Children's Book Publishers Category

Welcome to our children's book publishing companies page! You will find everything you need to know about children's book publishing here. There are many reasons people search for book publishers. You may be looking for a new place to buy books, or you may be looking to publish a book. In either case, you might be interested in a short history of children's publishing.

Brief History of Children's Book Publishing

The Roots of Children's Books

Books specifically for children have only sometimes been around. Before the mid-1700s, most reading material a child might encounter was intended for adult audiences. Education was focused on religious texts like the Bible or community records. The concept of entertainment reading was emerging.

Newbery Sets the Stage

In 1744, John Newbery published A Little Pretty Pocket-Book, considered one of the first books marketed specifically for child enjoyment. It used entertainment mixed with instruction to keep children engaged. The book was very popular, and Newbery realized tapping into this young market could be lucrative. He created a successful publishing house focused solely on children's titles.

Didactic Tales Get Imaginative

Early children's books tended to have heavily instructional moral tales, like the stories of Struwwelpeter (1845), which warned of dire consequences for misbehavior. Slowly, more imagination and fantasy crept into stories, transporting children to magical places their parents likely never dreamed of. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll in 1865 took this imaginative leap forward and remains a childhood favorite today.

Picture Books & Classics Emerge

As printing techniques allowed for illustrations, visual storytelling developed via picture books. Beatrix Potter advanced this medium with her illustrated stories starting in 1902. Going into the 1900s, classic children's novels also started emerging—the works of L. Frank Baum, like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), captured the imaginations of children for generations. As technology and literacy advanced, publishing houses realized the opportunity and viability of children's literature as its distinct genre within book publishing.

Children's Lit Keeps Maturing

In the latter 20th century, deeper and more complex children's books gained renown. C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (1950) established the classic Chronicles of Narnia series. Groundbreaking books like Madeline L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time (1962), with its themes of good vs evil, continued to advance the depth and maturity of stories for young readers. Today, children's literature continues to push boundaries and open young minds while sparking that incredible ability of youthful imagination.

So, you are looking to publish your children's book?

If you are looking to publish a book you have written, you've come to the right place. First, before you look for a publisher, have you considered an agent? If not, please check out this helpful article from the Write Practice: Children's Book Agents. If you have already done so and want to publish and find a publisher, you've come to the right place. Every Writer has helped 1000s of writers publish their work. Do you need an agent? We try to do the leg work for you. Here are some steps you should consider if you are looking for a publisher:

Steps in Publishing

1. Make sure you research the publisher you are looking at to publish your book. There are 100s of children's book publishing companies on the web, and you should know that many large publishing houses do not take unsolicited books. They want an agent to contact them. These publishers, generally large publishers, are looking for a vetted book. You can still have an agent; many successful authors publish without one, but it is worth considering.

2. Make sure the publisher publishes children's books like yours. You can look up sales on publishers. See what they are selling the most. If a publisher sells millions of DIY books but publishes children's books on the side, your book may need more attention.

3. Publishing children's books tends to be more difficult than other types because of the large number of printed pictures. The production cost can be very high, so ensure the publisher you go with has some experience publishing children's books.

4. Ask an author who has published with the publisher you are looking at. Many authors have websites, and contacting an author who has already published with the publisher is an excellent idea. Then, ask about their experience. Is the publisher respectable?

5. In today's world, publishing a book is sometimes tricky. Selling a book promoting a book is generally what makes a book successful, so do some research and see if the publisher does marketing. Do they sell many books? Will your book be in bookstores?

6. Is the publisher an eBook publisher only? Do they publish a mix of different platforms? Make sure that the way the publisher is publishing books gives your book the best chance for success.

7. Do not pay to have your book read. Publishers that sell many books will read your book for free because they will make money off the book, not the author.

8. Ask about copies. Ask about book readings. Will the publisher set up assignments and give you copies?

9. Know that small children's book publishing companies differ from large book publishing. If you need help getting your book published by a large publishing house, look at a smaller publisher to get your book published and then sign with an agent.

10. Keep trying. Send your book to many researched publishers. You don't have to go with the first publishing house that says yes. Always look for the best deal.

11. If you feel uncomfortable with the publisher or feel that they are unrepeatable or not the place for you, find a different children's book publishing company.

12. As for your writing, keep reading. Even when you have a book finished and are shopping it to publishers, keep writing, and write another. Do not stop.

Please get in touch with the publisher if you have questions about the information listed here. Please contact our admin if you have a general question about the listing. If you want to publish works with Children's Books or publishers concerned with a children's audience, these listings may help you.

Our Database

If you want to look at individual listings of book publishers with more extensive information than just a quick list, please see the listings on our book publishing site. Here is a listing of some of the publishers we have detailed listings on.

Quick children's book publishing companies list

If you want a quick and dirty children's publishing list, please see the 80-plus publishers listed below. See the publisher's guidelines before submitting your work. If you are looking to buy the book, please support them. If you find a book with one of these publishers you like, please buy it from their site! If they are an indie publisher, it will help them keep publishing.

We are still building our book list. Keep checking back for more. If you are a publisher, click here to list with us. We are expanding this list, as you can see. We are always looking for more publishers. Also, if you are here, we know you are looking to publish a book (most likely). We hope you find a publisher here.

83 Children's Book Publishing Companies

Abrams Appleseed - Imprint of ABRAMS specializing in innovative picture books, novelty formats, and interactive titles for young children. https://www.abramsbooks.com/imprints/abramsappleseed/
Advanced Publishing Advance Publishing is a publisher of educational children's books.http://www.advancepublishing.com/
Albert Whitman & Company - Independent for over 90 years, Whitman specializes in picture books and early chapter books. www.albertwhitman.com
Annic Press publishes children's books for ages six months to young adults. They are "committed to publishing Canadian authors. You can find submission guidelines on their site. https://www.annickpress.com/
Barefoot Books - Independent press focused on open-minded, inclusive picture books and storytelling resources for kids. https://www.barefootbooks.com/
"Bellerophon Books publishes inexpensive books of Ancient History, American History, Archeology, Native American Art and History, California History, Natural History, Music History, English Literature, and much more." https://bellerophonbooks.com/
They have been publishing for over 50 years. They are a leader in Christian fiction, plus over 75 new titles in fiction and nonfiction. https://beyondword.com/
Bloomsbury - This independent UK publisher's children's books include bestselling Harry Potter series. https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/
Blue Dot Kids Press - Eco-conscious independent publisher of picture books that spark curiosity about different cultures. https://www.bluedotkidspress.com/
Boyds Mills & Kane - Is now part of Astra Publishing. Two imprints (Boyds Mills Press & Wordsong) focusing on the picture book space with diverse voices. https://astrapublishinghouse.com/imprints/astra-young-readers/
Publishes creative children's book and focus on exploring the creative process. https://brightring.com/
Candlewick Press - Bestselling and award-winning publisher of picture books, middle grade novels and YA books based out of Somerville, Massachusetts. https://www.candlewick.com/
Capstone - Leading publisher of children’s nonfiction books and digital products, with imprints like Picture Window Books and Stone Arch Books. https://www.capstonepub.com/
Charlesbridge - Award-winning publisher known for their extensive picture book catalog including titles on social justice and diversity. https://www.charlesbridge.com/
Christy Ottaviano Books - Imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group focusing on books of distinction and high literary merit. https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/imprint/little-brown-books-for-young-readers/christy-ottaviano-books/
Chronicle Books - Chronicle Children's Books publishes quirky, creative titles like The OK Book. www.chroniclebooks.com
Cinco Punto Press - Publisher of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction from the American Southwest, the U.S.- Mexico border region and Mexico. https://www.leeandlow.com/imprints/cinco-puntos-press
Clarion Books - Their focus is on picture books and YA fiction, with sub-imprints like the graphic novel line Graphix. https://www.harpercollins.com/collections/books-by-clarion-books
Crown Books for Young Readers - A Random House imprint publishing fiction and nonfiction children’s books. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/imprints/K3/crown-books-young-readers
Darby Creek Publishing - Independent publisher specializing in hi-lo books across genres for emerging young readers. https://lernerbooks.com/pages/our-imprints
Disney Publishing Worldwide - Its imprints release movie tie-in books, fiction, graphic novels and more based on Disney/Pixar brands. https://books.disney.com/
Egmont Publishing - This UK children’s book publisher has a US division releasing series like The Avengers and Star Wars. https://www.egmont.com/
Egmont Publishing - This UK children’s book publisher has a US division releasing series like The Avengers and Star Wars. www.egmontusa.com
Enchanted Lion Books - Independent publisher focused on picture books that spark dialogue and imagination.https://enchantedlion.com/
Feiwel and Friends - Macmillan’s publisher of innovative middle grade fiction, YA books and licensed properties. https://us.macmillan.com/publishers/feiwel-and-friends/
Firefly Books - Family-owned, independent Canadian publisher of acclaimed children's nonfiction and fiction. https://www.fireflybooks.com/
First Second - Publisher known for graphic novels, including Gene Luen Yang’s award-winning American Born Chinese. www.firstsecondbooks.com
Flashlight Press - U.S. indie press publishing unique picture books and middle grade novels with quirky humor. https://firstsecondbooks.com/
Free Spirit Publishing - Since 1983 they’ve published books for children and educators on topics like social skills, mental health and positive school culture. https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/free-spirit-publishing/
Gareth Stevens Publishing - Independent publisher focused on engaging nonfiction books and series for K-6 school and library markets .https://www.garethstevens.com/
Golden Books - Known for beloved early childhood books and baby/novelty formats, originally founded in 1942. www.randomhousekids.com/brands/golden-books
Graphix - Scholastic’s graphic novel imprint publishes popular illustrated series like Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man. https://kids.scholastic.com/kid/books/graphix/
Greenwillow Books - Literary fiction imprint of HarperCollins Publishing specializing in picture books, middle grade novels and YA. www.harpercollinschildrens.com/imprint/greenwillow-books
Harlequin Teen - Romance publisher Harlequin’s teen imprint focusing on young adult romance fiction. https://www.harlequin.com/shop/brand/harlequin-teen.html
HarperCollins - The children’s division releases popular series like Magic Tree House and Junie B. Jones. www.harpercollinschildrens.com
HarperCollins - The children’s division releases popular series like Magic Tree House and Junie B. Jones. https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/childrens
Henry Holt and Co. - Their children’s division is acclaimed for picture books and novels with authors like Kate DiCamillo. https://henryholt.com/
Holiday House - Independent publisher known for picture books, early readers, nonfiction and novels like The Tale of Despereaux. https://holidayhouse.com/
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - HMH publishes acclaimed children’s books including Curious George and The Polar Express. www.hmhco.com
Ideals Children's Books - Publishes faith-based picture books and board books for the Christian children’s books market. https://www.idealsbooks.com/
Immedium - Diverse educational picture book topics include cultural celebrations, early STEAM learning, and social justice. https://www.immedium.com/
Islandport Press - Publisher focused on celebrating the picture book format with authors and illustrators from Maine. https://www.islandportpress.com/
Kane Miller - Publisher focused on the U.S. market that creates engaging picture books, middle grade fiction, and nonfiction from internationally acclaimed authors and illustrators. https://www.kanemiller.com/
Kane Press - Children's book imprint of publisher giant EDC Publishing, focusing on engaging nonfiction and fiction picture books. https://astrapublishinghouse.com/imprints/kane-press/
Kar-Ben Publishing - Publisher of Jewish-themed children's books as well as those promoting diversity. https://www.karben.com/
Kids Can Press - Independent Canadian publisher distributing unique picture books, middle grade and YA titles in the U.S. for over 45 years. https://www.kidscanpress.com/
Knopf Books for Young Readers - Prestigious imprint at Penguin Random House known for publishing classic children's novels. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/imprints/K1/knopf-books-young-readers
Lee & Low Books - Award-winning independent publisher promoting diversity in children's books. https://www.leeandlow.com/
Little Bee Books - Picture book imprint of Bonnier Publishing known for novel concepts and elaborate illustrations. https://littlebeebooks.com/
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - LBYR publishes highly illustrated children's books, novelty titles and award-winning novels. https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/imprint/little-brown-books-for-young-readers/
Macmillan - Macmillan’s children’s publishing division includes imprints like Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers. https://us.macmillan.com/mackids/
Magination Press - American Psychological Association's imprint publishing picture books to teach socio-emotional skills. https://www.maginationpressfamily.org/
Nancy Paulsen Books - Penguin Random House imprint publishing bestselling authors like Jacqueline Woodson. https://www.penguin.com/nancy-paulsen-books-overview/
Nomad Press - Creates hands-on books to ignite curiosity about science, nature, history, the arts, and world cultures for K-12 grade levels. https://nomadpress.net/
NorthSouth Books - Publisher focused on high quality children's books based in Switzerland with U.S. distributors. https://northsouth.com/
Nosy Crow - Children’s book publisher creating print books, apps and online content for kids ages 0-12. https://nosycrow.us/
Owlkids - Canadian independent publisher of STEAM-focused kids nonfiction books and educational magazines. https://www.owlkids.com/
Page Street Kids - Children's imprint of book publisher Page Street Publishing focuses on beautiful picture books and early readers. https://www.pagestreetpublishing.com/kids
Pajama Press - Publisher based in Canada focused on pushing boundaries with thought-provoking historical and contemporary picture books and middle grade novels. https://pajamapress.ca/
Paula Wiseman Books - Simon & Schuster imprint publishing acclaimed middle grade and picture book authors. https://simonandschusterpublishing.com/paula-wiseman-books/
Peachtree Publishing Company - Award-winning independent publisher in Atlanta specializing in picture books and middle grade fiction. https://www.peachtreebooks.com/
Penguin Random House - Formed in 2013 by the merger of Penguin & Random House children’s divisions, PRH publishes award-winning and bestselling kids titles. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/
Puffin Books - Imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group and publisher of classic novel series like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. https://www.penguin.co.uk/puffin
Putnam Juvenile - Penguin Random House imprint publishing bestselling middle grade novels like Kristin Levine’s The Lions of Little Rock. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/publishers/putnam
Quill Tree Books - Imprint of independent publisher Boyds Mills & Kane focused on picture books that make a difference. www.quilltreebooks.com
Random House Books for Young Readers - Children’s imprint of Penguin Random House with authors like Dr. Seuss, Maya Angelou and Martha Brockenbrough. https://www.rhcbooks.com/
Razorbill - Teen and middle grade fiction imprint at Penguin Young Readers publishing Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova.https://www.penguin.com/razorbill-overview/
Razorbill - Teen and middle grade fiction imprint at Penguin Young Readers publishing Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova. www.razorbillbooks.com
Red Chair Press - Division of Independent Publishers Group focused on publishing early learning concept books and kid-friendly cookbooks. https://www.redchairpress.com/
Roaring Brook Press - Imprint of independent publisher Holtzbrinck releasing acclaimed and bestselling children's fiction. https://us.macmillan.com/publishers/roaring-brook-press/
Running Press Kids - Division of Perseus Books Group publishing quirky activity books, cookbooks, novelty titles and licensed series for ages 3-12. https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/imprint/running-press/
S&S BFYR/Atheneum/McElderry - Umbrella imprint covering multiple Simon & Schuster children's publishing divisions releasing acclaimed fiction. https://www.simonandschuster.com/
Scholastic - Founded in 1920, Scholastic is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books. https://www.scholastic.com/home
Shen’s Books - Markets beautiful bilingual Chinese-English books to teach Chinese language and culture since 1988. https://www.leeandlow.com/imprints/shen-s-books
Simon & Schuster - S&S’s kids imprints include Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. https://www.simonandschuster.com/
Sleeping Bear Press - Children’s picture book imprint from independent publisher Cherry Lake Publishing Group. https://sleepingbearpress.com//
Star Bright Books - Educational publisher creating colorful storybooks, games, toys and more for babies through elementary school. https://starbrightbooks.com/
Sterling Children’s Books - Major publisher of nonfiction kids books including crafts, activities, history, STEM and more. https://www.unionsquareandco.com/
Tiger Tales - Independent publisher focused specifically on picture books for ages 3-8 with over 300 titles in their catalog. https://tigertalesbooks.com/
Tilbury House - Independent publisher focused on cultural diversity and social justice issues in kids and YA books. https://www.tilburyhouse.com/
Triangle Square - Children’s imprint focused on diversity, equity and inclusion issues through fiction. https://www.sevenstories.com/imprints/triangle-square
Tucker Publishing - Small Florida-based press publishes early childhood novelty formats, middle grade fiction and memoirs. www.tuckerpublishing.com
Versify - Children’s book imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt centering marginalized voices and stories. https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/versify
Wordsong - Imprint of boyds mills & kane publishing known for poetry and diverse middle grade novels-in-verse. https://astrapublishinghouse.com/imprints/wordsong/
Workman Publishing - Major independent publisher with imprints releasing children's fiction, activity books and the "What To Expect" babycare series. https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/imprint/workman-publishing-company/

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