Recent acquisitions have unveiled a rich tapestry of upcoming children's literature that promises to engage young readers. A variety of genres and themes are represented, showcasing the diverse storytelling landscape that lies ahead.
Magical Middle-Grade Adventures
Margaret Raymo at Sourcebooks/Kwame Alexander Books secured The Monster Hunter's Daughter from debut author Laura M. Rocha. This enchanting middle-grade adventure, inspired by Mexican folklore, follows a young monster hunter as she uncovers the mystery behind the vibrant alebrijes inhabiting her world. This title is set for release in summer 2027, with Andrea Colvin at Andrea Colvin Creative Agency representing the author.
Emerging Readers Find Mysteries
At Apples & Honey Press, Dena Neusner has acquired The Purim Puppet Show by Emma Carlson Berne, illustrated by Zoe Bysal. This early reader chapter book kicks off the Mensch Squad Mysteries series, featuring a group of friends who aim to solve the puzzle of a missing puppet just before Purim celebrations. The book is scheduled for spring 2027, and the creators did not have representation.
Interactive Adventures and Picture Books
The auction for The Book Is Lava turned competitive, with Ben Rosenthal at Stonefruit Studio emerging victorious. Caldecott Honoree Jason Griffin brings a unique interactive adventure picture book where children navigate lava and other hazards through gameplay elements. This title is set to hit shelves in fall 2028, negotiated by Elena Giovinazzo from Heirloom Literary & Media.
Humorous Takes on Halloween
Jill Davis at Hippo Park/Astra acquired Halloworms from Daniel Wiseman, a whimsical picture book featuring four worm friends eager to win a Halloween costume contest. The publication is slated for fall 2028, with Teresa Kietlinski at Bookmark Literary managing the transaction for world rights.
Dual Perspectives in Storytelling
Greenwillow's Martha Mihalick has signed debut author-illustrator Jackie Verbitski's Out Here. This dual-POV picture book showcases two children searching for friendship across vast distances, only to discover it exists nearer than they thought. Anticipated for a fall 2027 release, it was brokered by Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary & Media.
Heartwarmers and Family Celebrations
Penguin Workshop is set to publish Welcome to the Family: A Celebration of New Arrivals by Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee. This heartfelt picture book not only welcomes new family members but pays tribute to Perl’s aunt, esteemed Sesame Street writer, Emily Perl Kingsley. The book is slated for summer 2028; Elizabeth Harding at Curtis Brown Ltd. represented Perl, while Deborah Warren at East West Literary represented Lee.
Environmental Advocacy through Literature
Grace Maccarone at Holiday House has secured world rights to Dream Green: A Healthier Planet Especially for You by Sarah Nelson, illustrated by Mariona Cabassa. This picture book presents a roadmap to climate solutions filled with hope and community spirit. A spring 2027 release is in the works, represented by Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency.
Empowerment through Self-Acceptance
Kate DePalma at Barefoot Books is publishing I Can! by Mikey Henry Jr., illustrated by Pupé. This singalong picture book celebrates individuality and self-love, with a target release in spring 2027. Henry Jr. represented himself, while the illustrator was represented by Kate Johnson at Collaborate Agency.
Artistic Reflections on Emotions
WaterBrook's Kimberly von Fange and Bunmi Ishola have acquired Casting Cares by Bonnie Clark, illustrated by Mette Engell. This poignant book explores a child's observation of nature, revealing her deep-seated feelings of love and acceptance as she sheds the weight of her worries. Publication is expected for fall 2027; the arrangements were made by Kristen Terrette at Martin Literary Management and Robbin Brosterman at the Bright Agency.
Queer Horror on the Rise
A notable addition comes from Clare Vaughn at HarperCollins/Avon A, who acquired We Brought Her Back by Lindsay Ribar. This queer horror young adult novel tells the story of a girl who brings her deceased girlfriend back to life, only to discover that a dangerous entity has returned with her. Slated for summer 2027, the deal was facilitated by Brenda Bowen at the Book Group.
Interactive Middle-Grade Tales
Ben Rosenthal at Stonefruit Studio is also behind This Book Is Trying to Kill You, an engaging pick-your-path series from Lauren Magaziner, illustrated by Lauren Schmidt. Already generating buzz for its interactive and humorous narrative, the first installment, Bloody Susan, is on track for a summer 2027 debut, with Alexandra Levick at Writers House representing the author.
Cultural Narratives and Historical Themes
Random House Graphic’s Shana Corey has acquired There's Always a Catch by Julio Anta, illustrated by Jose Pimienta. This middle-grade graphic novel addresses the experience of a Mexican American boy laboring in a sugar beet field while finding joy in a baseball league. Scheduled for fall 2028, it was represented by Jessica Mileo at Inkwell Management and Elizabeth Bennett at Transatlantic Agency.
New Adventures from the Unknown
Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has also acquired Mistland by debut author Maggie Heinze, a middle-grade fantasy about a girl whose archaeologist parents disappear while searching for a mythic world. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Abigail Frank from GreenburgerKids handled the deal.
Whimsical Tales of Ghostly Encounters
Finally, Chris Duffy at Union Square Kids secured Ghost and Toast: Slice to Meet You from illustrator-author Phil Corbett. This comedic middle-grade graphic novel chronicles the misadventures of a ghost and a slice of toast in a peculiar house, set for winter 2027. The North American rights were represented by Susannah Palfrey at Piccadilly Press in a three-book deal.
Each of these upcoming titles reflects a dedication to crafting stories that entertain and educate, enriching the literary landscape for young readers everywhere.