By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books have announced the first line-up of authors that will contribute to the Seuss Studios publishing program.
The initial lineup of childrens’ authors and illustrators includes Lala Watkins, Sarah Hwang, Jerrard K. Polk and Avani Dwivedi.
Based on previously unpublished sketches and illustrations from Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss), each new book in the upcoming publishing program will include the original Dr. Seuss piece that was used as inspiration alongside a note from the author and creator.
The sketches and illustrations that serve as inspiration for the new Seuss Studios books were selected from the Dr. Seuss Collection archives at UC San Diego and co-curated by Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books
“Dr. Seuss inspired countless writers, illustrators and artists to make a difference in the lives of children,” said Dr. Seuss Enterprises CEO, Susan Brandt. “The Seuss Studios line is designed to continue that legacy in his name. It is an honor to introduce these new voices and stories with our partners at Random House Children’s Books.”
The first children’s book title that will be released for the Seuss Studio’s collection is Hello, Sun! by Lala Watkins.
Hello, Sun! weaves a story about a cute worm, his friends and the sun itself as they spend a day engaging in all kinds of imaginative play.
“To have the team at Seuss Studios and Dr. Seuss Enterprises support my dream to create books that inspire eager young readers means so much to me,” said Hello Sun! author, LaLa Watkins. “Somewhere, somebody is going to pick up Hello, Sun! and say let me read you this story—and isn’t that delightful?”
The book is scheduled to officially debut in the retail market on January 7, 2025 and is currently available for pre-order through the Random House Books for Young Readers imprint.
RHCB executives Mallory Loehr and Martha Rago will oversee editorial and art direction for the Seuss Studios line of books, alongside associate editor Maria Correa and senior designer Michelle Kim.
Random House Children’s Books (RHCB) is an English-language trade book publisher that creates books for children and youth across numerous digital and traditional publishing formats.
Random House Children’s Books is a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
In 1957, Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss) co-founded the Beginner Books imprint at Random House Children’s Books, which included his classic works The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham.
With Beginner Books, Geisel sought to provide an enriching content library for kids, as well as open doors for creators who were either at the beginning of their publishing careers or who worked in other creative industries.
“We are excited to continue the tradition started with Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Books and work with such talented new voices to create fresh new stories for today’s readers,” says Random House Books EVP, Mallory Loehr. “We could not be prouder to welcome this inaugural group of Seuss Studios creators to our list!”
Founded in 1993, Dr. Seuss Enterprises is a global children’s entertainment and licensing company focused on promoting literacy and education through the works of Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss).
The profits from Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ various literary initiatives are used to benefit charitable organizations that focus on education, health, animal conservation and the arts.
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