Publisher Profile: Whimspire Books
The CBC asks Cortney Cino, Founder & Publisher, questions about the publisher.
How did your publishing house start out?
Whimspire Books began in 2023, during a transition in my career in Life Science Marketing. I had several picture book manuscripts on my desktop from when my children were very young, and I finally decided it was time to pick them up again. What started as revisiting a few old ideas, quickly grew into a full-fledged publishing venture. While I love writing, I equally love the publishing process, including seemingly small yet important details such as metadata and font selections.
What is your publishing house most known for?
The name Whimspire combines whimsical and inspiring. We publish fiction picture books that spark curiosity, build confidence, and make readers giggle.
Where in the country is your house based? What do you love about being based there?
We’re based in Sacramento, California. We love being close to both the Bay Area and Tahoe.
What conventions and conferences does your publishing house usually attend?
In 2026, we’ll attend IBPA, ALA, the Sacramento Book Festival, the Orange County Children’s Book Festival, and several regional bookseller shows.
How many books does your house aim to publish per season/year?
With a focus on quality over quantity, we typically publish one to two books per year.
Which formats does your house prefer to publish?
We specialize in beautiful hardcover picture books with thoughtful embellishments. They’re designed to feel special enough for gifting while also being durable and library-friendly.
What are some of your house’s publishing priorities over the next few years?
Our priorities include creating books with strong re-read value, deepening our relationships with schools and libraries, and continuing to publish stories that thoughtfully blend storytelling with themes such as STEM, social-emotional learning, and curiosity about the natural world.
Which title does your house feel deserved more love than it got?
Finally Home. It’s a heartfelt story about a military family reunion and makes a powerful window-and-door book, especially for families who have experienced separation and homecoming. The book is narrated by Sara, a 7-year-old, as she chronicles the day her pilot dad returns home from a deployment. This book recently won the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America.
Which upcoming title is your house buzzing about?
We’re especially excited about Arlo Needs Your Help, which recently received a Kirkus Star. It’s an interactive picture book that offers a fresh, engaging way to introduce young readers to monarch conservation, metamorphosis, and habitats.
Which of your frontlist titles would be great for a school or public library?
Arlo Needs Your Help is particularly well-suited for read-alouds and K–3 classroom STEM units.
Which of your frontlist titles would you like to see get more attention from bookstores?
Sincerely, Antonia: A Big Note from a Tiny Guest. It’s an epistolary picture book written as a letter from an ant, and it’s a wonderful way to teach point of view while also indirectly reinforcing the importance of cleaning up crumbs.
Name a few of your favorite backlist titles that people should check out.
The Lights That Stay is a growth mindset picture book about facing challenges and staying true to yourself as you grow up. The Piper’s Adventures (Piper’s Fort Frenzy and Piper’s Pet Pursuit) series follows a creative, persistent young girl and highlights many wonderful aspects of neurodiverse thinking. The stories gently show how persistence pays off and that when things don’t go as planned, they can sometimes turn out even better.
What else would you like to tell us about your house and the amazing work you all do?
The children’s book market is highly saturated and often feels more complex than it needs to be. Still, it’s an incredibly important and special space. With so many distractions competing for kids’ attention, we strive to create meaningful, re-readable picture books that parents and children genuinely love. In 2026, we are also exploring how lovable characters can live beyond the physical book (more to come on this!). We’re proud to be part of the Children’s Book Council and excited about what’s ahead! We’d love to connect with you. Find us @whimspirebooks on social media.
Thank you, Whimspire Books!
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