Random House Children’s Books Acquires New Books From Julianne Moore Based on Her Bestselling ‘Freckleface Strawberry’ Character
New York, NY, November 21, 2013 — Four-time Academy Award–nominated actor and bestselling author Julianne Moore will be publishing new books with Random House Children’s Books, extending her bestselling Freckleface Strawberry character to a new audience of beginning readers, in a five-book deal, it was announced today by Barbara Marcus, President and Publisher, Random House Children’s Books. Mallory Loehr, Vice President, Publishing Director of the Random House/Golden Books Young Readers Group, acquired world English-language rights from Brenda Bowen of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.
Freckleface Strawberry’s book program at Random House will be anchored in the company’s Step into Reading series, designed for new and emerging readers beginning to read on their own. This marks the first time Moore’s character will be available in this format. The first two books will release in summer 2015.
Random House will also publish a Freckleface Strawberry picture book in summer 2016.
“Freckleface Strawberry is an absolutely charming character with depth and heart and we are thrilled to expand her popularity,” says Marcus. “Julianne’s enthusiasm for writing for young children and her commitment to encouraging literacy and sharing an ever-present positive message is exciting. We are so pleased to welcome her to Random House Children’s Books.”
“I am so thrilled to bring Freckleface Strawberry to a new group of children—first-time readers!” says Moore. “It is a privilege to be working with Random House Children’s Books, and to be included in their wonderful list of authors. I am so looking forward to this collaboration; I am consistently impressed by the support and enthusiasm of everyone at Random.”
The books will be edited by Frances Gilbert, Associate Publishing Director, Random House Books for Young Readers.
Julianne Moore has previously written three books featuring Freckleface Strawberry, who is based on Moore herself as a child. “Freckleface Strawberry was the nickname I was given by the neighborhood kids when we lived in Nebraska,” Moore says. “Like her, I was short, red-headed, very freckly, and afraid of dodge ball.” As well as appearing in a series of bestselling books, Freckleface Strawberry now stars in a musical play. The character will also be featured in a new interactive app, calledFreckleface Strawberry: Dreamtime, Playtime, which will debut on phones and tablets in December 2013.
Moore’s love of reading started early; books were her constant companions as her military family moved from place to place. Today, she is a passionate supporter and advocate of childhood literacy. Moore’s most recent picture book, My Mom Is a Foreigner, But Not to Me, received a glowing review from the New York Times, which stated: “Moore captures the children’s complicated mix of feelings: embarrassment, defiance, pride, appreciation and, most palpably, love.” In addition to being a bestselling author, Julianne Moore is a four-time Academy Award–nominated actor who is internationally admired for her luminous portrayals of complex and explosive characters on screen. She lives in New York City with her family.
Random House Children’s Books (www.randomhousekids.com) is the world’s largest English-language children’s trade book publisher. Creating books for toddlers through young adult readers, in all formats from board books to activity books to picture books, novels, ebooks, and apps, the imprints of Random House Children’s Books bring together award-winning authors and illustrators, world-famous franchise characters, and multimillion-copy series. Random House Children’s Books is a division of Random House LLC, whose parent company is Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, a leading international media company.
