Having published nonfiction for younger readers for more than 50 years, DK is poised to launch its first children’s and young adult fiction imprint. DK flip will feature chapter books, middle grade, teen, graphic, and YA titles. The imprint will be based in the U.K., but will publish books globally, including in the U.S.
“The launch of DK flip marks a significant step forward in our ambition to expand DK’s publishing across more genres,” said DK CEO Paul Kelly, in a statement. “It’s been incredible to see the enthusiasm from authors eager to join DK and be part of this exciting new venture. With DK flip, we’re not only igniting the imaginations of young readers but also bringing our authors’ stories to a global audience—paving the way for innovative storytelling that embodies DK’s commitment to helping children discover a lifelong love of reading.”
Two acquisitions were announced today. The first is The Sign of The Raven by Pippa Dunn, part of a two-book deal with the author and slated for hardcover release in August 2026 in the U.K. Set in an alternate 19th-century London, the YA adventure follows a secret society of lucid dreamers. Arabella Stein, trade strategy director at DK, acquired U.K. and Commonwealth rights from Lydia Silver, director and agent at Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency.
The second title, A.A. Wilson’s debut novel Niflheim, is a murderous tale set on a supernatural island. Francesca Young, associate publishing director at DK, acquired world rights from John Baker at Bell Lomax Moreton. Niflheim will publish simultaneously in both the U.K. and the U.S. in hardcover in November 2026.
The launch list also includes the first title in the Aurelian Cycle, a YA fantasy trilogy by Rosaria Munda that has already found success in the U.S., where it was published by Putnam. Francesca Young, associate publishing director at DK, acquired U.K. and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada from Jenny Meyer at Jenny Meyer Literary Agency on behalf of Danielle Burby at Mad Woman Literary Agency. Fireborne, the first book in the series, is due in paperback in May in the U.K., followed by Flamefall in July and Furysong in September. Munda is set to appear at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair on April 2.
In addition, DK flip will grow the Secret Society of Rebel Girls middle grade series by educator Marti Dumas, which launched in 2024 in a licensing partnership between DK and Rebel Girls, with The Keeper of the Keystone, out in October, followed by an as-yet-untitled third book. Beginning with Nina and the Mysterious Mailbox, the series centers on a group of classmates at Ada Lovelace School who, through magic, find connections with women from history. Jennifer Laughran at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency brokered the deal. The series has also been optioned for television by Lion Forge Entertainment.
Further along in the publishing pipeline are Youngest Faircrest by screenwriter and comedian Ollie George Clark, kicking off an illustrated fantasy trilogy; Jen Calonita’s middle grade mystery Isle of Ever (out later this month in the U.S. from Sourcebooks); Cabin Head and Tree Head, an early reader graphic novel by Scott Campbell; and Good Bits, a story collection by Kes Gray, with illustrations by Ruby Wright.
“The DK flip list is gripping, adventurous, exciting, heartbreaking, fantastical, and romantic—there really is something for everyone,” said DK Children’s managing director Sarah Larter, in a statement. “Historically we have been better known for our nonfiction publishing, but at its heart, DK flip is a natural extension of what we do best—helping children to discover a love of reading.”
