Fall is the season for publishers to bring out their big books, often releasing titles by top authors in hopes that these will garner strong sales through the all-important holiday season. This year is no exception: new novels by Jerry Spinelli, Cornelia Funke, Walter Dean Myers, Suzanne Fisher Staples, Sharon Creech, Karen Hesse and Lemony Snicket are due, among many others, while picture books from Ian Falconer, Peggy Rathmann, Anthony Browne, Peter Sís, David Shannon and Denise Fleming, to name just a few, are being issued. And a noteworthy trend: no fewer than six high-profile fantasy trilogies will be introduced this season.
Along with providing a look at the books that will be published through the rest of the year (and a sneak peak at spring 2004), we offer three features. The first explores the world of named children's book imprints—who's got one, why and what they aim to publish. The second one takes a look at how children's booksellers are putting their stores on the Internet, with varying aims and results. Our third feature gives an overview of nine companies and imprints that are set to debut this fall.
Our interview is with Richard Peck, the 2001 Newbery Medalist for A Year Down Yonder, whose new novel will be released by Dial in September. Peck discusses how his love of history and his own past—including his experience as a teacher—have shaped him as a writer.
We also share what we found to be some unusual bests of the season, as well as a few trends we spotted.
Happy reading!
| THE FALL 2003 CHILDREN'S SEASON |
| The Name Game Eponymous children's book imprints are steadily increasing in number |
| Net Profits Children's bookstores and their different approaches to the Internet |
| New Hats in the Ring A look at nine publishing ventures making their debuts this fall |
| Richard Peck: A Long Way from Decatur "Teaching made a writer out of me, because it was in teaching that I found the readers," says Richard Peck. |
| Publisher Listings A gathering of the children's book titles for the season; arranged alphabetically by publisher |
| Sneak Previews A look ahead at the children's highlights of spring 2004 |
