Fall Flying Starts; Twitter Pitch Events Connect Agents and Writers

[PW Children's Bookshelf: Breaking children's and YA publishing news, author interviews, bestsellers lists and reviews.] [A World of Pausabilities by Frank J. Sileo, PhD]( Fall Flying Starts We spoke with the authors of six of the season's most promising debuts about their path to publication. [Jessica Townsend]( Jessica Townsend wrote her first story as a seven-year-old living on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. The process made her realize, “This is what I’m going to do, the rest of my life.” That wish came true: Townsend's first novel, Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, is now an international bestseller that is being published in 27 countries, with a film in the works. [more]( [Tochi Onyebuchi]( Tochi Onyebuchi wasn’t new to writing when the idea for his debut book came about. He had already written 15 unpublished novels and wanted to write about the issues he had seen in his work with the Office of the New York Attorney General. He also wanted to bring his Nigerian heritage to the page. The result is the first of a series set in a fantastical world full of dark magic. [more]( [Celia C. Pérez]( It’s tempting to focus on the similarities between author Celia C. Pérez and the 12-year-old heroine of her debut novel. Both are bicultural and both are fans of punk music and making zines. But Pérez is just as aware of their differences: “One of the reasons I wrote the book is because I wanted to explore how being Latino is such a different experience for different people." [more]( [Andrea Tsurumi]( Though author-illustrator Andrea Tsurumi views the creation of her first picture book, Accident!, as somewhat, well, accidental, the book is the product of years of picture book appreciation. The story crystallized in 2015, when Tsurumi and a group of fellow artists gathered at Books of Wonder in Manhattan for an “illustration jam.” [more]( [David Barclay Moore]( Not only does David Barclay Moore remember his dreams and get story ideas from them, but occasionally he can even guide his dreams. That ability gave him a key piece of what would become his debut novel. “I had a dream that someone was building a whole city out of Legos, and I was able to envision what the city looked like,” he said. “When I woke up, I ran to jot the whole thing down.” [more]( [Molly Ostertag]( Author-illustrator Molly Ostertag was drawn to fantasy stories at a young age; she recalls hearing The Lord of the Rings read to her before she could read herself, came of age alongside Harry Potter, and loves the work of Tamora Pierce and Diana Wynne Jones. Her debut graphic novel originated with the “idea of a boy who wants to do girly things, because you don’t see that very often." [more]( [PW KidsCast: A Conversation with Tracy Barrett]( Social Media Spotlight [Twitter Events Connect Agents and Writers]( While authors have been making initial connections online with agents for several years, Twitter events such as #PitMad and #DVPit have exploded in popularity—providing a new outlet for emerging talent. “It’s half pitching, half celebration," said author Kat Cho. [more]( In the News [Abrams Partners with the Met For Line of Kids' Books]( Abrams Children’s Books has announced an exclusive partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store on a new publishing program, launching in March 2018. The books will pull from the Met’s collection, covering art concepts, history and biography, and content tied to the museum’s exhibitions. [more]( [WNDB Announces 2018 Walter Award Ceremony, Expands Program]( We Need Diverse Books, the nonprofit diversity organization, will hold its third annual Walter Dean Myers Award ceremony at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., on March 16, 2018. The event will be immediately preceded by a symposium, “Seen and Heard: The Power of Books,” which will be open to the public. [more]( [BolognaFiere Inks Deal to Co-Organize Shanghai Children’s Book Fair]( In addition to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, BolognaFiere will now oversee a global network of book publishing events that includes the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair and the debut of the New York Rights Fair in 2018. [more]( Happy Anniversary [Forty Years at the Forefront for the Children's Book Shop]( Over the course of the Children’s Book Shop’s four decades in business, the tiny Boston-area specialty bookstore has weathered monumental changes in publishing. We spoke with founder Rusty Browder and current owner Terri Schmitz about the store's evolution and how it remains a a beloved part of the community. [more]( In Conversation [Tim Federle and Marla Frazee]( The Golden Globe Awards are right around the corner, and this year two animated features based on picture books have been nominated: Ferdinand, which is inspired by the 1936 classic, features a screenplay co-written by author Tim Federle; and The Boss Baby, is based on Marla Frazee’s 2010 picture book. We asked Federle and Frazee to interview each other about the adaptation process. [more]( On the Scene [A 'Radiant' Exhibition: Celebrating the Legacy of McLoughlin Brothers]( The American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, Mass., and the Grolier Club in New York City present a new children’s exhibition this fall, "McLoughlin Brothers and the Business of Picture Books." The exhibit focuses on the prolific New York publisher, which was active between 1858 and 1920. [more]( SPONSORED [PW KidsCast: Listen Now]( Francisco X. Stork, Andrea Beaty, Dan Santat, Julie Fogliano, Christian Robinson, Philip C. Stead, Matthew Cordell – listen to these and other top writers and artists discuss their new books for children and teens in the PW KidsCast podcast. [Click here]( to listen. For more about these and other great jobs, visit the new [PW JobZone]( now with resume hosting and more! - [Senior Marketing Manager, Children's - Simon & Schuster - New York](. - [Art Manager / Photo Editor - Callisto Media - Emerville](. - [Art Manager / Photo Editor - Callisto Media - New York](. - [Associate Children's Marketing Manager - Simon & Schuster - New York](. - [Marketing Manager, Adult Trade - Abrams Books - New York](. Rights Report Ruta Rimas at S&S/McElderry has acquired, in an exclusive submission, North American rights to Sanctuary Highway, a YA novel by Ellen Hopkins. Pitched as The Underground Railroad with a contemporary YA spin, the book takes place in a near future in which things continue to go along the current trajectory politically, and the America of the story is an even darker version of the one we know now. The book is slated for fall 2019; Laura Rennert at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency brokered the deal. Anne Schwartz at Random House/Schwartz & Wade has bought Candace Fleming's untitled YA biography of Charles Lindbergh. The book aims to provide a closer, more critical look at the American hero based on current scholarship and new revelations. Publication is planned for fall 2019; Ethan Ellenberg at Ethan Ellenberg Literary handled the deal for world rights. Rhea Lyons at Rodale Kids has acquired North American rights to Savannah Maddison's nonfiction middle grade book, The Bridge Between Here and There, a memoir and guide to writing letters as a means of drawing people around the world closer together. The book is based on Maddison's experience building her nonprofit Savannah's Soldiers, which helps kids connect to deployed troops through letter-writing campaigns. Publication is scheduled for fall 2018; Kirsten Neuhaus at Foundry Literary + Media represented the project. Georgia McBride at Month9Books has bought Tales of the Egyptified Jonseses: Ankh by Malayna Evans. Pitched as The Red Pyramid meets Back to the Future, the book is about an 11-year-old biracial kid from Chicago's South Side who is transported 3,000 years back in time to the ancient Egyptian court with his nine-year-old sister, and given one week to save the royal family. Publication is set for May 2019; Liza Fleissig at the Liza Royce Agency negotiated the three-book deal for world English rights. Erica Finkel at Abrams has acquired world rights to Emma Wunsch's (l.) first two books in the Miranda and Maude series, illustrated by Jessika von Innerebner. The chapter book series is about the unexpected friendship between a princess and a social justice advocate. It will launch in fall 2018; Rachel Orr at the Prospect Agency represented the author, and Kelly Sonnack at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator. Katherine Jacobs at Roaring Brook has bought, at auction, two-time Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt's (l.) picture book, So Tall Within, a look at the indomitable spirit of Sojourner Truth, who escaped slavery and fought for freedom, women's rights, and the dignity of all people. Coretta Scott King Honor winner Daniel Minter will illustrate; publication is slated for fall 2018. Rick Margolis at Rising Bear Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself in the deal for world rights. Susan Kochan at Putnam has acquired, in a four-house auction, author-illustrator Deb Pilutti's Old Rock, a story about a rock that has been sitting in the same spot for as long as anyone can remember. But Old Rock's life story reveals daring adventures and exciting journeys. Publication is planned for 2020; Jennifer Rofé at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights. Taylor Norman at Chronicle has bought 2017 Emily Dickinson First Book Award-winning YA and middle grade author Kristen Tracy's (l.) debut picture books, A Cub Story and A Kit Story, about a bear and a fox encountering the world on their own terms. Alison Farrell, recipient of SCBWI's Portfolio Prize, will illustrate both books, which will be published in spring and fall 2020, respectively. Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties represented the author, and Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties represented the illustrator in the deal for world rights. Chris Paul and Hilary Van Dusen at Candlewick Press have acquired world rights to The Flying Paintings of Wuming: The True Story of Two Chinese Brothers by Amy Alznauer, illustrated by the Zhou Brothers, who are the subjects of the book. The tale of a besieged family, a wise old grandmother, and a country in the midst of revolution centers on these two brothers who, inspired by an ancient legend, confront conflict and free their imaginations by painting together on the same canvas. The book is scheduled for fall 2020; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author and the illustrators. While at Roaring Brook, Claire Dorsett bought, at auction, sibling co-writing team Tara Luebbe (l.) and Becky Cattie's Conan the Librarian, a look at what happens when a mighty raider is initiated into the world of reading. Mekisha Telfer will edit. Publication is set for 2019, with a second book to follow in 2020; Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary did the two-book deal for world rights. Christy Cox at Sasquatch/Little Bigfoot has acquired world rights to Grizzly Boy by Barbara Davis-Pyles (l.), illustrated by Tracy Subisak, the story of a boy who wakes up one day determined he's a grizzly bear. Publication is slated for September 2018; the author represented herself, and Emily Mitchell of the Wernick & Pratt Agency represented the illustrator. Tracy Mack at Scholastic Press has bought world rights to Charlotte Agell's (l.) picture book Maybe Tomorrow, about two friends who navigate friendship, loss, and healing. Pixar artist Ana Ramirez will illustrate; publication is planned for 2019. Edite Kroll at Edite Kroll Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself. Liz Bicknell at Candlewick has acquired world rights to Randi Sonenshine's (l.) This Is the Nest That Wren Built, a nonfiction picture book that follows a pair of avian engineers as they design and build a nest for their future hatchlings. Anne Hunter will illustrate; publication is set for 2020. Kendra Marcus at Book Stop Literary represented the author, and Rosemary Stimola of Simola Literary Studio represented the illustrator. Connie Hsu at Roaring Brook has bought, in a preempt, world rights to I Will Be Fierce by Cailín McCarthy Garfunkel writing as Bea Birdsong (l.), illustrated by Pashmina creator Nidhi Chanani. The book features a girl who tackles every element in her day with courage and fortitude, much like the heroine in a fairy tale. Publication is scheduled for spring 2019; Melissa Edwards at Stonesong represented the author, and Judith Hansen at Hansen Literary Management represented the illustrator. Kelsey Skea at Amazon/Two Lions has acquired world rights to The Itty Bitty Witch by Punk Skunks author Trisha Speed Shaskan (l.), illustrated by Xindi Yan. Betty Ann Batsworth is the littlest witch around. After being called “Itty Bitty” one too many times, she thinks up her biggest idea yet—winning the Halloween Broom Dash. Publication is slated for fall 2019; Sara Crowe of Pippin Properties represented the author, and Christy Tugeau Ewers of the CAT Agency represented the illustrator. Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has bought world rights to debut author Gloria Respress-Churchwell's (l.) picture book, Follow Chester! A College Football Team Fights Racism and Makes History, about the first black college football player (Chester Pierce of Harvard) to play a football game at a southern school (UVA) in 1947. The book will be illustrated by Laura Freeman, illustrator of Hidden Figures: A True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race. Publication is planned for summer 2019; the author represented herself, and Janet DeCarlo of StoryBook Arts represented the illustrator. To see all of this week's deals, [click here](. IN THE MEDIA [From Publishing Perspectives:]( Trends in Children's Books: Five 2018 Predictions from Scholastic. [Click here]( [From Time:]( Jumanji Author Chris Van Allsburg on the Story's Personal Origins and Its New Reboot. [Click here]( [From Bustle:]( The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Was the Most Searched-For Book on Goodreads in 2017. [Click here]( [From the New Yorker:]( When The Story of Ferdinand Was Fodder for the Culture Wars. [Click here]( [From Entertainment Weekly:]( J.K. Rowling reveals where she came up with the Hogwarts houses. [Click here]( [From NPR:]( Why Teens Find the End of the World So Appealing. [Click here]( [From MSN.com]( U.S. Man Detained in Australia Attempting to Smuggle Cocaine Inside Kids' Books. [Click here]( [From io9:]( Ava DuVernay Decided to Direct A Wrinkle in Time So She Could Create New Worlds. [Click here]( [From Bustle:]( This Eight-Year-Old Reads Books to Sick Kids via YouTube. [Click here]( [From Read It Forward:]( 26 Authors on the Books They're Giving Kids This Holiday. [Click here]( SHELFTALKER Josie Leavitt [Best Greeting Card, Ever]( Cards and swearing make for holiday fun! [more »]( Meghan Dietsche Goel [All Things Small and Wonderful]( Trimming the tree with 30 teeny tiny literary treasures (plus 2 stocking stuffers for good measure). [more »]( Kenny Brechner [The Summoning of a Mighty Wrapper]( Would the use of dark magic work to summon a retired gift wrapper from a faraway bookstore to appear in central Maine? [more »]( Cynthia Compton [Two Parts Coffee, One Part Christmas Cookies]( An amusing sample of Post-it notes by and to staff members, left behind the register at Cynthia’s bookstore. [more »]( FEATURED REVIEWS [Bus! Stop!]( James Yang. Viking, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-425-28877-1 Yang dedicates his graphically inventive book to “all the nice bus drivers who waited as I ran toward the bus.” Alas, such is not the good fortune of his young hero, who has just missed his bus to school. Oh well, there’s always another bus, right? But the vehicles that subsequently show up don’t seem to be headed to school. [more]( [Islandborn]( Junot Díaz, illus. by Leo Espinosa. Dial, $17.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-7352-2986-0 From its very first sentence, this first picture book from Díaz is both beautifully nuanced and instantly comprehensible: “Every kid in Lola’s school was from somewhere else.” Lola is from a place that she calls the Island (the author’s native Dominican Republic), but she left as a baby. When her teacher asks everyone to draw a picture of “the country you were originally from,” Lola, who doesn’t remember the Island herself, embarks on a quest through her tight-knit city neighborhood to collect memories. [more]( [Hi, Jack!]( Mac Barnett, illus. by Greg Pizzoli. Viking, $9.99 (80p) ISBN 978-0-425-28907-5 In this promising series opener, Barnett and Pizzoli introduce a mischievous monkey named Jack, a dog named Rex, and a lady named the Lady. Barnett works wonders with a limited vocabulary, packing the stories with humor, tension—and admonishments of Jack. Pizzoli’s scruffy-edged, emotive cartoons are just as funny. [more]( [Aru Shah and the End of Time]( Roshani Chokshi. Disney-Hyperion, $16.99 (368p) ISBN 978-1-368-01235-5 This series kickoff, which is also the first book from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, expertly channels the humor and action that have made Riordan’s own work so successful. Twelve-year-old Aru Shah lives with her mother in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture in Atlanta. Aru’s tendency to bend the truth gets her into trouble when three of her classmates dare her to light a supposedly cursed lamp called a diya, which awakens the demonic Sleeper. [more]( [Just Like Jackie]( Lindsey Stoddard. Harper, $16.99 (256p) ISBN 978-0-06-265291-1 In Stoddard’s gently powerful debut, 11-year-old Robinson “Robbie” Hart tries to emulate her cheek-turning namesake, Jackie Robinson, but her anger often explodes at school, threatening to expose her guardian grandfather’s failing memory. A family tree project brings Robbie’s anxiety to the forefront—she doesn’t even know her deceased mother’s name. [more]( [Mapping the Bones]( Jane Yolen. Philomel, $17.99 (432p) ISBN 978-0-399-25778-0 Yolen returns to the horrors of WWII and the Holocaust in this expansive, eloquent novel about 14-year-old twins Chaim and Gittel Abromowitz. Their Jewish family has been relocated to the Lódz ghetto in Poland, stuffed into a small apartment with another family. As the situation in the ghetto worsens, Chaim pawns his mother’s engagement ring so both families can make a dangerous escape into the forest and, eventually, across the border into the Soviet Union. [more]( December 19, 2017 E-mail not displaying correctly? [View it in your browser.]( [Rot, the Cutest in the World! by Ben Clanton]( [Global Kids Connect Breakfast Series 2018 | OK Google]( People Random House Children's Books has two promotions. Kristin Schulz has been promoted to manager of school and library marketing, from associate manager. Emily Petrick has been promoted to associate manager of school and library marketing, from assistant manager. Bestsellers [Children's Frontlist Fiction]( #1 The Getaway (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #12) by Jeff Kinney. [Click here]( [Picture Books]( #1 Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae, illus. by Guy Parker-Rees. [Click here]( Follow Us Children's Bookshelf is on [Instagram]( Please follow us @pwkidsbookshelf. Bookshelf Archives Looking for a previous issue of Children's Bookshelf? [Click here]( see our archives page! CONTACT US Have a comment or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you. [Click here](mailto:childrensbooks@publishersweekly.com) to drop us a note. 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