Rachel Stark at Disney Hyperion has acquired, at auction, in a six-figure deal, Darianne Schramm's debut novel, 72 Hours of You. Aimed at fans of John Green and They Both Die at the End, the tragically romantic YA follows Sydney, a sarcastic nihilist with the heartbreaking ability to see when someone has less than 72 hours to live, as she falls for Peter, the annoyingly cute and optimistic boy who changes how she sees life—and death. Publication is scheduled for summer 2026; Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary Agency did the deal for North American rights.
Ashley Hearn at Peachtree Teen has bought Honeytrap by Kiana Krystle, an upper YA contemporary fantasy pitched as Greta Gerwig's Barbie meets Daisy Jones & the Six. Musically talented fairy Jolie has always expected to enter her island paradise's court. But when her soulmate disappears during the bonding ceremony, her future is called into question. Hoping to patch her reputation, Jolie follows her soulmate to the real world, where new friends and experiences lead her to question her island's traditions. Publication is set for spring 2027; Naomi Davis at Bookends Literary handled the deal for world rights.
Elizabeth Lazowski at Chronicle has acquired world English rights to The Catterfly Rider: First Flight by Katie Schenkel (l.), illustrated by Kasia Babis, a YA graphic novel about a teen in a kingdom where winged cats are ridden as mighty steeds, who must rescue her brother who has been kidnapped by an evil sorceress. Emily Daluga will edit; publication is slated for spring 2027. Claire Draper at Azantian Literary Agency represented the author, and Farley Chase at Chase Literary represented the illustrator in the two-book deal.
Marilyn Kretzer at Blackstone has bought North American rights to The Cure by Pedro Urvi, first in a new YA fantasy series. A woman's perilous journey to defy a divine curse and reclaim hope unfolds as she unearths a lost cure that could save humanity. Publication will begin in fall 2026; Mark Gottlieb at Trident Media Group negotiated the deal.
Kara Sargent at Aladdin has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff (author of the bestselling Crave series), launching a high-concept middle grade Greek myth boarding school series featuring Penelope Weaver, a girl who learns she has the power to change stories... and perhaps the entire world. Publication will begin in January 2026; Emily Sylvan Kim at Prospect Agency represented the author in the two-book deal.
Kristin Allard at Norton Young Readers has bought, at auction, Alexandra Ott's middle grade trilogy, Codebreakers. The series follows 12-year-old Emma Avery who, following a recent autism diagnosis, starts at a new school and befriends a group of code-busting students on a race to uncover the locations of powerful magical objects hidden in the ruins of a nearby ghost town, before their sinister rivals can use them for dark magic. The first book, The Wish Ring Cipher, is planned for winter 2026, with books two and three publishing in fall 2026 and summer 2027 respectively. Victoria Doherty Munro at Writers House did the deal for USCOM rights.
Caitlin O'Connell at Penguin Workshop has acquired world rights to Riley Dare: Slightly Witchy Sleuth and two sequels by M.K. England, a middle grade mystery in which Riley must solve a disappearance at the escape room she lives above, as well as uncover the truth of her small town’s most legendary crime, using her wits and just a touch of magic. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Eric Smith brokered the deal while at P.S. Literary Agency.
Katherine Easter at Zonderkidz has bought world rights to Outlook Unclear by Jenni L. Walsh (Operation: Happy). In this middle grade novel pitched for fans of I Survived, an 11-year-old girl, who is shell-shocked after the London Blitz, relying on a Magic 8 Ball to make her decisions, and labeled "delicate" because of her weak lungs, is sent on a "health holiday" to heal in the fresh air of Switzerland, but when her new friends go missing in the mountains, she needs to find the strength to trust in herself again to rescue them. Publication is set for 2027; Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency negotiated the deal.
Grace Maccarone at Holiday House has acquired world rights to Diana Rañola's (l.) debut I Dance, an easy reader celebrating traditional Philippine folk dance, illustrated by Christine Almeda (Lolo's Sari-Sari Store). Publication is planned for fall 2025; the author was unagented, and Stefanie Sanchez von Borstel at Full Circle Literary represented the illustrator.
Emma Ledbetter at Abrams has bought world rights to One Magical Night, a picture book in which humans and animals share a longed-for common language for a few short hours, by Deborah Underwood (l.) (The Man Who Didn't Like Animals), illustrated by Charles Santoso (Ida, Always). Publication is slated for spring 2028; Erin Murphy while at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Justin Rucker at Shannon Associates represented the illustrator.
Deirdre Jones at Little, Brown has acquired world rights at auction to Will It Smoosh?, a salty, sweet, and silly picture book by Naseem Hrab (l.) and Kelly Collier, the duo behind Otis & Peanut and How to Party Like a Snail. The story follows a group of curious flies as they investigate which sidewalk foods delectably smoosh, squish, or crunch—revealing unexpected answers and an irreverent, humorous ending. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; the author represented herself, and Erzsi Deak at Hen&Ink Literary Studio represented the illustrator.
Lee Wade at Random House Studio has bought world rights to Santiago's Stone Soup by Margaret McNamara (l.) and Luisa Uribe, illustrated by Uribe. In this Colombian-inspired retelling of Stone Soup, siblings Samuel and Luisa are doubtful when their little brother Santiago offers to make his special stone soup, but together they come up with a delicious pot of ajiaco. Publication is set for fall 2026; Sophie Cudd at the Book Group represented McNamara, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented Uribe.
Danielle Collins at S&S/Beach Lane Books has acquired, in a preempt, world rights to Love Makes Our Family by debut author Alexia Andoni (l.), illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani. The cumulative picture book adds up from one to 10 as a two-mom family grows with each new arrival, ending with one very full house and a reminder that at the heart of every family is love. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Sera Rivers at Speilburg Literary Agency represented the author, and Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions represented the illustrator.
Nicole Fox at RISE × Penguin Workshop has bought North American rights to Habbi's Treasures, a debut picture book by Yoojin Grace Wuertz (l.) (Everything Belongs to Us), illustrated by Dung Ho, along with an untitled second book. A game of hide-and-seek turns into an intergenerational adventure as Caleb uncovers his grandfather's uniforms, each of which reveals a story of resilience, love, and treasured memories to be passed down as family wisdom. Publication is planned for fall 2026, with the second to follow in fall 2027; Janine Kamouh at William Morris Endeavor represented the author, and the artist represented herself.
Nicole Fiorica at McElderry Books has acquired Spooky Scouts by debut author-illustrator Kimberly Shrack. In this Halloween monster-filled camping caper, wolfish Luna can't wait for the annual Spooky Scouts trip, until a full moon threatens to expose her secret, and she must use all her scouting skills to keep her true self hidden—but her fellow scouts have secrets of their own and they all discover that the best friendships happen when you're brave enough to be yourself. Publication is set for fall 2026; Laurel Symonds at KT Literary sold world rights.
David Bennett at Union Square/Boxer Books has bought world rights to author-illustrator Jerrold Connors's lift-the-flap book Big Rhinoceros, Little Rhinoceros, a playful romp starring a papa rhino and his baby. Ammi-Joan Paquette while at Erin Murphy Literary Agency did the deal, for joint U.K. and U.S. publication in fall 2025.
Matt Phipps at Putnam has acquired This Book Is Upside Down by author-illustrator Marcus Cutler. In this humorous interactive meta picture book, a raccoon and a rabbit realize the book they are in has been turned upside down. Publication is scheduled for summer 2026; Steven Chudney at the Chudney Agency sold world English rights.
Jessica Garrison at Dial has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to the picture book Rock and Pebble by Billy Sharff (l.), illustrated by Ellie Snowdon. Pitched as Shel Silverstein meets Frog and Toad—but with rocks—the story is told in short vignettes that follow two dear friends, Rock and Pebble, as they endure the delights and deprivations of life on the ground. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Katelyn Detweiler at Jill Grinberg Literary Management represented the author, and Daisy Bee Butterworth and Maddy Jeffery at the Plum Agency represented the artist.
Katie Cunningham while at Candlewick Press acquired world rights to Family Found by Joanna McClintick (l.), illustrated by Keisha Morris; Andrea Tompa will edit. This picture book shares a girl's family's annual tradition of Friendsgiving and the important queer history that started it all. Publication is planned for summer 2026; James McGowan at BookEnds Literary represented the author, and Claire Morance at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Claudia Zoe Bedrick at Enchanted Lion has bought world rights, in an exclusive submission, to debut picture book The Princess Who Grew Her Claws by British mythologist and storyteller Martin Shaw (l.) (Cinderbiter; Smoke Hole), illustrated by Sydney Taylor Award-winning illustrator Vesper Stamper (Amazing Abe), a retelling of a Nordic fairy tale about a princess who follows an enchanted bear into a mysterious forest. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Jessica Woollard at David Higham Associates represented the author, and Lori Kilkelly at LK Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Cara Donaldson at becker&mayer!kids has acquired world English rights to The Kwanzaa Story by Alliah L. Agostini (l.) (The Juneteenth Story; The Juneteenth Cookbook), illustrated by Olivia Smith. This picture book provides the origins of the Kwanzaa holiday—rooted in Africa, born in Los Angeles—giving historical and cultural context on how a holiday was birthed after the Watts Rebellion and during the Black Power Movement. Publication is set for fall 2025; Jemiscoe Chambers-Black at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Atlanta Japp at Advocate US represented the illustrator.
Kathleen Merz at Eerdmans has bought world rights to I Want to Eat (with) You by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb (l.), illustrated by Parastou Haghi. In this picture book inspired by Persian mythology, an impulsive Persian demon, the Ifrit, really wants to eat an impulsive Persian boy—but he's in for a surprise when the boy introduces him to his family, Persian food, and something even more satisfying. Courtney Zonnefeld will edit; publication is slated for spring 2027. Jacqui Lipton at Tobias Literary Agency represented the author, and Aliza Hoover at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Nicholas Magliato at Penguin Workshop has acquired My Dog, Shy Dog by Dean Robbins (l.), illustrated by Wallace West, a rhyming picture book about a little peek-and-hide dog who becomes a jumping-very-high dog after meeting a furry soulmate on a walk around the neighborhood. Publication is planned for summer 2026; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Elizabeth Schleisman at Beaming Books has bought world English rights to Karla Sy's (l.) debut picture book, Strong as a Lion, illustrated by Felishia Henditirto. When her grandfather's grocery store struggles to stay afloat, a determined girl creates her own unique version of a lion dance to bring him good luck during Lunar New Year. Publication is scheduled for spring 2027; Eve Adler at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Christina Doffing at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Alexandra McKenzie at Charlesbridge has acquired world rights to June’s Solar Oven by Jen Malia (l.) (Too Sticky!), and Kristen Nobles has acquired world rights for illustration by Rachael Corcutt (c.) and Phillippa Corcutt (r.). When science club changes locations at the last minute, June, an autistic girl, is determined to overcome her dislike of new places and use sensory strategies so she can participate in the Solar Oven Pizza Cracker Challenge. Written and illustrated by autistic creators, the picture book will publish in spring 2027 as part of Steamworks; Naomi Davis at Book Ends Literary represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrators.
Andrea Tompa at Candlewick Press has acquired On a Winter's Night, a collection of original tales by Kate DiCamillo (l.), illustrated by fine artist Noah Saterstrom, to be published globally in fall 2027. Reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen, DiCamillo's stories take readers from ancient cathedrals and moonlit fields to department stores and church basements, with each linked to the others in surprising and profound ways. The full-color art marks Saterstrom's debut book collaboration. Holly McGhee at Pippin Properties represented the author and artist in the deal for world rights in all languages.
Gretchen Durning at Putnam has bought, at auction, Of Blood and Brine, a YA fantasy duology by debut author Lindsey Olsson. For fans of Ava Reid and Kristen Ciccarelli, the book follows a girl with the ability to sniff out illegal magic who finds herself thrown into the path of a royal guard on the hunt for the most dangerous witch of a generation, drawing both into a cat and mouse game in a tale of magic, romance, and betrayal. Publication is planned for summer 2026; Danielle Burby at Mad Woman Literary Agency did the six-figure, two-book deal for North American rights.
Samantha Palazzi at Scholastic has acquired We Need Diverse Books mentorship finalist Krystle Brantzeg's debut Indoor Girl, a contemporary YA romance. Pitched for fans of Jenny Han and Mariama J. Lockington, the story follows Keysa Perrault, a Filipina American teenage bookworm who is homeschooled and housebound due to her mother's grief-rooted agoraphobia and "parentnoia." When she has an unlikely meet-cute with a Korean American high school volleyball star whose grades have tanked due to his own recent loss, the two find love and unexpected healing between clandestine tutoring sessions and late-night joyrides—but they will have to rely on their broader community to help Keysa and her mother if they want to bring their relationship into the light of day. Publication is tentatively set for fall 2026; Larissa Melo Pienkowski sold North American rights while at Jill Grinberg Literary Management.
Nicole Ellul at Simon & Schuster has bought Charlotte Ingham's debut novel A Match Made in Hell, a fantasy romance in which a woman makes a deal with the Devil to escape a hell dimension on the brink of collapse—only to fall for him instead. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025; Maddalena Cavaciuti at David Higham Associates brokered the two-book deal for North American rights.
Simon Boughton at Norton Young Readers has acquired world rights to Rebellious: The Life and Art of Keith Haring by Michael G. Long (More Than a Dream with Yohuru Williams). The first exploration of Keith Haring's life for young adults, Rebellious uses 12 key images to create a non-linear portrait of Keith Haring's biography, his artistic development, and his use of art to further social causes. Publication is slated for summer 2026; John Rudolph at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the deal.
Tara Weikum and Sarah Homer at Storytide have bought Worse Than the Others by Mackenzie Reed (The Rosewood Hunt), a YA thriller about a rising true crime YouTuber who gets trapped in an abandoned hotel with five other teen suspects and must solve puzzles to catch a murderer in their midst by dawn, or they'll all die. Publication is planned for summer 2026; Amy Bishop-Wycisk at Trellis Literary Management did the two-book deal for world English rights.
Amy Fitzgerald at Lerner/Carolrhoda Lab has acquired North American English rights to When It's Your Turn for Midnight by Blessing Musariri (All That It Ever Meant). When 15-year-old Chianti finds out her dad isn't her biological father, she goes to stay with her eccentric grandmother and uncovers more secrets—along with a new definition of "family." Publication is set for spring 2026; Ruth Logan at Accord Literary handled the deal.
David Robertson and Peter Phillips at Tundra/Swift Water Books have bought Fight Song by Kirk Van Brunt, an Indigenous writer. The YA novel follows Nopika, a teenage girl and hockey star who is on the run from the Canadian authorities and her last set of horrendous foster parents, and who must overcome systemic neglect and abuse to accomplish her dreams. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Steven Chudney at the Chudney Agency sold world rights.
Meg Gaertner at Flux has acquired Accelerant by T.L. Simpson (Strong Like You; Cope Field). In this YA contemporary, setv against the backdrop of wildfires plaguing rural Missouri, two brothers reunited after their family's separation confront one another across ideological lines, as one faces radicalization by a white supremacist criminal organization, and the other seeks revenge against that same group for attacking his friend's Pride demonstration. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Shari Maurer at Stringer Literary Agency sold world rights.
Jessica Anderson at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has bought world rights to The Doll People: A Graphic Novel by Ann M. Martin (top l.) and Laura Godwin (top r.), with text adapted by Ivy Noelle Weir (bottom l.), and illustrated by Sarah Nicole Kennedy (bottom r.). Starring a 100-year-old doll who discovers thrilling adventures and surprising friendships, this middle grade graphic novel is planned for fall 2028. Amy Berkower at Writers House represented the co-authors, Anjali Singh at Anjali Singh Agency represented the adapter, and Nicole Tugeau at Tugeau 2 represented the artist.
Ann Kelley at Random House Studio has acquired North American rights to Get Rich, Quick!: A Legendary Swindler, A Crooked Century, and the Art of the Confidence Game by Nicholas Day (l.), illustrated by Brett Helquist, the team behind the Sibert Award-winning The Mona Lisa Vanishes, as well as a second book by Day. This narrative nonfiction follows Italian immigrant Charles Ponzi's rise and fall and traces how the confidence game was deeply embedded in American life from the beginning. Publication is set for spring 2027; Brenda Bowen at the Book Group represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Kat Brzozowski at Feiwel and Friends has bought Just Ask Elsie by Ari Koontz, a debut middle grade novel about 11-year-old Elsie Parker, who is frustrated by her school's lack of accessible and inclusive puberty education, so she decides to spread the word herself—even if it means fighting against the principal's attempts to silence her. Publication is tentatively scheduled for spring/summer 2026; Serene Hakim at Ayesha Pande Literary sold world English rights.
Claire Tattersfield at Viking has acquired, in a preempt, The Gnome's Tale, a middle grade graphic novel by Sarah McColl, in which a carefree gnome named Dindle journeys across the Elderwild Wood in search of his pet mushbun, and encounters sea monsters, fairies, and jousts along the way. Publication is slated for spring 2028; Stephanie Winter at KO Media Management negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Samia Garcia-Fakih at First Second has bought Zahir and the Secluded Heart by Pamela G. Nunez-Trejo, a middle grade graphic novel about a boy who feels alienated in his new town, and can't access his magic as a result of his sealed-off heart. Publication is planned for 2028; Lane Clarke at Ultra Literary sold world rights.
Jasmine Hodge at Random House Graphic has acquired Rivals, a middle grade graphic novel by Cameron Chittock (l.), illustrated by Amanda Castillo (the Mapmakers series), about Miles and Anthony, two best friends who, after Miles's family moves, find themselves at different schools and on competing soccer teams, their bond tested as their desire to fit in—and to win—warps their friendship into a rivalry. Publication is set for summer 2027; Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary Agency represented the author and illustrator for world rights.
Erika Turner at Little, Brown has bought world rights to A Story About Lines, a picture book by Maisha Oso (l.) (Before the Ships: Birth of Black Excellence; My Hair Is a Book), illustrated by Sophia Green. A girl's grandmother braids her hair, and with each cornrow line, her grandmother recounts lines throughout Black American history that mark a memory of a painful past while weaving in faith for a brighter future. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Jemiscoe Chambers-Black at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author and illustrator.
Katherine Harrison at Knopf has acquired world rights to three books in the Caring Classroom series by Trudy Ludwig (l.) (The Invisible Boy), illustrated by Maribel Lechuga (Ten Beautiful Things), beginning with Thea's Perfect Mess. This young picture book series offers guidance and encouragement to build a kind and caring community, with themes ranging from first-day jitters to tattling to what makes a sincere apology. The first book will be published in summer 2026, with a book a year to follow; the author represented herself, and Alice Jin Zhang at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Alex Arnold at Quirk Books has bought author-illustrator Jaimie MacGibbon's This Time of Year picture book series, highlighting the memorable daily rituals of childhood that emerge as the seasons shape our lives. The first book, Snuggle Season, will publish in fall 2025, with Swimming Season, Growing Season, and Sweater Season to follow; Molly O'Neill at Root Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has bought world rights to Ege and Ávra by Evgenia Manikas (l.) and Elifgül Büyükoral (c.), and Kristen Nobles acquired world rights for illustration by Nazli Tarcan (r.). While fishing in the Aegean Sea with her grandfather, Ege, a girl from Türkiye, crosses paths with Ávra, a girl from Greece who's fishing with her grandfather. At first, the girls don't get along any better than their countries historically have, but soon they discover they have more in common than they thought. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Jenissa Graham at BookEnds Literary represented the authors, and Amy Milligan at Illo Agency represented the illustrator.
Alyza Liu at Simon and Schuster has acquired world rights to If Your Abuelo Is an Astronauta by Ana Siqueira (l.), illustrated by Irena Freitas, a picture book in which a boy mistakenly thinks his beloved grandfather is lost in space. Publication is set for spring 2026; Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Adriana Dominguez at Aevitas Creative Management represented the illustrator.
Marilyn Brigham at Amazon/Two Lions has bought world rights to Awesome of the Day by Ellen Javernick (l.) (What If Everybody Did That?), illustrated by Bhagya Madanasinghe. This picture book follows a boy who works to overcome the challenges in his day-to-day and find the "awesome" in every day. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025; the author represented herself, and Nicole Tugeau at Tugeau 2 represented the illustrator.
Naomi Krueger at Beaming Books has acquired world rights to Dear Math, We're Not Friends by Lina Chopra Haldar (l.), illustrated by Teresa Martinez, an epistolary picture book about a boy who writes letters to math over the course of a school year. As he slowly overcomes his anxiety and fears around math, he discovers that math is all around him and begins to appreciate it as a useful tool. Publication is slated for summer 2026; Saba Sulaiman at Talcott Notch Literary Services represented the author, and Christina Doffing at Astound US represented the illustrator.
