager to mask her autism diagnosis from her old friends—but when tensions rise on a backpacking trip, Cassie discovers an off-the-grid compound where an enigmatic woodcarver makes her feel for the first time as if she truly belongs. Publication is set for fall 2025; Larissa Melo Pienkowski at Jill Grinberg Literary Management negotiated the two-book deal for world rights.
Annette Pollert-Morgan at Sourcebooks Fire has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Payback Girls and a second untitled book by Alex Travis. In this YA thriller debut, three high school teens become the prime suspects when their basketball star ex-boyfriend lands in the ICU fighting for his life. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Dorian Maffei at Kimberley Cameron & Associates sold world English rights.
Alex Borbolla at Bloomsbury has acquired world rights to Holding On for Dear Life by Dusti Bowling (Dust). In this middle grade novel, a sensitive boy dealing with the loss of his mother must choose between the rough and tumble world of rodeo and the healing power of music. Publication is slated for fall 2025; Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency handled the six-figure, two-book deal.
Lauren Kisare at Little, Brown Ink has bought, at auction, Maya Henderson's debut middle-grade graphic novel, Brainbow, in which a girl who senses colors discovers she has synesthesia and must learn to embrace her identity while navigating difficult friendships and a competitive academic club. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Lori Steel at Red Fox Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Alison Weiss at Pixel + Ink has acquired Treasure of the Lost Isles, a middle grade adventure by Noël Baris featuring a girl in her first year at boarding school on the high seas, who discovers a possible trail to her long-lost mother while also uncovering secrets that might expose the whereabouts of an infamous pirate. Publication is set for fall 2024; Eva Scalzo at Speilburg Literary did the two-book deal for world rights.
Kirstie Hudson at Orca Books has bought Meet Your Robot Overlord by Helaine Becker, a middle grade nonfiction title exploring the latest generation of AI, its long and often fascinating history, and the ethical debate surrounding its use. Publication is scheduled for 2025; Emelie Burl at Susan Schulman Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has acquired, at auction, world rights to Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano (l.), illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Marla Frazee. This picture book tells the story of a tantrum, and how even in the middle of not putting on a shoe, parent and child are still their unconditionally loveable selves. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Steven Malk at Writers House represented the author and illustrator.
Taylor Norman at Holiday House/Neal Porter Books has bought author-illustrator Aubrey Nolan's debut picture book, Bee and the Visitors, the story of Bee, who can't settle into life in her new town until she makes friends with a band of otherworldly creatures who teach her to appreciate the beauty of her surroundings—and of herself. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Anjali Singh at Ayesha Pande Literary handled the deal for world rights.
Rachel Matson while at Scholastic acquired world rights to Nice to Meet Eat You by Karen Yin (l.), illustrated by Carolina Coroa, a Hansel and Gretel-inspired Halloween picture book about a sneaky witch who lures a group of children to her house. The witch's verbal gaffes keep the children on their toes as they try to figure out if the witch has their best interests at heart—or if they're the meal. Cindy Kim will edit; publication is set for summer 2025. Jennie Kendrick at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and James McGowan at BookEnds Literary represented the illustrator.
Nancy Siscoe at Knopf has bought world rights for The Island by Gideon Sterer (l.), illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. This social-emotional learning picture book follows a child who takes a boat to the Island—where they can have the space to feel their emotions fully, and work through them. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the author, and Paul Rodeen at Rodeen Literary represented the illustrator.
Erum Khan at Abrams has acquired world rights to Cookies and Crescents: An Eid Story by Nada Shawish Dutka (l.), illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia. After moving away from her bustling city and large extended family, a girl discovers that while her Eid traditions may look a little different in a new home, it's the community you create that matters. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Paige Terlip at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Aurora Barlam at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Dena Neusner at Apples & Honey has bought world rights to Saliman and the Memory Stone by Erica Lyons (l.) (Alone Together on Dan Street), illustrated by Yinon Ptahia. This picture book is based on the true story of a boy and his family leaving Yemen in 1881 and setting out for Jerusalem on foot while holding onto memories from Yemen along the way. It's set for spring 2024; Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author and Efrat Levin-Yoffe Meayrimim at the Secret Agency represented the artist.
Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear Press has acquired world rights to picture book Hattie, the Little Camper by Danielle Davison (l.), illustrated by Alyssa Russell. Hattie is a happy little camper who keeps her (human) family warm, safe, and dry. But when the children grow up and move on, Hattie must learn to weather the seasons and, perhaps, meet new friends. Publication is scheduled for 2026; Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Christie Megill at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Naomi Krueger at Beaming Books has bought, with Elizabeth Schleisman editing, world rights to Thanksgiving Is a Blessing, a picture book by Rachel Tawil Kenyon (l.), illustrated by Udayana Lugo, about Thanksgiving as a holiday, as a sacred time, and as a state of being and mind. Publication is planned for fall 2025; Mary Cummings at Great River Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Naomi Shulman at PJ Publishing has acquired world rights to Uno Dos Tres by Ladino composer Sarah Aroeste (l.), illustrated by Nathalie Belhassen, a counting book in Ladino, the language once prominent among Sephardi Jews. Publication is slated for fall 2025; Linda Epstein at Emerald City Literary Agency represented the author, and Anna Olswanger at Olswanger Literary represented the illustrator.
Madeleine Dunphy at Web of Life has bought world rights to Mud to the Rescue! by debut author Tanya Konerman (l.), illustrated by Melanie Cataldo. This nonfiction picture book explores the ingenious ways animals use mud to thrive and survive. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Mona Kanin at Great Dog Literary represented the author and artist.
Deidra Purvis at Free Spirit has acquired Anya's Untitled Art by Ellen Seal. Anya's deep-rooted passion for creating art is trampled when she falls victim to the trap of seeking approval from others; a timely surprise at the art museum may be just what she needs to rekindle the joy she once felt. Publication is planned for summer 2025; Karly Dizon at Fuse Literary sold world rights.
Lydia Gregovic at Delacorte Press has acquired, at auction, in a six-figure deal, I.V. Marie's debut duology, Immortal Consequences, a multi-POV YA dark fantasy in which six teens, caught between life and death at the enigmatic Blackwood Academy, must compete for the chance to make a once-in-eternity choice—cross over to the other side, or Ascend and remain at Blackwood forever—but sinister forces are playing the game, too. Publication for the first book is set for summer 2025; Ariele Fredman and Gwen Beal at United Talent Agency did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Kelsey Horton at Delacorte Press has bought two books by Beth Reekle, author of the bestselling The Kissing Booth: Beach Cute, about three girls at a summer beach resort retreat; and Love & Lattes, a romance about an overachieving girl who accidentally kisses the CEO's son right before her internship begins. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024 and fall 2024; Becca Langton at Darley Anderson Children's Book Agency sold North American rights.
Suzy Capozzi at Union Square Kids has acquired Sarah Dvojack's Welcome to Fear City, an illustrated YA horror novel set in 1977 New York City, about a teenage girl and her friends contending with an ancient, evil force while the rest of the city is obsessed with the serial killer later known as the Son of Sam. Ardyce Alspach will edit; publication is slated for fall 2024. Linda Camacho at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Katie Scott at Kids Can Press has bought Robin Stevenson's The Book of Jupiter, a middle grade novel that follows 13-year-old Ara, who lives in an isolated community led by Father Jupiter, a self-appointed prophet who believes they will one day return to the planet Jupiter as stardust. Doubts and questions are forbidden, but when Ara's brother goes missing, Ara must risk it all to uncover the truth. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Maria Vicente at P.S. Literary sold world English rights.
Della Farrell at Holiday House has acquired The Ballad of X-Ray and Koko, the middle grade graphic novel debut from cartoonist Nicole J. Georges (Calling Dr. Laura; Fetch: How a Bad Dog Brought Me Home), the story of a girl named X-Ray, her pet chicken, a life-changing queer friendship, and her journey to finding the place she belongs. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Anjali Singh at Ayesha Pande Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Mark Siegel at First Second has bought world rights to Mia and Friends by Karlin Gray (l.), illustrated by Micheline Hess. Based on the true story of soccer legend Mia Hamm, this middle grade graphic novel starring Mia and her 1999 World Cup teammates recounts how a shy kid found a home in athletics, a sisterhood in a soccer team, and a place in sports history. Publication is set for fall 2024; Charlotte Wenger at Prospect Agency represented the author, and Judy Hansen at Hansen Literary represented the illustrator.
Tamar Brazis at Viking has acquired world rights to ghostwriter by Ally Condie (l.) (the Matched series), illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, a humorous picture book about the unlikely pen pal relationship between a child and a ghost. Publication is planned for summer 2026; Jodi Reamer at Writers House represented the author and artist.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has bought world rights to Bing's Cherries by Livia Blackburne (l.), illustrated by Julia Kuo, in a six-figure deal and a six-house auction. The picture book weaves a tall tale out of historical facts about Ah Bing, a Chinese immigrant to the U.S. who is the namesake for the Pacific Northwest's most delicious cherries. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the artist.
Celia Lee at Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights to The Underwearwolf by Gideon Sterer (l.), illustrated by Charles Santoso. The picture book follows a boy who ignores the manufacturer's warning on his new fuzzy underwear and gets transformed into a werewolf, balancing his beastly urges with his desire to be free of the supernatural undies. Publication is set for summer 2026; Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the author, and Tamara Shannon at Shannon Associates represented the illustrator.
Jessica Anderson at Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano Books has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Ramadan for Everyone: A Muslim Community Story by Aya Khalil (l.), illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh (The Night Before Eid), a picture book about faith, taqwa, self-esteem, and acts of service during the holy month of Ramadan, scheduled for winter 2026. Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Kathleen Keenan at Kids Can Press has acquired world rights to I Built a Rocket Ship by Anna Lazowski (l.), illustrated by Jennica Lounsbury, a picture book about a child who mourns a loss by building a rocket ship to reach a loved one who feels as far away as the stars. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Moe Ferrara represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Christopher Robbins at Familius has bought Earth Rover, the debut picture book by author-illustrator Taylor Woolley, in which Rover, a basset hound, applies to be NASA's next lunar rover for a special reason. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Dan Cramer at Page Turner Literary Agency sold world rights.
