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Sourcebooks Unveils New Children’s Book Imprint: Stonefruit Studio
In a significant expansion of its children’s publishing division, Sourcebooks has introduced its 19th imprint, Stonefruit Studio. This new endeavor, announced recently, aims to produce “distinctively creative children’s books across all age categories and formats.” The imprint is set to release between 16 to 24 titles each year, including picture books, middle-grade literature, young adult fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction. The guiding principle is to amplify works where “authors and illustrators can showcase their bold narrative voices and distinct styles,” ultimately fostering a love for reading among young audiences.
Leading this exciting new imprint are editorial directors Ben Rosenthal and Mabel Hsu, both seasoned professionals who transitioned from HarperCollins earlier this year. Rosenthal previously held the position of editorial director for HarperCollins’s Katherine Tegen children’s imprint, while Hsu served as the executive editor there. They will report to Jenne Abramowitz, who oversees the children’s publishing division that includes Sourcebooks Fire, Young Readers, and Jabberwocky, all based in Naperville, Illinois. The Stonefruit Studio team is further supported by senior art director Celeste Knudsen and editorial assistant Mikaela Luke.
Rosenthal emphasized the creative spirit that Stonefruit Studio seeks to embrace, stating, “The imprint is about celebrating fresh, diverse, and unexpected stories—essentially, ‘stories that refuse to be eaten politely.’” He expressed enthusiasm for creating an environment where writers and illustrators are encouraged to tackle bold ideas and take creative risks.
Echoing this sentiment, Hsu mentioned the collaborative approach that Stonefruit Studio intends to adopt, inviting creators to partner in all aspects of the publishing process, from editing and design to marketing and production.
The imprint’s first lineup of titles is expected to launch in summer 2026, featuring three initial works. These include a picture book by Matthew J. Burgess, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe, that explores the theme of imaginative dreaming; a middle-grade series described as a “spooky, tech-twisted” tale from Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly and Eliot Schrefer; and a young adult fantasy adventure by J.A. Morgenstein, likened to a mashup of Enola Holmes and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
As for future offerings within its inaugural year, Stonefruit Studio plans to release an array of titles. Among the picture books are a comedic story about a princess pony by Jordan Morris, illustrated by Charlie Mylie; a narrative centered on the last living dinosaur by Skylar Hogan; and a whimsical chess-themed tale by Jacob Sager Weinstein, illustrated by Victo Ngai. In the middle-grade category, readers can anticipate a unique reimagining of the hero’s journey from Printz Award-winner Daniel Nayeri; a humorous graphic novel about a clandestine group of pests by Michelle Sumovich; and an adventurous graphic novel about a family navigating the Aztec underworld by Yehudi Mercado. Additionally, the young adult section will debut with Firstborn, the initial book in a romantasy trilogy from first-time author M.J. Hastings.
In recent years, Sourcebooks has made significant strides in the children’s book market, which has proven fruitful; reports indicated that children’s titles constituted 32% of the company’s total net revenue in fiscal year 2023, while 51% of their releases that year were dedicated to this sector. Although comprehensive data for fiscal year 2024 is yet to be revealed, Heather Moore, executive director of impact marketing for Sourcebooks Kids, highlighted a 30% increase in point-of-sale figures for children’s and young adult books based on NPD BookScan data.
Sourcebooks CEO and publisher Dominique Raccah, who founded the company in 1987, conveyed her excitement about the new imprint, referencing it as a testament to Sourcebooks’ mission of amplifying stories and their creators. She expressed pride in witnessing the dedicated team bring their innovative vision to fruition with Stonefruit Studio. Similarly, Jennifer Gonzalez, publisher of children’s books at Sourcebooks, who joined the company in January, praised Rosenthal and Hsu’s efforts, suggesting that their work will inspire young readers and reshape the landscape of children’s literature.
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