Toon Books, a line of comics for early-readers founded by New Yorker art director Françoise Mouly, is switching its bookstore distribution to Consortium, beginning January 1.
Launched in 2007 by Mouly, Toon Books comics are aimed at kids ages 4 and up, designed in conjunction with reading specialists, and tied to the Common Core Standards. Much as she does at the New Yorker, Mouly enlists award-winning comics artists—among them her husband and publishing collaborator, Art Speigelman—to create titles, and the press has a backlist of about 30.
Earlier this year, Toon Books launched Toon Graphics for Visual Readers, a new imprint for illustrated prose works for older children aged 8 years old and up. Since 2010 Toon Books has partnered with children’s publisher Candlewick Books and Toon Books title were previously distributed by Candlewick through Random House Publisher Services.
Julie Schaper, president and COO of Consortium, said "Françoise Mouly's mission to create exceptional comics for children has made her an innovator in redefining children's literature. What's amazing about Toon Books is that they appeal to discerning young readers, as well as reluctant ones."
"I am thrilled to join the community of book lovers, booksellers, publishers, and reps who have gathered around Consortium to make independent publishing the bright force that it is today,” Mouly said. “I'm both excited and inspired to partner with Consortium to accelerate our growth plans to bring comics and visual narratives to more children in homes and in schools."
