Publisher Profile: Lucky Rabbit Publishing
The CBC asks Annette Flavel, Publisher, questions about the publisher.
How did your publishing house start out?
Lucky Rabbit Publishing is helping define a growing presence for children’s publishing in the Southeast, annually producing four to six visually rich, artist-led picture books.
We’re known for beautiful and clever picture books brought to life by exceptionally talented artists, and we are building a community of emerging authors and illustrators with a strong sense of place and a sensibility for what children really enjoy. Equally important to us are our relationships with indie bookstores and libraries; the avenues through which readers find our books.
Where in the country is your house based?
We’re based in Columbia, South Carolina, and it’s the perfect home for us. This area is full of extraordinary artistic and literary talent with a fresh, distinctive point of view. There’s a warmth, humor, and deep sense of storytelling here that naturally shapes the kind of pretty, character-driven books we love to make.
Our latest release Enough Elizabeths has been getting a lot of love locally. Heather Harris Bergevin, who is known for her mythology and folklore inspired poetry, has created a gorgeous modern fairytale and Lexi Hall’s illustrations are more than we could have hoped for; light, airy, and detailed.
What conventions and conferences does your publishing house usually attend?
As we take a local first approach, our state and regional festivals and conferences are important to us, so you’ll find us at Columbia’s Read Freely Fest every year, and at the Piedmont Publishing Symposium organized by Clemson University Press, Hub City Press, University of North Georgia Press, and University of South Carolina Press. We recently enjoyed the Summerville Book Festival, and we’re up for any children’s book festivals in our area. Additionally, we value SIBA events, South Carolina Association of School Librarians and South Carolina Library Association conferences. Building strong relationships is what we’re all about.
Which upcoming titles is your house buzzing about?
One of the upcoming titles our house buzzing about is Here’s to the Silly Ones. It’s a simple ode to silliness with much movement and merriment. Seth Standley is an ex marketing executive turned author, and Valerie Hamill is a talented artist with much experience.
We’re also looking forward to our first board book in September, Kit and her Cat, a boldly painted celebration of a first pet suitable for ages 0-5, and perfect for a quick bedtime read or a preschool classroom. Meredith Walker is a recognized artist with her works in galleries and licensed by international labels.
Which of your frontlist titles would be great for a school or public library?
In November, our first nonfiction title is coming out, Close Encounters with the Great Blue Heron, a stunning study of a bird that loves to nest on South Carolina’s coast and a great addition to any school or public library.
Which title does your house feel deserved more love than it got?
We would love to see Maevis the Purple Cow get more love. We think she’s fabulous in her desire to unapologetically take up space.
Name a few of your favorite backlist titles that people should check out.
Our favorite backlist titles are The Little Lion with the Little Roar and Turner B. Goes to NYC. They have both been finding their places in reader’s hearts and we’d love them to have further reach. Turner B. Goes to NYC by Ansley Whiteside and illustrated by the incomparable Norman Morana is a finalist for IBPA’s Ben Fisher Award for Best First Book
Our picture books celebrate the pure joy of childhood, the quirky, the whimsical, and the playful. With a clear editorial vision and a keen eye for artistic and literary talent, Lucky Rabbit Publishing creates high-quality, visually striking, delightful favorites that can be read aloud a thousand times.
Thank you, Lucky Rabbit Publishing!
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