Brad Rouse

“It's important to us that our books have staying power. We want to publish books that resonate today and that will be resonant twenty years from now,” says Associate Publisher Susan Dobinick of Astra Books for Young Readers. Two such titles are Astra’s new books celebrating Black history.

Board books are benefiting from the surge in early childhood learning programs and literacy campaigns, with a 38% increase in sales from 2020 to 2024, according to Global Growth Insights. “Parents, educators, and publishers are increasingly investing in children’s illustration books due to their ability to enhance cognitive development and visual literacy.”

Graphic-format book publishers continue to enjoy sales success, even though the pandemic boom has subsided. Graphic-format book publishers now have the power to touch more lives and impact the culture. For their young readers, creators are exploring the emotional challenges of growing up amidst stressors like a pandemic, wars, and climate change.

Publishers are keenly aware that their books have to work harder than ever before—with more exciting storylines, more eye-catching and mature design, and popular topics that entice reluctant readers, like mysteries, horror, paranormal phenomena, dangerous jobs, cars and planes, and pre-historic creatures.

There’s no doubt that pandemic-induced lockdowns increased both adults’ and children’s appetite—and need—for audiobooks. Now, new formats in audiobooks for kids are providing even more ways to consume digital storytelling.

Librarians seeking to create inclusive, diverse, and representative library collections have a wealth from which to choose. Read on to discover more publishers and titles that are elevating Black voices and honoring key moments in Black history.

Renaissance man Daniel B. Botkin conjures the elephant’s power and gives readers a blockbuster adventure in TSAVO.

An interview with Genevieve Helsby on her recent release of My First Piano Book.
With My First Piano Book, Genevieve Helsby continues her joyful mission to connect children with classical music. She combines a lifelong devotion to music with her book career as an author and editor. Like her earlier hits Those Amazing Musical Instruments and My First Orchestra Book, My First Piano Book combines illustration, music, and words to reach children through eyes, ears, and touch.