Deal Archive (Publishers Weekly)

Deals are ordered by approximate publication date. Click any deal to bring up a scrollable, in-page gallery.

Alex Borbolla while at Atheneum bought world rights to Speaking of America: United States Presidents and the Words That Changed History, the debut children's book by Jared Cohen (Accidental Presidents) (l.), illustrated by Vivian Shih; Feather Flores will edit. This nonfiction collection in the vein of Herstory unpacks the meaning and historical significance of quotes from all 45 U.S. presidents. Publication is slated for late summer 2024; Andrew Wylie at the Wylie Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Feather Flores, while at Chronicle Books, acquired world rights, at auction, to The Ofrenda That We Built, written by mother-daughter duo Jolene Gutiérrez (l.) and Shaian Gutiérrez (c.), illustrated by Gabby Zapata (r.) in her picture book debut. This celebration of Día de Muertos invites readers of all backgrounds to join in the building of the family ofrenda, one special element at a time. Publication is set for fall 2024; Elizabeth Lazowski will edit. Kaitlyn Sanchez at Context Literary Agency represented the authors, and Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary represented the illustrator.
Feather Flores at Chronicle has bought world rights to Maria Mariposa by Karla Arenas Valenti (l.), a bilingual story about a girl who receives a gift from her home in Mexico, on her first day of school in the U.S.—and how she finds a way to share the magic of that gift with everyone around her. Ana Ramírez González will illustrate; publication is scheduled for fall 2023. Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author, and Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Feather Flores at Atheneum has bought, in a six-figure preempt, The No-Girlfriend Rule, a queer YA romance by debut author Christen Randall, pitched as Heartstopper meets Fangirl with the fat pride of Dumplin'. When her boyfriend's "no girlfriends at the table" rule excludes her from participating in a roleplaying game, high school senior Hollis Beckwith joins an all-girls group instead. As Hollis starts to believe she can be more than just fat, anxious, and a little lost, an in-game crush develops between her character and charismatic Aini Amin-Shaw's—but Hollis wants their romance to be more than just pretend. Publication is set for spring 2024; Becca Langton at Darley Anderson did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Alex Borbolla, while at Atheneum, has bought middle grade novel Sunny Parker Is Here to Stay by Margaret Finnegan, in a two-book deal, to be edited by Feather Flores. Sunny never thought living in an affordable housing complex made her different—until the development of a new complex is halted by her affluent neighborhood's loud opposition. As rumors of "people like her" damaging the community begin to spread, Sunny teams up with her best friend to change the narrative. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Tracy Marchini at Bookends Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Feather Flores at Chronicle has bought world rights to A Treasure of Measures by Mike Downs, a nonfiction picture book that introduces readers to units of measurement, while also encouraging them to be silly, use their imaginations, and immerse themselves in the wonder of the world around them. Joy Hwang Ruiz will illustrate; publication is scheduled for fall 2023. Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary represented the author, and Molly O'Neill at Root Literary represented the illustrator.
Feather Flores at Chronicle Books has bought world rights to Two New Years by Richard Ho (l.), illustrated by Lynn Scurfield, a picture book that invites readers to experience the beauty of Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year traditions, paying homage to the practices that make each celebration unique while illuminating the themes of abundance, family, and deepest hope that they both share. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Emily Mitchell at Wernick & Pratt represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Feather Flores at Chronicle Books has bought world rights to Little Dumplings, a multicultural board book celebration of dumplings around the world, from debut authors (clockwise from l.) Jekka Kuhlmann, Krissy Kuhlmann, and Haley Hazell, illustrated by Manita Boonyong. Publication is slated for spring 2023; the authors and the artist represented themselves.
Feather Flores at Chronicle has acquired world rights to The Twelve Cats of Christmas, illustrated by Disney story artist Carrie Liao in her picture book debut. This festive take on the classic "12 Days of Christmas" song stars 12 cat characters celebrating the holiday season in true feline fashion: cuddling up by a fire, chasing ribbons, climbing the tree, and generally making mischief. Publication is set for fall 2022; Liao was unagented.