Random House Children’s Books and Dr. Seuss Enterprises have revealed the inaugural title from Seuss Studios, a new line of books in the Dr. Seuss publishing program at RHCB. Inspired by unpublished sketches and illustrations created by Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), the line launches on January 7, 2025, with Hello, Sun! by Lala Watkins. In this story, a worm, his friends, and the sun itself enjoy a day filled with activities sparked by their imaginations.
Watkins, a Florida resident, has previously illustrated four picture books, including Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging by chef Eric Adjepong. She is also the author-illustrator of board books Little Boo’s Halloween Party and Little Santa’s Workshop.
“To have the team at Seuss Studios and Dr. Seuss Enterprises support my dream to create books that inspire eager young readers means so much to me,” Watkins said in a statement. “Somewhere, somebody is going to pick up Hello, Sun! and say, ‘Let me read you this story’—and isn’t that delightful?”
Seuss Studios’ inaugural roster of author-illustrators also features Avani Dwivedi, Sarah Hwang, and Jerrard K. Polk, whose titles and publication dates will be announced at a future date.
The sketches and illustrations that serve as inspiration pieces for Seuss Studios books have been selected from the Dr. Seuss Collection archives at UC San Diego, curated by DSE and RHCB. Each book in the line will include Geisel’s original sketch or illustration along with a note from the book’s creator on the selection.
Loehr and Martha Rago, VP and executive creative director of RHCB, will oversee editorial and art direction for Seuss Studios books, working with associate editor Maria Correa and senior designer Michelle Kim.
Seuss Studios follows in Geisel’s career-long tradition of supporting emerging writers and artists. In 1957, he cofounded the Beginner Books imprint at RHCB, the iconic line that includes his own classics, such as The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham, and opened new doors for creators who were just launching their publishing careers or who worked in other creative industries. Among the authors and illustrators whose early books were released by Beginner Books are Stan and Jan Berenstain, P.D. Eastman, Joan Heilbroner, Robert Lopshire, Roy McKie, and Al Perkins.
“Dr. Seuss inspired countless writers, illustrators, and artists to make a difference in the lives of children,” said Susan Brandt, president and CEO of DSE. “The Seuss Studios line is designed to continue that legacy in his name. It is an honor to introduce these new voices and stories with our partners at Random House Children’s Books.”
“We are excited to continue the tradition started with Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Books and work with such talented new voices to create fresh new stories for today’s readers,” said Mallory Loehr, EVP and publisher of RHCB. “We could not be prouder to welcome this inaugural group of Seuss Studios creators to our list.”
Hello, Sun! by Lala Watkins. Random House/Seuss Studios, $9.99 Jan. 7, 2025 ISBN 978-0-593-64621-2
