Press Room
We Are the Scrappy Ones: An Interview with Illustrator Kirbi Fagan
We Are the Scrappy Ones by Rebekah Taussig is an anthem of belonging, celebrating the wide range of disabled children and affirming their worth, just as they are. Luminous illustrations by Kirbi Fagan portray a diverse cast of characters living, learning, and playing. Settle in for a warm, joy-filled book that celebrates and affirms disabled […] View →
The Big Tournament: An Interview with Illustrator Mathilde Van Gheluwe
Embark on a thrilling, delicious journey in The Big Tournament! Magda, a twelve-year-old chef earns a place in the prestigious Intergalactic Cooking Tournament with her exceptional dishes. The stakes of this tournament are much higher than a trophy: Nectar—a world-healing substance—is on the line. But during the tournament, Magda uncovers a galaxy-spanning conspiracy, and now […] View →
The Pecan Sheller: An Interview with Author Lupe Ruiz-Flores
Set in 1930s San Antonio, The Pecan Sheller follows thirteen-year-old Petra whose aspirations are put on hold after her father’s death leaves her caring for younger siblings and supporting her struggling stepmother. Forced to leave school, Petra endures grueling conditions as she works in a pecan-shelling factory. When tragedy strikes due to the unhealthy environment […] View →
Remembering Harry Lerner, Founder of Lerner Publishing Group
It is with deep sadness that Lerner Publishing Group announces the death of Harry Lerner at the age of 93. Harry passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. For more than six decades, Harry shaped the landscape of children’s publishing—and his impact can be felt in libraries, classrooms, and reading lives across the […] View →
Harry Lerner, Founder and Chairman of Lerner Publishing Group, Dies at 93
It is with deep sadness that Lerner Publishing Group announces the death of Harry Lerner at the age of 93. Harry passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. Mr. Lerner leaves behind an enormous legacy in the children’s book publishing industry as the founder of one of the nation’s largest independent publishers. View →
Sharks Unhooked: An Interview with Author Patricia Newman
Some people are scared of sharks, but not Cristina Zenato. Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger is the true story of how one woman is exploring the ocean, helping our ecosystem, and forming incredible bonds with animals beneath the rolling surf. Cheerful illustrations by Becca Hall round out this riveting picture book […] View →
Librarian Prep Post: Read with Pride
Pride Month is almost here, and now’s the perfect time to refresh your book displays, lesson plans, and library collections with inclusive reads! This Librarian Prep Post features a curated list of LGBTQ+ titles that celebrate identity, foster empathy, and uplift every reader. Read on and get your library Pride Month-ready! Keep Building Your Collection […] View →
Design Thinking: An Interview with Author Fred Estes
Got a problem that needs solving? All you need is six steps and a little creative thinking. Design Thinking: A Guide to Innovation by Fred Estes is a examines each step—notice and reflect, empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test—and provides case studies to illustrate how design thinking can create a more human-centered, equitable world. Today […] View →
Happy Book Birthday: April New Releases
April showers not only bring May flowers but also a delightful downpour of new books! Check out these new releases, including new board books, picture books, nonfiction, and middle grade novels. New Board Book So Tired, So Wide Awake by Susanne Strasser In this funny sleep book for wide-awake children (and tired parents) the animals […] View →
Books Gone Wild! An Animal Roundup
This Animal Roundup is packed with exciting books featuring incredible creatures and the people who study them. Dive into the ocean with Sharks Unhooked, explore cephalopods with I’m a Dumbo Octopus!, and discover nature’s toughest matchups in Predator vs. Prey. From real-life conservation to thrilling animal battles, these books bring the wild to life! Sharks […] View →
The Red Car to Hollywood: An Interview with Author Jennie Liu
Step into the vibrant, drama-filled era of early Hollywood in The Red Car to Hollywood, where 16-year-old Ruby Chan is in a tough spot following the revelation of her secret relationship with a white boy to her traditional Chinese parents. Her parents hire a matchmaker in an effort to protect their reputation, but Ruby is […] View →
Librarian Prep Post: Book Recommendations for May’s Heritage and Awareness Months
May is a month to honor heritage, history, and well-being by sharing meaningful stories and perspectives in libraries and classrooms. With Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month approaching, now is the time to start planning. This post features book recommendations to help you build […] View →
Dreams to Ashes: An Interview with Author Livia Blackburne and Illustrator Nicole Xu
Dreams to Ashes: The 1871 Los Angeles Chinatown Massacre is a powerful nonfiction picture book full of both heartbreak and hope. In the late 1800s LA was more small town than city, with a total population under six thousand. Newspapers routinely published anti-Chinese rhetoric, and when a conflict broke out between two mutual aid societies, […] View →
I’m a Dumbo Octopus: An Interview with Author and Illustrator Anne Lambelet
Jump into an underwater tour of the whole cephalopod class with Grimpy the dumbo octopus! He knows all about what makes these saltwater-dwelling, many-armed invertebrates so special. But when Grimpy gets caught up in everything his kind of octopus can’t do, the other cephalopods decide to show him why it’s great to be a dumbo. I’m a […] View →
Level Up Your Summer Reading with Lerner Books!
As we prepare for the summer months ahead, now is the perfect time for librarians, educators, and families to start planning their summer reading programs. We are here to help by offering a curated selection of engaging titles that align with the iREAD® 2025 theme: Level Up at Your Library. Get ready to build an […] View →
STEM Roundup: Engaging Books for Future Scientists and Engineers
Looking for the perfect books to spark curiosity and inspire young scientists? Our latest STEM/Science Roundup highlights some of the most engaging and educational titles in our collection! Read on to discover must-have books and series that will captivate readers and encourage a lifelong love of STEM learning! Watching and Waiting Interest Level: Preschool – […] View →
Happy Book Birthday: March New Releases
Hop into spring with our bouquet of fresh book releases to brighten your reading list! Whether you’re looking for picture books, graphic novels, fiction, or nonfiction, this delightful bouquet will have something for everyone. New Picture Books Dreams to Ashes: The 1871 Los Angeles Chinatown Massacre by Livia Blackburne and illustrated by Nicole Xu A […] View →
Introducing Beetle Books
This spring, Lerner Publisher Services welcomes Beetle Books to its illustrious line-up of publishing partners! An imprint of UK-based Hungry Tomato, Beetle Books creates high-interest nonfiction with bright, eye-catching imagery and unique narrative text alongside bite-size facts to make learning fun for all kids. Check out their newest series release below. Additionally, the full Beetle […] View →
The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie: An Interview with Author Radhika Sanghani
What if you always had to tell the truth? Author Radhika Sanghani explores this question in the humorous and heartfelt middle grade novel The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie. Priya frequently bends the truth to keep her friends, family, and gymnastics coach happy. But when she gets her beloved late grandmother’s bangle stuck on her wrist, […] View →
Enhance Your Bookshelves with These Unique Voices
This roundup features a handful of engaging stories that highlight resilience, innovation, and personal triumph—from picture books about overcoming challenges to thought-provoking nonfiction for older readers. We Are the Scrappy Ones Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 3 This poetic book is an anthem of belonging, celebrating the wide range of disabled children and affirming their […] View →
Spring 2025 Graphic Novel Roundup: Panels, Plots, and Page-Turners!
This season, we’re thrilled to spotlight a selection of compelling titles and series that showcase the diverse storytelling and artistic talents in the graphic novel universe. Join us as we explore the must-read graphic novels hitting the shelves in the first half of 2025. Grow Happy Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 3 Kiko shows the […] View →
Kahoʻolawe: An Interview with Author Kamalani Hurley
In the middle of the great Pacific Ocean sits a little island. Her name is Kanaloa Kaho‘olawe. This is the smallest Hawaiian island, sacred to Native Hawaiians. Kahoʻolawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People shares the island’s history from its formation long ago to its present-day restoration as a protected site, highlighting […] View →
Librarian Prep Post: Celebrate Poetry & the Planet with These Library Picks
April is a time to celebrate both language and the planet. With National Poetry Month and Earth Day coming up, it’s a great opportunity to highlight books that inspire creativity and environmental awareness. This round includes recommended titles to help librarians and educators prepare for the month ahead. And, Too, the Fox Interest Level: Kindergarten […] View →
Happy Book Birthday: February New Releases
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s packed with exciting new books ready to whisk readers into brand new worlds! Does your library need new graphic novels, picture books, nonfiction, and fiction? We’ve got you covered! Light the candles, throw the confetti, and welcome February’s latest literary arrivals! New Picture Books […] View →