Welcome to Publisher Spotlight, your discovery spot for children’s books from international and independent publishers!
Recent Starred Reviews
Check It Out Now on NetGalley!
There’s a new series in town and you can download an episode to your NetGalley shelf now! “Something Terrible” by Sally Barton, illustrated by Christopher Nielsen, and published for early chapter book readers by Walker Books Australia, kicks off with BECKY BRUSH-YOUR-HAIR. This one is a brush-with-disaster pony-tale of do’s and do-knots in a tangled mess of the terrible things that happen on Rufus Street. Discover why School Library Journal welcomes the series as “A great addition to any youth beginning chapter book collection.”
Read It Now: Our Latest Article
- Spotlight on Paw Prints Publishing
Paw Prints Publishing is dedicated to expanding inclusivity in children’s literature, specifically prioritizing books that amplify diverse voices while helping young readers cultivate emotional intelligence. We are thrilled to be working with this specialized children’s book publisher and know that their titles will be hits with teachers and librarians alike, as well as with kids! Their books are designed with the classroom in mind, featuring expert-vetted content, engaging backmatter, and titles for a wide range of ages from 0-12. Paw Prints comes on board with Publisher Spotlight with an intentionally streamlined backlist, and their new relationship with Dover Publications will allow them to expand their offerings into licenses and graphic novel formats while continuing to publish high-quality, culturally relevant titles that will ignite kids’ imaginations and inspire a love of reading.
Originally launched in 2022, Paw Prints was created by a public library wholesaler to combat the lack of diversity in children’s media. In 2025, they found a new home at Dover Publications, as part of an acquisition by Dover’s parent organization, Lakeside Book Company. Dover retained the core backlist titles while continuing to honor Paw Prints Publishing’s core mission of representation, inclusion, and alignment with educational standards. They bring the same mindful focus to this new partnership with a leaner list, strengthening their commitment to create high-quality books showcasing a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences.
Paw Prints’ catalog prioritizes stories that feature characters from diverse backgrounds, like Kamal, the multiethnic protagonist of ALL MIXED UP, by Raj Tawney. Publishing in a new paperback format on October 13, 2026, ALL MIXED UP is a powerful, middle-grade novel that explores identity, friendship, and the challenges of growing up in a post 9/11 world. This compelling story is also award-winning, picked as a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids in 2024, a 2024 Foreword Indies Honorable Mention title, and as a 2025 Children’s Book Council Middle Grade and Teacher Favorite.
Paw Prints Publishing stands out by also having several high-profile media partnerships. They are the official publishing partner for the Emmy-award winning reboot Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, producing storybooks and leveled readers around the franchise. They also hold publishing rights for the popular PBS Kids animated series, Lyla in the Loop, focused on computational thinking and creative problem solving. Kids are sure to gravitate towards licensed titles that tie in with actual episodes of the shows they love, and teachers will appreciate the introduction to STEM concepts via familiar characters! LYLA IN THE LOOP: Hairdos and Hair Don’ts, and RAINBOW COLLECTION are coming in hardcover, paperback, and board book editions in 2027!
Paw Prints Publishing knows what newly independent readers want and is poised to bring tons of fun with two new chapter book series, launching in December 2026! “The Unicorn Detective” series kicks off with WHO STOLE THE MERMAID’S PURSE?, which features a cast of mythical creatures and wacky hijinks perfect for reluctant readers and classroom readalouds. The “Rachel & Abby” series grabs attention with energetic, graphic novel page style art, and centers LBGTQ+ parents and a diverse family dynamic. The first title in the series, NEW BABY BROTHER, is an endearing celebration of Jewish naming traditions, family history, and the arrival of a new sibling.
Paw Prints Publishing intentionally fills a critical gap in children’s media ensuring that kids of all cultures, abilities, and backgrounds see themselves reflected. Developed alongside educational therapists, their books uniquely align with learning standards to teach children empathy, emotional resilience, and ways to support their peers. They “believe the world is full of extraordinary storytellers from varied backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences. By showcasing this breadth of talent, we help build a richer, more inclusive canon for kids—celebrating the many “paw prints” that make every story unique.” Now that Paw Prints has partnered with Dover Publications (and Publisher Spotlight), their diverse titles will be accessible to even more kids!