Penguin Young Readers has teamed up with Unanimous Publishing to create a picture book and graphic novel program. This will mark the debut of the publishing arm of Unanimous Media, a multimedia company founded by Stephen Curry, three-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, and Erick Peyton, with the goal of creating content featuring diverse voices and focusing on family, sports, and faith-based subjects.
The publishing program will launch in September with I Have a Superpower, a picture book by Curry, who during his 11-year career with the Golden State Warriors was the first person in NBA history to be named Most Valuable Player by unanimous vote. Illustrated by Geneva Bowers, the picture book delivers the message that kids don’t have to be the strongest, fastest, or tallest player on the court, but any goal is achievable with heart, hard work, and determination.
A second picture book will be released in fall 2023. Unanimous Publishing and Penguin Workshop will also create a new graphic novel program for readers ages 7–10, which will spotlight luminaries in the sports world.
The deal for North American rights to the multi-book deal was brokered by Francesco Sedita, president and publisher of Penguin Group U.S.A., and Nick Magliato, senior editor of Penguin Workshop, with Jay Mandel and Janine Kamouh at William Morris Endeavors; and co-CEO Peyton and Jenelle Lindsay, president, TV, at Unanimous Media. At that company, book opportunities will be handled by Kalyna Maria Kutny, creative executive and head of publishing.
“We are grateful to be expanding the Unanimous footprint in the literary world with Penguin Random House,” Curry and Peyton said in a joint statement. “We’re passionate about impacting the next generation, and excited to continue sharing inspirational stories with young readers, starting with I Have a Superpower.”
Sedita added, “Having the opportunity to work with Unanimous and Stephen Curry is a thrill. Not only is he an incredibly talented basketball player, his love of books and reading and his desire to give back to the world make him the perfect partner for Penguin Workshop. This is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship, and I can’t wait to see all that we create together.”
