Bestselling Children's Recording Artist Laurie Berkner to Publish Three Picture Books with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
New York, NY — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, announced today that it will publish three picture books with award-winning and bestselling children’s music star, Laurie Berkner.
We Are the Dinosaurs, based on one of Berkner’s most popular songs, will release in Spring 2017 and will be illustrated by Ben Clanton. Pillowland, a gorgeous lullaby destined to become a beloved bedtime book, is due out in Fall 2017 and will be illustrated by Camille Garoche. Monster Boogie, a hit at Berkner’s live shows, is scheduled for Summer 2018, also to be illustrated by Ben Clanton.
Berkner, whose latest album, Laurie Berkner’s Favorite Classic Kids’ Songs, hits stores this month, was a former preschool music teacher and indie rocker. She started marketing her music more than fifteen years ago from her living room on her own label, Two Tomatoes Records; today, she is widely recognized as a pioneer in the “kindie” music genre and was crowned “the undisputed queen of kindie rock” by USA Today. The Wall Street Journal noted, “Her music is distinctive because it speaks to kids without talking down to them, charming youngsters without boring grown-ups.”
“It is no wonder that Laurie is beloved by children and adored by parents,” says Christian Trimmer, executive editor, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. “Her songs, besides being incredibly catchy, are crafted with the utmost care and respect for her audience. She understands what kids, parents, and educators want and need. On top of that, she’s just really cool. I’m very excited to be making books with her.”
“I could not be more thrilled about my collaboration with Simon & Schuster,” says Laurie Berkner. “I’ve always imagined my songs being made into picture books. Now Ben’s and Camille’s stunning talents will bring them to life in ways I can only dream of! Their talent and Simon & Schuster’s expertise (with the gifted Christian Trimmer at the helm) is the perfect combination to help me create many wonderful books to share with my fans.”
Trimmer, who will edit all three books, acquired world rights to the three books from Jill Grinberg at Grinberg Literary. Marietta B. Zacker of Nancy Gallt Literary Agency represented Mr. Clanton. Kirsten Hall of Catbird Agency represented Ms. Garoche.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND THE ILLUSTRATORS
Laurie Berkner is a singer, songwriter, lyricist, author, and founder of Two Tomatoes Records. She has released nine bestselling, award-winning albums, including Rocketship Run (2008), A Laurie Berkner Christmas (2012), Laurie Berkner Lullabies (2014), and most recently The Ultimate Laurie Berkner Band Collection (2014). Laurie was the first recording artist ever to perform in music videos on Nick Jr. and appeared regularly on the network’s Jack’s Big Music Show. Her latest television project is a short-form animated musical preschool series, Sing It, Laurie!, on 24-hour preschool television channel Sprout. Sing It, Laurie! stars Laurie’s voice and features her original music written for the series. Laurie also makes regular guest appearances on Sprout’s Sunny Side Up Show. Venturing into the world of theater, Laurie has written the music and lyrics for two Off-Broadway children’s musicals, Wanda’s Monster and The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess, produced by New York City Children’s Theater. Learn more at http://www.laurieberkner.com.
Ben Clanton is an author and illustrator whose books include Something Extraordinary, Rex Wrecks It!, Mo’s Mustache, The Table Sets Itself, and Vote for Me!. He lives with his wife in Seattle, Washington. Visit BenClanton.com.
Camille Garoche, also known as Princesse Camcam and the creator of the celebrated Fox’s Garden, lives in Paris with her partner and daughter. Camille’s 3-D, cut-paper illustrations have been exhibited throughout Europe.
ABOUT SIMON & SCHUSTER CHILDREN’S PUBLISHING
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, one of the leading children’s book publishers in the world, is comprised of the following imprints: Aladdin, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Beach Lane Books, Libros para niños, Little Simon®, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Paula Wiseman Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Simon Pulse, and Simon Spotlight®. While maintaining an extensive award-winning backlist, the division continues to publish acclaimed and bestselling books for children of all ages. In addition to numerous Caldecott, Newbery, and National Book Award winners, Simon & Schuster publishes such high-profile properties and series as Eloise, Olivia, Raggedy Ann & Andy™, Henry & Mudge®, The Hardy Boys®, Nancy Drew®, the Dork Diaries series, the Mortal Instruments series, Mike the Knight, and the original Cupcake Diaries and Creepover series. For more information about Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.
Simon & Schuster, a part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.
