Stacey Barney at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has acquired, in a six-figure auction, Fleet of Wonders, a debut YA fantasy duology by University of Chicago undergrad Erin Hànyù Lynch, set in a steampunk world where two poor mixed-race factory workers, Eliza and Jules, seeking riches and glory, con their way into a treacherous and sinister technological competition at sea for the brightest minds of their generation. But as the competition heats up, Eliza develops a taste for power while Jules finds love. As the two friends choose different paths, they realize too late that winning could cost them everything. Publication will begin with Fleet of Wonders in fall 2026; Danielle Burby at Mad Woman Literary Agency did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Melanie Nolan at Knopf has bought North American rights to Adriana Mather's YA novel How to Love a Witch, in which 17-year old Samantha, learning to embrace her gift to speak to spirits, rallies friends in Salem to confront a village of silent spirits in modern-day Sleepy Hollow, uncover the truth behind the Headless Horseman, and bring her forbidden spirit love, Elijah, back from the afterlife. It's scheduled for summer 2027; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio brokered the deal.
Clare Vaughn at HarperCollins has acquired The Night King's Court, a sapphic YA fantasy by Elisa Bonnin, about a girl with the power to weave illusions through candle-magic who infiltrates a magical midnight court to find her missing father, only to discover she's now trapped in the same enchanted Collection that may have claimed him, pitched as a queer The Night Circus meets Spirited Away. Publication is slated for winter 2026; Natalie Lakosil and Antoinëtte Van Sluytman at Looking Glass Literary & Media negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Karen Smith and Cheryl Klein at Workman have bought world English rights to Purrs and Prejudice, a YA graphic novel retelling of Pride and Prejudice with an all-feline cast of characters, written by Linda Joy Singleton (l.) (the Curious Cat Spy Club series), illustrated by Anne Lambelet (I’m a Dumbo Octopus!). Publication is planned for fall 2027; Abigail Samoun and Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary represented the author and illustrator respectively.
Kate Prosswimmer at McElderry Books has acquired Jessica Khoury's upper middle grade fantasy duology, Monster and Apprentice, pitched as The Witcher meets Demon Slayer. Rolan grew up on the streets until he was chosen as an apprentice by the Arcanist, a feared warrior, to hunt monsters born from secrets called Cryptics. Just when Rolan starts to discover his own power—and the father-figure he's always longed for—the secrets they hunt take a darkly personal turn, threatening to destroy Rolan, the Arcanist, and their world. Publication of book one, Monster and Apprentice, is set for summer 2026, with book two to follow in summer 2027; Tracey Adams at Adams Literary handled the deal for North American rights.
Ashley Imane Fields at Disney/Freedom Fire has bought, in a two-book preempt, Nia Davenport's Dominique and the Chaosbringers. Pitched as a middle grade Legendborn meets Across the Spiderverse, the book follows an eighth-grade track student who is whisked away to a school for magical protégés once she learns that she has inherited the legacy of African American hero High John the Conqueror, and must defeat the ancient evil he once locked away. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Caitie Flum while at Liza Dawson Associates did the deal on behalf of StorySpinner Entertainment for world English rights.
Emily Feinberg at Roaring Brook Press has acquired world rights to The Queen's Granddaughter by Diane Zahler (Wild Bird). The middle grade novel, which is based on real history, follows 12-year-old Blanca of Castile who is chosen to become the next princess of France, and must suddenly learn how to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Publication is scheduled for winter 2026; Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency brokered the deal.
Michelle Frey at Knopf has bought The Swimming Pigs of Licorice Springs by Melissa Wiley (The Nerviest Girl in the World). This humorous middle grade novel, set in the summer of 1980, follows the antics of 11-year-old Houston Tranquility Jones and her pet pigs Mork and Mindy, who become star attractions of the family's roadside theme park. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Liza Voges at Eden Street Literary sold world rights.
Lee Wade at Random House Studio has acquired world rights to Tate Dived by Jennifer E. Smith (l.), illustrated by Pura Belpre Honor artist Leo Espinosa, in which a misunderstanding about the fate of a beloved dog leads to a child's joyful reimagining of what it means to say goodbye, a story of love, longing, and the imaginary underwater adventures of a scuba diving beagle. Publication is set for summer 2027; Jennifer Joel at Creative Artists Agency represented the author, and Elizabeth Rudnick at Gillian MacKenzie Agency represented the illustrator.
Taylor Norman at Holiday House/Neal Porter Books has bought world rights to Auntie's Dance, a picture book by Winsome Bingham (l.) (The Table), illustrated by Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award winner Briana Mukodiri Uchendu, a slice-of-life story about Jack and the thrum of a bassy beat, the strength of found family, and the power of dancing through the darkness. Publication is scheduled for winter/spring 2027; Hannah Mann at Writers House represented the author, and Jessica Saint Jean at Root Literary represented the illustrator while at Jill Grinberg Literary Management.
Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Ruth Muskrat and the Indian Problem by filmmaker and senior director of Cherokee Film Jen Loren (l.), illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Rebecca Lee Kunz (Chooch Helped). The picture book tells the story of the sisters' great-aunt, Ruth Muskrat, who was a Cherokee Nation poet, educator, and Indian Rights activist. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Emily Sylvan Kim at Prospect Agency represented the author, and Charlotte Wenger at Prospect Agency represented the illustrator, who is now represented by Morgan Gaynin.
Cheryl Klein while at Algonquin Young Readers bought world rights to Drawn from the Heart by Elisa Boxer (l.), illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld, a picture book about a budding artist who must learn to navigate criticism and listen to her own artistic voice; Mary-Kate Gaudet at Little, Brown will edit. Publication is planned for winter 2027; Steven Chudney at the Chudney Agency represented the author, and Rachel Orr at Prospect Agency represented the illustrator.
Tracy Mack at Scholastic Press has acquired world rights to Just for Today by author-illustrator duo Charlotte Agell (l.) and Ana Ramírez González. Elba and Norris's friendship grows when a misadventure on a boat shows them how to ease their worrying and be okay, even if just for today. Publication is set for summer 2026; Victoria Wells Arms at HG Literary represented the author, and Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the artist.
Emily Feinberg and Luisa Beguiristaín at Roaring Brook Press has bought Hispanic Star: Lin-Manuel Miranda by Sara E. Echenique, which follows the composer, rapper, actor, singer, director, and librettist, as he goes from a kid living in Washington Heights to being known worldwide for hits like Hamilton, In the Heights, Moana, and Encanto. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Ann Kelley at Random House Studio has acquired One Ghostly Night by debut author-illustrator Amanda Crabtree, a counting picture book in which 10 ghosts throw a party, but one brightens things up... literally. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; Lori Steel at Steel Works Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has bought A Friend for Lucy by Jen-Ai Elena Molineaux, a debut picture book where a ghost girl makes it her mission to find a new friend for her beloved sister. Publication is set for fall 2025; the author represented herself.
Brett Duquette at Little Bee Books has acquired Andy Passchier's My Gender, My Rules, published in partnership with GLAAD, and My Body, My Rules, two picture books that empower children as their understanding of gender and consent grows. Publication is planned for fall 2025 and spring 2026; Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency sold world rights.
Rebecca Frazer at Chronicle has bought Madison Safer's illustrations for Hanukkah Is Here, a picture book celebration of Hanukkah containing crafts, recipes, games, and stories, and featuring eight lift-the-flap candle flames on the cover. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Lara Perkins at Andrea Brown Literary Agency sold world rights.
Anna Sargeant at Sourcebooks eXplore has acquired world rights to Apples, Cheese, Salsa, Please by Colleen Murphy (l.), illustrated by Lilibeth Jimenez, the first of a two-book deal, in which two siblings explore the wonders and mysteries of the grocery store. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Michelle Z. Jackson at LCS Literary represented the author, and Sophie Sheumaker at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Autumn Allen at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to Mari and the Great Market Swap by Janelle Springer-Willms (l.) (Sammy the Seasick Pirate), illustrated by Juliana Eigner (The Interactive Human Body). When customers can't reach the weekly market, Mari and Granny will have to go home with all their guavas, unless Mari can come up with a creative plan. Publication is set for spring 2026; Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Vickie Savanella at Advocate Art represented the illustrator.
Lydia Gregovic at Delacorte has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Faraway Inn, a cozy YA fantasy by Sarah Beth Durst (The Spellshop), about a teen girl who agrees to spend the summer working at her eccentric aunt's struggling B&B in order to get over a breakup, only to discover there is more to the inn—and her aunt—than meets the eye. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Andrea Somberg at Harvey Klinger sold North American rights.
Mark Siegel at First Second has bought Aurora and the Orc, a middle grade graphic novel by Lewis Trondheim that follows the adventures of a girl tasked with looking after the new kid at school—but the new kid is an orc. Jill Freshney will also edit, and Montana Kane will translate from the French. Publication is scheduled for 2026; French publisher Albin Michel sold world English rights.
Megan Abbate at Bloomsbury has acquired, at auction, world rights to Regalia Builds by MSNBC and NBC contributor and Tlingit tribal member Alyssa Yáx Ádi Yádi London (l.), illustrated by Haida tribal member Shoshannah Greene/SGidGang.Xaal. This picture book tells a story of native regalia that carries the love, hope, strength, wisdom, and power of ancestors from one generation to the next, through changing times on the Northwest Coast. Publication is slated for 2026; Gwen Beal at United Talent Agency represented London in the two-book deal.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has bought North American rights to Terrible, Terrible Birds! by librarian Betsy Bird (l.), illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell, a funny (and true) picture book about Coach Kevin and Teca, two peregrine falcons trying to raise a family on the Evanston Public Library, and all the terrible mistakes they make along the way, showing that no one, not even animals, gets everything right the first time. Publication is set for spring 2027; Stephen Barbara at InkWell Management represented the author, and Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented the illustrator.
Julie Bliven at Charlesbridge has acquired a picture book by Lesléa Newman (l.), illustrated by Sarita Rich, called Something Sweet: A Sitting Shiva Story. When Joshua's grandpa dies, Lizzie and her mom pay a shiva call to Joshua's family, where Lizzie learns about the Jewish traditions of mourning and how friends can comfort each other during times of grief. Publication is planned for winter 2026; Elizabeth Harding at Curtis Brown Ltd. represented the author, and Lara Perkins at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Simone Roberts-Payne at Putnam has bought world rights to My House Is a Muddy River by Khushboo Patel (l.), illustrated by Lavanya Naidu, a picture book that takes place in India during monsoon season and tells a story of one boy's resilience amid flooding. Publication is scheduled for spring 2027; Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Aliza Hoover at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Wendy McClure at Sourcebooks Jabberwocky has acquired world rights to Start Your Engines, a picture book by Katy Duffield (l.), illustrated by Chiara Galletti. It follows Frankie, an ATV, as he revs and zooms through a muddy racecourse, headed straight for the finish line. Or is he? Publication is slated for spring 2026; Ammi-Joan Paquette represented the author while at Erin Murphy Literary Agency, and Tina Doffing at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Carolyn Yoder at Astra/Calkins Creek has bought world rights to The Patriots and the Pox: George Washington's Battle to Save the Continental Army by Beth Anderson (l.), illustrated by Ashley Yazdani, a nonfiction picture book about George Washington and the smallpox epidemic that affected the lives of his troops and the outcome of the war—and what he did to combat it. Publication is set for fall 2026; Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Jessica Saint Jean at Root Literary represented the illustrator.
Emily Feinberg at Roaring Brook Press has acquired Sibert and Golden Kite Honor winner Jessica Lanan's The Crystal Room, a picture book about a girl's caving journey, full of courage and hidden treasures. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management negotiated the deal for world rights.
Dana Chidiac at Henry Holt has bought Geisel Honor winner Maya Tatsukawa's Sugar Glider Lights a Way, a picture book about a sugar glider who searches for moonlight so it can stay up late to read, finding friends along the way. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Wendi Gu at HG Literary brokered the deal for world English rights.
Kathleen Keenan at Kids Can Press has acquired world rights to All in One Whale's Breath by Jessica Kulekjian (l.), illustrated by Cinyee Chiu, a nonfiction picture book about all the many things that happen in our world's oceans in the span of one whale's breath; Stacey Roderick will edit. Publication is slated for fall 2026; James McGowan and Tracy Marchini at BookEnds represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
