Andrew Arnold at HarperAlley has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to High School Bites by Kami Garcia (l.) (Teen Titans: Raven), illustrated by Sweeney Boo (Over My Dead Body). In the YA graphic novel, a newly turned teen vampire, who considers herself a monster, realizes she's perfectly poised to protect the most vulnerable people at her school when she takes on the kings of her high school's social scene. Things will definitely get bloody. Publication is set for 2026; Jodi Reamer at Writers House represented the author, and Britt Siess at Britt Siess Creative Management represented the illustrator.
Kristin Allard at Norton Young Readers has bought Bad Creek, a debut YA horror novel by Peyton June. Queer teen Iris and her lifelong friends grapple with the mysterious death of Iris's older sister, only to uncover a malevolent secret lurking in the depths of their vacation lake town of Bad Creek, home to the world's second-largest crucifix and an unholy host of drowned girls. Publication is planned for summer 2025; Miriam Cortinovis at ArtHouse Literary did the deal for world rights.
Anne Schwartz at Random House/Anne Schwartz Books has acquired world rights to Rhino Country by Sibert Medalist Candace Fleming. This middle grade nonfiction book is a deep dive into the insidious rhino poaching business in South Africa. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Ethan Ellenberg at the Ethan Ellenberg Agency negotiated the deal.
Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has bought The AI Incident by J.E. Thomas, a Wild Robot meets Restart middle grade story about Malcolm Montgomery, the unluckiest kid in Colorado foster care, whose time to be adopted is running out and who's also dealing with a rogue autonomous AI robot at school. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Quressa Robinson at Folio Literary Management sold world rights.
Jessica Garrison at Dial has acquired, at auction, author-illustrator Jerrold Connors's debut picture book, JIM! Six True Stories About One Great Artist, a biographical retelling of the life and work of James Marshall, famous for his picture books Miss Nelson Is Missing! and George and Martha, among many others. Created in Marshall's own irreverent style of art and storytelling, the biography celebrates in both form and content what made James Marshall so talented, funny, and special. Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights, with publication set for summer 2025.
Mary-Kate Gaudet at Little, Brown has bought world rights to The Secret Life of Dog Toys, a picture book by Kelly DiPucchio (l.), illustrated by Jenn Harney, about a troupe of squeaky heroes on a mission to save the family dog. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Rachel Orr at Prospect Agency represented the artist.
Alex Wolfe at Penguin Workshop has acquired world rights to Wowrus, a picture book by Monica Roe (l.), illustrated by Caroline McPherson. Walrus always helps his friends look on the bright side, but when he breaks his tusk, he realizes that perhaps not everything can—or should—be bright all the time. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Jacqui Lipton represented the author, and Kelly Dyksterhouse represented the illustrator, both at Tobias Literary Agency.
Jenne Abramowitz at Sourcebooks Jabberwocky has bought world rights to Pay Attention to Me! by Kate McKean (l.), illustrated by Rob Justus, in which Edgar the cat, tired of his humans not having enough time for him, decides to become a superstar to get their attention. Publication is slated for summer 2026; Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Molly O'Neill at Root Literary represented the illustrator.
Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has acquired world rights to Baseball for Breakfast by Judy Campbell-Smith (l.), illustrated by Maggie Carroll, based on a true story and set during WWII with dads off at war and moms working nights. A young baseball fan's chance meeting with the owner of the Milwaukee Brewers inspires a new idea: morning baseball games (with breakfast included). Publication is set for spring 2026; Shari Maurer at Stringer Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Carol Hinz at Lerner/Millbrook has bought world rights to Rewriting the Rules by Danna Zeiger (l.), illustrated by Josée Bisaillon. This picture book biography introduces young readers to Dr. Kathleen Friel, who was born with cerebral palsy and defied expectations, earning a PhD in neurophysiology and starting her own lab to help children with CP. Publication is planned for fall 2025; Jonathan Rosen at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Kelly Pelsue at Morgan Gaynin represented the illustrator.
Adonia Ripple and Kira Bouchard at Yosemite Conservancy have acquired world rights to Bear Loves His Home by Karen Jameson (l.), illustrated by Ishaa Lobo, a picture book that celebrates a black bear cub's growing independence, the mother-cub bond, and the many natural delights discovered on an evening forage. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025; Kathleen Rushall represented the author and Jennifer Rofé represented the illustrator, both at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
Sarah Howden at Orca has bought world rights to Foodie Fest by Rina Singh (l.), illustrated by Flo Leung. Told in rhyme, this picture book is an introduction to the diverse foods of the world. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Essie White at Storm Literary Agency represented the author, and Jackie Kaiser at Westwood Creative Artists represented the illustrator.
Rose Lepore at The Little Press has acquired world rights to Best Friends with Grandma and Best Friends with Grandpa by Bitsy Kemper (l.), illustrated by Amelia Gossman. Each picture book celebrates the special bond between grandparent and grandchild and illustrates the wonderful ways grandparents influence a child's life. Publication for Grandma is set for fall 2025, and publication for Grandpa is set for fall 2026; the author and illustrator represented themselves.
Sarah McCabe at McElderry Books has acquired Coldwire by Chloe Gong (These Violent Delights), the first in a YA dystopian trilogy. It's set in the near future where life has moved to virtual reality, following an ousted corporate soldier racing to clear her name of treason alongside the enemy who is truly guilty. Publication is set for fall 2025; Laura Crockett at Triada US did the high six-figure deal for North American rights.
Calista Brill at First Second Books has acquired world rights to Max in the Middle by Steve Foxe (l.) illustrated by Mike Amante, a middle grade graphic novel trilogy about the rapidly changing family dynamics around a boy named Max. Jill Freshney will also edit. Publication of the first book is planned for spring 2026; the author represented himself, and Uwe Stender and Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the illustrator.
Maya Marlette at Graphix has bought world English rights, at auction, to Sea Legs by Jules Bakes (l.) and Niki Smith, a middle grade graphic memoir about a girl who lives and travels with her family on a schooner the size of a school bus, encountering new cultures, turbulent friendships, and hurricane season along the way. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Charlie Olsen at InkWell Management handled the two-book deal for world English rights.
Maggie Lehrman at Abrams has acquired world English rights to Roohi and Nate Are Not on the Same Page by Supriya Kelkar (l.) and Jarrett Lerner, an illustrated middle grade novel about two 11-year-olds with seemingly nothing in common who bond in a school book club, and when their beloved librarian's job is in danger they must work together to try to save it. Publication is set for spring 2026; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented Kelkar, and Myrsini Stephanides at Arc Literary Management represented Lerner.
Margaret Ferguson at Holiday House has bought world rights to Claudia Mills's latest middle-grade novel, Calliope Clark & the Search for Wisdom, about a girl living with her grandparents who is inspired by ancient wisdom. Publication is scheduled for spring 2026; Stephen Fraser at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency brokered the deal.
Jessica Smith at Aladdin has acquired Tested, a futuristic middle grade novel by Anna Monders. When 14-year-old Mikayla discovers that her Elite status is a sham and the Genetic Report Card that gives her access to privilege and safety belongs to another girl, she must accept her identity or find a way to fight the harsh societal rules. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary sold world rights.
Carol Hinz at Lerner/Millbrook has bought world rights to Watching and Waiting by Sara Levine, a photographic introduction to a variety of eggs, egg cases, and galls that highlights the value of close observation and patience. Publication is planned for spring 2025; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency negotiated the deal.
Pam Bobowicz at Workman has acquired world rights to The ABCs of Women's History by poet Rio Cortez (l.) and artist Lauren Semmer, a picture book celebrating the passion and progress of women's changing roles and rights throughout time, and features legendary figures like Maya Angelou, Martha P. Johnson, Kathleen Hanna, and more. Publication is set for spring 2025; Wendi Gu at GreenburgerKids represented the author, and Lori Kilkelly at LK Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Nicholas Magliato and Celina Sun at Penguin Workshop have bought world rights to Goodnight, Broom: A Spine-Tingling Spoof by Deb Adamson (l.), illustrated by Ma Pe. In this board book, a goodnight classic gets a witchy spin, featuring a young witch, creepy critters, and spooky humor. Publication is scheduled for summer 2025; the author represented herself, and Atlanta Japp at Advocate Art represented the illustrator.
Lauri Hornik at Rocky Pond Books has acquired world rights to Fanny's Big Idea by Richard Michelson (l.), illustrated by Alyssa Russell. This picture book biography tells the story of Fanny Goldstein, the first Jewish librarian in the U.S. and the woman who originated Jewish Book Month, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025. Publication is slated for fall 2025; the author represented himself, and Christie Megill at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear Press has bought world rights for Once a Wasteland: How a Toxic Dump Became Part of a National Park by Diane Muldrow (l.), illustrated by Amy Jindra, which tells the story of a former junkyard near Ohio's Cuyahoga River, polluted for decades with toxic chemicals, now rehabilitated into a wetland home to bald eagles, wildflowers, and toads. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Jennifer Unter at the Unter Agency represented the author, and Emily Fernandez at Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Maria Dismondy and Adam Blackman at Cardinal Rule Press have acquired world rights to Just Ducky by Berrie Torgan-Randall (Bella & Blue: Bella Meets Blue, which follows a girl whose fixation on ducks sets her apart from the other campers until she learns to listen and make space for the other campers' interests. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025.
