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In the Spotlight
 Children’s Books for Spring 2026: All Our Coverage Our Spring Preview issue includes a look at the growing trend of YA graphic novel romances, an interview with Newbery Honor author Jasmine Warga, a cover by Eisner Award nominee Mika Song, and more. Happy reading! more   All Our Spring ListingsSee our selection of listings of publishers’ titles for young readers due out in spring 2026. more On the Scene
 SCBWI Winter Conference: Editors and Agents Talk Trends and Wish ListsThe Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators held its 2026 Virtual Winter Conference on February 6–7, featuring a panel of editors and agents, who shared what they’re looking for, advice for creators, and their feelings about diverse literature. Above all, Elise McMullen-Ciotti of Lee & Low and Tu Books (bottom row, c.) urged authors to "write a great story and stand firm on it." more In the News
 Library of Congress to Unveil an Interactive Youth CenterThis spring, the Library of Congress will open The Source: Where Creativity Sparks Discovery, a 4,000-square-foot experiential learning space for young people ages 8–15. The Source will provide interactive displays and facsimile materials spotlighting the various media—images, film, sound, and text—in the LoC’s vast collection. more   Black History Month
 Making History: PW Talks with Carole Boston Weatherford This year, veteran children's author Carole Boston Weatherford has no fewer than three picture books hitting shelves, highlighting the impact of African American contributions to the United States and the value of setting as a historical bookmark. Weatherford spoke with PW about how she came to write books that capture history for young readers, how the forthcoming anniversary of the U.S. inspired her work, and her perspective on her success. more Book News
 U.K.’s Bestselling Lottie Brooks Series Lands in U.S.Created by British author-illustrator Katie Kirby, the Lottie Brooks series debuted in 2021 with The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks and has sold 1.6 million copies across the U.K.; Kirby was ranked the #2 bestselling children’s fiction author in the U.K. for 2025, after Jeff Kinney. Last July, Random House Books for Young Readers introduced the awkward yet heartwarming middle grade star to U.S. readers, and the second installment in the series hits shelves here this week. more Passion Projects
 Daniel Nayeri’s ‘Bizarre Bazaar’ Inspires Pop-Up ShopCall it a curiosity shop of sorts, where local patrons can gather with friends over a cup of joe, and may stumble on special sundries for sale. Newbery Honor author Daniel Nayeri’s latest creative endeavor is a playful nod to his graphic novel series, The Bizarre Bazaar: a vending machine of treasures with unique stories to tell. more Four Questions
 Rachel GriffinIn Rachel Griffin’s new YA fantasy The Sun and the Starmaker, the residents of Reverie rely on the immortal Starmaker, who pulls in the power of the sun to light the town each day. When Aurora is selected to become the next Starmaker, she joins the current Starmaker and learn what the role will truly entail. Soon, however, mentor and mentee are falling for one another. Griffin spoke with us about accepting grief as a part of love, and completing her novel amid recovering from a brain injury. Q: Your novels center young women who possess magical powers. Why is this a through line you continue to explore? A: I think a main character coming into their magic is such an interesting framework. It makes them confront their beliefs or disbelief about themselves; it forces them out of their comfort zone. A lot of times, magic is directly tied to your emotions or what is going on internally. Ultimately, I just love what that does for character arcs. more Out Next Week
 Hot Off the Presses: Week of February 16 Among the books hitting shelves next week are a picture book biography about a famous magician, a middle grade novel about time-traveling tweens fighting to save the future, a postapocalyptic YA romance, and more. more In Brief
 In Brief: February 12, 2026Recently an author presented her nonfiction picture book about a missing body of water, readers gathered for the launch of a YA rom-com, and a publisher and the NYPL partnered to celebrate World Read Aloud Day. more
Rights Report
 Donna Bray at Macmillan/Balzer + Bray has acquired, at auction, Hawk & Sparrow by Ayana Gray, a glittering Gilded Age-inspired tale of mystery, magic, and romance in which sparks fly when a powerful sorcerer and an ambitious reporter form an unlikely partnership to find the culprit behind a high-profile scandal. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Pete Knapp at Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management negotiated the two-book deal for North American rights.  Alex Borbolla at Bloomsbury has bought Kat Cho's House of Forgotten Souls and its sequel. Pitched as KPop Demon Hunters meets Cemetery Boys, this contemporary YA fantasy blends Korean mythology, mystery, and romance to tell the story of a lost spirit, a reaper, a shaman, and the one girl who can save them all. Publication is set for winter 2027; Beth Phelan at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency did the two-book deal for world English rights.  Tamara Grasty at Page Street has acquired Girls Walking with Wolves by debut author Jenna Baner, a Little Red Riding Hood-inspired aro-ace YA fantasy in which a young blind woman forms a secret friendship with her village's last surviving witch while negotiating an uncomfortable courtship with a witch-hunter determined to win her heart. Publication is slated for November 2026; Emma Loy-Santelli at Serendipity Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.  Calista Brill at First Second has bought Hello, DELA, Kiku Hughes's YA graphic novel about August Gao, a lonely teenager who becomes emotionally reliant on her family's smart assistant DELA. Benjamin Wilgus will also edit. Publication is scheduled for 2028; Linda Camacho at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency negotiated world rights.  Brian Geffen at Henry Holt has acquired world rights for Rex Ogle's (l.) middle grade graphic novel, Bubblegum Coven and a sequel, illustrated by Matylda McCormack-Sharp. The Powerpuff Girls meets magic and middle school, as a group of kid witches must unite to form a coven in order to protect the world from monsters and mythological gods. Publication is planned for fall 2027 and fall 2028; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.  Virginia Duncan at Greenwillow Books has bought, at auction, Hatched, a middle grade novel by debut author Allison Bell. It follows a girl living in the Florida Everglades and the animals in her homegrown petting zoo, in a multiple-narrator exploration of found family, friendship, and forgiveness. Publication is set for winter 2027; Amy Thrall Flynn at Aevitas Creative Management handled the deal for North American rights.  Lynne Missen at Tundra has acquired Tae Lim Decks It Out by Angela Ahn (Peter Lee's Notes from the Field), an illustrated middle grade novel about a lonely immigrant boy who finds his community while starting a card game league against all odds. Publication is slated for fall 2027; Laurel Symonds at KT Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.  Alexandra Hinrichs at Islandport Press has bought world rights to Throwbacks and Keepers by debut author Ron Pedro, a middle grade novel about a boy who experiences homelessness, the foster care system, and too much loss before winding up on a Maine island, and finds sanctuary in lobstering and community. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; the author represented himself.  Dream Jar/Yellow Brick Books has acquired world rights to Curse on the Miami River: Legend of the Sneaker Guru by Medeia Sharif (Girl Without a Face; Frizzy Haired Zuzu), a middle grade novel about a seventh grade boy named Ahmed who sells his soul to a paranormal being in exchange for designer sneakers and elevated socioeconomic status, but when his world starts unraveling he must defeat the evil entity to break the curse. Publication is planned for spring 2028; the author represented herself.  Laura Godwin at Godwin Books has bought world rights to the first three books in a graphic novel chapter book series, Izzy and Wolfi, by Oregon Book Award winner Dane Liu (l.), illustrated by Geisel Honoree Maya Tatsukawa, featuring a dynamic pair of siblings, whose quirky imagination and clever wordplay capture the dramas of childhood and the humor and playfulness of their Asian American family. All three books are set to publish in summer 2029; Wendi Gu at HG Literary represented both the author and illustrator.  Liz Kossnar at Little, Brown has acquired world rights to Inspector Quack and the Case of the Missing Underpants and a second book in a new graphic chapter book series, Inspector Quack by Anica Mrose Rissi (l.), illustrated by Heather Fox, which follows the bumbling but lovable Chief Inspector Quack and her two Special Inspectors Buns as they get to the bottom of various mysteries. Publication will begin in winter 2028; Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary represented the illustrator.  Jody Mosley at Chronicle has bought, at auction, Polka Stripes by debut author-illustrator Nicole Cicak, the tale of two neighboring people, the Polka Dots and the Stripes, who lived in harmony for years—until one day, it changed. Now, it'll take bravery from kids like Dottie (with stripey hair) and Dash (with freckles) to make the case for harmony. Publication is slated for spring 2028; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House did the deal for world rights.  Alvina Ling at Little, Brown has acquired And Off We Go! by debut author-illustrator Vanko Vankov, a picture book that follows Lulu, a little mole who has been taught to always follow the rules, and her rebel friend Oscar, who inspires new possibilities as they bravely stray from the beaten path. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; Kait Feldmann at KT Literary brokered the deal for world rights.  Sara Sargent at Rodale Kids has bought author-illustrator Amy Malloy's debut, Gary: The Naughtiest Wolf That Ever There Was, a fractured fairy tale about a very naughty wolf who won't stop scampering off to find his next yummy snack. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Molly Jamieson at United Agents sold world rights.  Alyson Day at HarperCollins has acquired world rights to The Light Garden, a picture book by Joanna Ho (l.) illustrated by Minako Tomigahara, in which a boy who splits time between two homes captures light in jars because it helps him fill in spaces caused by distance and missing, reminding him his family is still whole. Publication is set for April 2027; Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Kathleen Ortiz at KO Media Management represented the illustrator.  Andrea Spooner at Little, Brown has bought world rights to The Torn Heart, a picture book by Julia Cook (l.) (My Mouth Is a Volcano!; Wilma Jean the Worry Machine), illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki. Told from a heart's point of view, the story is about bullying, empathy and kindness, and features an addendum with parenting tips and classroom activities. Publication is slated for summer 2027; Dan Strutzel at Inspire Productions represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the artist.  Claire Tattersfield at Viking has acquired world rights to How Santa Met His Reindeer by Emily Matheis (l.), illustrated by Beth Mills, a rhyming picture book that reveals the surprising and magical story of how Santa met his trusty eight reindeer. Publication is scheduled for fall 2027; Sophie Cudd at the Book Group represented the author, and Claire Morance at Painted Words represented the illustrator.  Laura Kincaid while at Holiday House bought world rights to Mothman: A Monster's Misadventure, a picture book by Franco Aureliani (l.) (Tiny Titans), illustrated by Thomas Boatwright. The story follows urban legend Mothman, who desperately wants to make friends, but every time he tries to play his favorite games like hide and seek, people just run away screaming. Alex Aceves will edit; publication is planned for summer 2028. Marie Lamba at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency represented the author and illustrator.  Jenne Abramowitz at Sourcebooks Jabberwocky has acquired world rights to the first two books in the Princess of Barkness picture book series by Jen Anyong (l.), illustrated by Steph Laberis. In Pepita: Vampire Puppy, a chompy puppy lives her best vampire life until she loses her puppy teeth; and in Pepita: Werewolf Puppy, Pepita finds her voice, leading to a night in her crate, where she contemplates changing her tune. Publication is set for summer 2027 and 2028 respectively; Morgan Hughes at FinePrint Literary represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.  Krestyna Lypen at Post Wave has bought world rights to Agnes Clover Does Not Want to Be a Bunny by April Genevieve Tucholke (l.), illustrated by Miranda Autumn Lewis. When a reluctant kid is forced into a pink bunny costume, she realizes that being silly can actually be fun. Publication is slated for fall 2027; Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.  Jessica Anderson at Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano Books has acquired world rights to We Got Next, a nonfiction picture book about the beginnings of professional women's basketball from the late 19th century to the WNBA today, written by Nicole Melleby (l.) and illustrated by Tara Anand. Publication is scheduled for fall 2027; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.  Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear Press has bought world rights to Autumn Soup by Jamie Bills (l.), illustrated by Meneka Repka (Goose Egg Island), a celebration of fall that encourages imaginative play and spending time outdoors while counting from one to 10 and back again. Publication is planned for fall 2027; the author represented herself, and Charlotte Wenger at Prospect Agency represented the illustrator.  Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has acquired world rights to Baby Mocs by American Indian Youth Literature Award-winning author Laurel Goodluck (l.) (Rock Your Mocs), and Kristen Nobles has acquired world rights to illustrations by Hawlii Pichette. This board book features the soft footwear that warms babies' wiggly toes and later their busy feet, comforting little ones in style. Publication is set for summer 2027; Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself. IN THE MEDIA
FEATURED REVIEWS
 The Outermost MouseLauren Wolk, illus. by Kristen Adam. Dutton, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-5934-0777-6 A brown mouse “in love with her life” shares with an old man the Outermost House, a ramshackle cabin perched on a beach “where the land slipped away.” But the waters are rising nearer the residence, and while other animals prove unconcerned and the house itself seems resigned to its fate, the mouse attempts to build rodent-size defenses. With compassionate prose, haunting artwork, and an open, mythic ending, Newbery Honoree Wolk, making her picture book debut, and Adam capture what it means to face a literal sea change. more   Cowboys at the BalletClaire Wrenn Bobrow, illus. by Ilaria Urbinati. Atheneum, $19.99 (48p) ISBN 978-1-66595-787-8 Choreographer and dancer Agnes de Mille yields a dynamic biographical story that’s rendered with verve in this portrait of her pioneering path to creating famed ballet Rodeo. After ballet training leads to the figure conjuring vivid characters, she “gallops ahead” to New York City, where she joins a group of artists interested in celebrating the ordinary. But her wholly original style doesn’t quite fit anywhere. Further training in London brings the chance to work with mixed success, but it’s upon seeing a rodeo back in the U.S. that the dancer finds fresh inspiration. more  The Case of the Pilfered Pearls: (The Shrew Detective #1) Margi Preus, illus. by Junyi Wu. Amulet, $15.99 (128p) ISBN 978-1-4197-7802-5 Pygmy shrew Minerva is summoned to a human house, hopeful that Minerva can help prevent potential animal murder: the homeowner believes that mice have stolen her pearl necklace, and if it’s not recovered, she’ll hire an exterminator to fumigate the building. Donning her spectacles and deerstalker hat, and tapping into her vast vocabulary, “shrewd shrew” Minerva interviews acrobatic squirrels, a bumbling dog, and other denizens in and around the house as she seeks out suspects and evidence to find the pearls before it’s too late. more  | ||
