Kat Brzozowski at Feiwel and Friends has acquired, at auction, Grave Enchantments, a whimsical YA romantasy with an edge by debut author Angel Briley. Set in a backdrop of eternal autumn, a teenage executioner must venture into the accursed woods to save her once-idyllic town from an ominous future foretold by talking severed heads, with the help of a quartet of tea-loving ghosts and a frustratingly charming prince from a nearby bog. Publication is set for 2027; Saffron Dodd and Paula Weiman at ASH Literary sold North American rights.
Elizabeth Stranahan at Random House has bought Our Dark Unraveling by Margot McGovern, a YA contemporary horror pitched as Practical Magic meets Don't Let the Forest In. Two roommates are left reeling when a classmate dies in a freak accident. But when the boy's ghost begins appearing on campus, it becomes clear the dead has unfinished business—and this ghost is determined to be just as controlling in death as he was in life. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Talia Moodley at PRH Australia sold U.S., Canada, Philippines, and non-exclusive world rights except U.K. and Commonwealth English rights.
Caitlin Tutterow at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has acquired, in an exclusive submission, A Dream of Blood by Heather M. Herrman, a YA gothic horror novel about a grieving teen musician who moves to a small coastal town, only to discover the bloody truth behind his own family's deaths might be related to the vampire-hunting cult residing there. Meanwhile a vampire girl looks upon his arrival as her decades-long awaited chance to settle a blood debt of her own. Publication is slated for summer 2027; Barbara Poelle at Word One Literary Agency sold world rights.
Jill Santopolo at Philomel has bought Newbery Honor author Chanel Miller's The Moon Without Stars, a middle grade novel that explores the glorious mess that is middle school. When 12-year-old Luna, a quiet, observant girl who loves writing and making zines with her best friend, Scott, is swept up into the popular group, she learns just how much of herself she's going to have to compromise to stay there. Publication is scheduled for January 2026; Flip Brophy at Sterling Lord Literistic negotiated the deal for U.S. and Canada rights.
Brittany Willis at Moon + Bird has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Creepy Rides: Real-Life Stories of Haunted Cars, Terrifying Trains, Spooky Ships and More, an illustrated middle grade collection of hair-raising stories about scary vehicles from around the world by Heather Alexander (l.), illustrated by Marilisa Cotroneo. Publication is planned for July 2027; Elizabeth Bennett at Transatlantic Agency represented the author, and Gary Swift at Lemonade Illustration Agency represented the illustrator.
Juan Botero at Candlewick has bought world rights to House Dragons by Julie Kagawa (the Iron Fey and Fateless series), pitched as My Little Pony with tiny dragons, a chapter book series that sets a brave young hero on an epic journey to rescue a dragon from the princess—but wait, shouldn't it be the other way around? Laurie McLean at Fuse Literary did the four-book deal for publication in winter 2027, 2028, and 2029.
Kortney Nash at Macmillan/Godwin Books has acquired world English rights to Friendship Is an Invitation, a picture book by Margaret Chiu Greanias (l.), illustrated by Yu Chiao Kuo. When Chih-Ming moves to America, he misses the familiar faces in Taiwan. As he befriends his neighbor Paul, each playdate ends with an invitation to try something new together, from the Fourth of July to the Mid-Autumn Festival. But when Paul announces his family is moving away, it's Chih-Ming's turn to welcome the new arrivals to the neighborhood. Publication is set for spring 2027; Sean McCarthy at Sean McCarthy Literary Agency represented the author, and Amy Milligan at the Illo Agency represented the illustrator.
Celia Lee at Simon & Schuster has bought world rights to Go Bananas! by A.B. Peale (l.), illustrated by Lala Watkins. The silly story follows a bunch of bananas as they learn that through the power of friendship, community, and movement, life can be, well, bananas! Publication is slated for spring 2026; the author represented herself, and Erica Rand Silverman at Stimola Literary Studio represented the artist.
Kelly Delaney at Crown Books for Young Readers has acquired world rights to Napping Baba by Roger Lam (l.), illustrated by Alina Chau, a "Sleeping Beauty" retelling about an energetic boy and his very tired dad. Publication is scheduled for spring 2027; Tasneem Motala while at the Rights Factory represented the author, and Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Brett Duquette at Little Bee Books has bought world rights to Before It Was a Hurricane and Before It Was a Wildfire by Mary Kay Carson (l.), illustrated by Jieting Chen, a new series that explores epic disasters in reverse chronological order, exploring their stages, how they are formed, and the impact they have on communities and environments. Publication is planned for spring and summer 2026; Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Agency represented the author, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Justin Krasner at Sourcebooks eXplore has acquired world rights to Newton's Paws of Motion, a humorous picture book take on the fundamental principles of physics as seen through the eyes of a curious cat and his exasperated family, written by Laurie Ann Thompson (l.) and illustrated by Karen Obuhanych. Publication is set for May 2027; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Aevitas Creative Management represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Natalia Vázquez Torres at Charlesbridge has bought world rights to Winter Solstice Hill by Cathy Stefanec Ogren (l.), and Cathleen Schaad has acquired world rights for illustration by Rebecca Evans. The picture book follows Ella and Gramps on a winter solstice hill adventure, where they plan to find a holiday tree and make a wish on the winter solstice star. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Victoria Selvaggio at Storm Literary Agency represented the author, and Essie White at Storm Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Deidra Purvis at Free Spirit has acquired world rights to The Best Good Thing, a picture book by child mental health clinician Anna Housley Juster (l.) (How to Train Your Amygdala), illustrated by Andrea Onishi. With the support of her mother, a girl learns to shift her perspective following a bad day at school by finding comfort and joy in small everyday moments and community. Cassie Labriola-Sitzman and Cathy Hernandez will edit; publication is scheduled for summer 2026. The author represented herself, and Robbin Brosterman at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to Breathe Deep, written and sung by Grammy winner Joanie Leeds (l.), illustrated by Bárbara Quintino (Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim). This singalong picture book guides young readers through steps to release stress, close their eyes, quiet their bodies, and settle their minds. Publication is planned for spring 2026; the author represented herself, and Gabriela Sousa at Filtro Ltda
Janet Bruins at Picnic Heist Publishing has acquired world rights to Hungry Little Ghosts by debut author Jocelyn Wong-Trothen (l.), illustrated by Erin Hung. The picture book follows two wandering ghosts in search of a legendary feast. Publication is slated for fall 2026; the author represented herself, and Trinity McFadden at the Bindery Agency represented the illustrator.
Ginee Seo at Ten Speed Young Readers has bought, in an exclusive submission, One Happy Dog and a second dog board book by artist and animal advocate Lili Chin (Kitty Language; Dogs of the World; Doggie Language). Simultaneous publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Lilly Ghahremani brokered the deal for world rights.
Kat Brzozowski at Feiwel and Friends has acquired world rights to Revenge of the Final Girl by Andrea Mosqueda (Just Your Local Bisexual Disaster), in which Lili Garza, dubbed the Gatzville High Final Girl after being the lone survivor of a massacre that claimed the lives of her best friends, is forced to revisit the memory of that fateful night in order to find a killer—and take revenge on the person determined to rewrite the past. Publication is set for October 2026; Lauren MacLeod at Aevitas Creative Management brokered the deal.
Jenny Bak at Viking has bought Deadstream author Mar Romasco Moore's Saint Kayleigh, a YA horror novel about a teen with a rare sleeping illness who wakes from a months-long fugue state to discover that something is deeply wrong with her best friend, a popular wellness influencer who is leading her followers down a horrifying path. Publication is scheduled for fall 2027; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the deal for world rights.
Nicole Fiorica at McElderry Books has acquired Your Better Half by Emily Charlotte (Heart Check), a YA reimagining of Jane Austen's Emma, about a teenage matchmaker, recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, who creates a Bachelor-style fundraiser to date her school's most stubbornly single guy—only to fall in love with the leading man herself. Publication is slated for summer 2027; Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Aneeka Kalia at Viking has bought world English rights to Erin Baldwin's Good Luck, Babe!, pitched as Never Ever Getting Back Together meets The Amazing Race, in which former best friends Noelle and Yumi pretend to be a sapphic couple to compete for two million dollars on their favorite reality TV show. Publication is planned for summer 2026; Lauren Spieller at Folio Literary Management handled the deal while at Triada US.
Tamara Grasty at Page Street has acquired Labyrinth of Waking Dreams by Michelle Kulwicki, the first installment of a dark YA fantasy duology, in which two young magicians trained to defend humanity against a malevolent sentient Labyrinth travel to the underworld with a mysterious girl they both find intriguing in order to save the world from a terrible fate. Publication is set for spring 2026; Becca Langton at Darley Anderson brokered the two-book deal for North American rights.
Karen Li at Groundwood has bought Dominic Bean and the Mammoth Melt, a middle grade novel by Emilie Christie Burack (The Runaway's Gold), pitched as Charlotte's Web meets Ice Age. In this mystery-adventure, a 12-year-old boy discovers a baby woolly surprise on his eccentric aunt and uncle's New Hampshire farm and finds himself knee-deep in his family's secret mission to save the world from climate disaster. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Victoria Wells Arms at HG Literary did the deal for world rights.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has acquired world right to The Together House by Julie Bliven (l.), illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey, a picture book about an extended family's last vacation at the lake house that they visit every summer, and all the beautiful memories they promise to hold onto as they say goodbye to it. Publication is slated for spring 2028; Erin Murphy while at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the illustrator.
Taylor Norman at Holiday House/Neal Porter Books has bought world rights to Ripples by Freeman Ng (l.), illustrated by Daniel Miyares, a picture book in which two young friends meet by the side of a pond at the same moment that the waves thrown off by two black holes consuming each other trillions of years ago pass over earth in a consideration of astronomy, friendship, and our connection to the universe. Publication is planned for fall 2027; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Studio Goodwin Sturges represented the illustrator.
Caitlyn Dlouhy at Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books has acquired world rights, in an exclusive submission, One Egg by Naaz H. Khan (l.) (Room for Everyone), illustrated by Brizida Magro, a picture book about the adventures that transpire for a girl and her grandmother when they set out to use their one egg to make something special for their new neighbors. Publication is scheduled for fall 2028; Lilly Ghahremani at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Denene Millner at S&S/Denene Millner Books has bought world rights to Daisy Helps with the Dress by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (l.), illustrated by Charis Jackson Barrios, a picture book in which, after some mishaps and misunderstandings, Daisy helps her large extended family produce the perfect wedding dress for her picky cousin, as only this repurposing-minded crew can. Publication is set for fall 2026; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency represented the author, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Emily Duffy at Union Square Kids has acquired Lexi K. Nilson's picture book debut, Captain, about a girl who goes on an imaginative sea-faring adventure and discovers the challenges and wonders of the world. Publication is slated for winter 2027; Linda Pratt at Wernick & Pratt Agency brokered the deal for world English rights.
Mary Cash at Holiday House has bought world rights to Mad by Liza Woodruff (Phil's Big Day), a picture book that explores how Henry grapples with his anger and learns to see other perspectives. Publication is planned for summer 2027; Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Agency negotiated the deal.
Alisha Niehaus Berger at NorthSouth/NorteSur has acquired world rights to This Is My Family by Baptiste Paul (l.), illustrated by Selina Alko, a picture book tale of acceptance and awareness about a child who has no family photos for a class project. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027, simultaneously in English and Spanish; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Esther Cajahuaringa at Knopf has bought world rights to Mayu Packs the Planet, about a girl who is mad about having to move and her fantastical suitcase that fits everything from trees to the stars (and even Mamá!), by Sara Andrea Fajardo (l.), illustrated by Emily Hughes. Publication is set for summer 2027; Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Katherine Jacobs at HarperCollins Christian Publishing has acquired world rights to Grow, Grow, Little Baby by Danna Smith (l.) and Linda Whalen (c.), illustrated by Sian Wheatcroft (r.). This poetic book follows a family as they await a new little sibling from the light of conception to the big day of arrival. Publication is slated for January 2027; Tracy Marchini at BookEnds represented the authors, and Robbin Brosterman at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Michelle Lee at Dial has bought world rights to Tangled Tales of an Underground Market by Laura K. Zimmermann (l.), illustrated by Priscilla Tey. This nonfiction STEAM picture book explores the bustling market below the forest floor where plants, animals, and other creatures barter, lurk, protect, help, and more. Publication is planned for fall 2027; Kaitlyn Sanchez at Bradford Literary Agency represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Anna Luketic at Sourcebooks eXplore has acquired world rights to Talk to the Dog: How to Be a Doggy Detective by Stephanie Gibeault (l.), illustrated by Madi Wong, a nonfiction picture book in which children learn how to safely communicate with dogs by reading body language cues, expressions, and actions. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; Jacqui Lipton at Tobias Literary Agency represented the author, and Emily Fernandez at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Emma Parkin at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to Dragons and Other Creatures of the Sky and Mermaids and Other Creatures of the Sea by Celeste Cortright (l.) (The More We Get Together), illustrated by Giulia Orecchia (Copy That, Copy Cat!), two interactive board books that feature riddles about the mythical creatures of the sky and the sea. Publication is set for spring 2026; the author and the illustrator represented themselves.
