Dutton Children's Books
Dutton Children's Books is one of the oldest continually operating children's book publishers in the United States. Edward Payson Dutton opened the doors of his Boston bookshop in 1852 and shortly thereafter began to release "fresh and entertaining" books for young readers. More than 150 years later, Dutton's tagline, "Every book a promise," reflects the imprint's mission to create high-quality books that will transport young readers. The Dutton list of today looks very different, but its commitment to excellence, freshness, and entertainment has not changed. Approximately 80 new hardcover titles are published every year, fiction and nonfiction for babies through young adults.
It is every publisher's dream to acquire the book or books that will last forever. The honey of Dutton's backlist is found in the four classic works of A.A. Milne and Ernest H. Shepard, in print for over eighty years. Winnie-the-Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner, When We Were Very Young, and Now We Are Six have inspired a line of related titles for Pooh fans young and old, including board books, novelty books, and gift books.
Many other beloved characters grace Dutton's list. Fudge, the irrepressible younger brother of Peter, appears in several best-selling middle grade novels by Judy Blume. Miss Bindergarten enjoys many adventures with her kindergarten class in picture books written by Joseph Slate and illustrated by Ashley Wolff. Judy Schachner's Skippyjon Jones, a Siamese cat who thinks he is a Chihuahua, gets into trouble in several hilarious read-aloud books thanks to his gigantico imagination. The author-illustrator team of William Kotzwinkle, Elizabeth Gundy, Glenn Murray and Audrey Colman created everyone's favorite misunderstood mutt, Walter the Farting Dog.
Dutton's picture book list includes books by such noted illustrators as Susan Jeffers, Michael Garland, Kay Chorao, Henry Cole, Jane Zalben, Scott Nash, Lisa Campbell Ernst and Gerald McDermott. Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky recently illustrated The Shivers in the Fridge, written by Fran Manushkin. His moving parts books, Knick Knack Paddywhack and The Wheels on the Bus, are family favorites as well as pre-eminent examples of bookmaking ingenuity.
Ingenuity marks Dutton's publishing, whether it takes the form of the deluxe novelty book A Princess Primer: The Fairy Godmother's Guide to Being a Princess; nonfiction pop-up books by Kate Petty and Jennie Maizels, such as The Perfect Pop-Up Punctuation Book; or full-color graphic novels like Dead High Yearbook. The editors actively seek fiction with a distinctive narrative voice. John Green, whose first novel Looking for Alaska won the American Library Association's 2006 Michael L. Printz Award, is a preeminent example of the imprint's high literary standards. The diverse fiction offerings by such authors as Neal Shusterman, Lauren Myracle, Walter Sorrells and Peg Kehret represent many genres: fantasy, historical, adventure, mystery, humor, and contemporary thrillers inspired by topical events.
Dutton's nonfiction tells captivating stories as it ties into the school curriculum. Oh, Rats! by Albert Marrin, illustrated by C.B. Mordan, demonstrates how a reviled creature has impacted human history. Boy, Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs! by Kathleen V. Kudlinski, illustrated by S.D. Schindler, presents many theories about paleontology that have been proven wrong over time. With a Little Luck by Dennis Brindell Fradin relates true tales of accidental discoveries.
Dutton's list has grown and changed over the last 150 years, but its vision remains the same. The editors at Dutton strive to find books that will engage, entertain, and inspire young readers on their journey to adulthood. We all know from personal experience how books can shape lives. Cultivating the creative talents of authors and illustrators and publishing books with purpose and heart continue to be the mission and joy at Dutton.
Lauri Hornik
President and Publisher
Lauri Hornik joined Penguin in 1999 as Editorial Director of Dial Books for Young Readers, became Dial's Vice President and Publisher in 2005, and the President and Publisher of both Dial and Dutton Children's Books in 2008. She previously held positions at Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers and Houghton Mifflin Children's Books. In her time at Penguin, Lauri has published such talented authors and illustrators as Richard Peck, Nancy Werlin, Jerry Pinkney, Kadir Nelson, Tedd Arnold, and Caralyn & Mark Buehner.
Awards
The Caldecott Medal
1998: Rapunzel, retold and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
1973: The Funny Little Woman retold by Arlene Mosel, illustrated by Blair Lent
The Caldecott Honor
1995: Swamp Angel by Paul O. Zelinsky
1987: Rumpelstiltskin by Paul O. Zelinsky
1984: Hansel and Gretel retold by Rika Lesser, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
1983: When I was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Diane Goode
1947: Sing in Praise: A Collection of the Best Loved Hymns by Opal Wheeler, illustrated by Marjorie Torrey
1946: Sing Mother Goose by Opal Wheeler, illustrated by Marjorie Torrey
The Golden Kite Award
2003: Leonardo, Beautiful Dreamer by Robert Byrd
The Newbery Medal
1979: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
1951: Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates
1926: Shen of the Sea by Arthur Bowie Chrisman
The Newbery Honor
1975: Figgs & Phantoms by Ellen Raskin
1964: Rascal by Sterling North
1960: My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
1931: Mountains are Free by Julia Davis Adams
1930: Vaino by Julia Davis Adams
1929: The Boy Who Was by Grace Hallok
1927: Gayneck, The Story of a Pigeon by Dhan Gopal Mukerji
The Michael L. Printz Award
2006: Looking for Alaska by John Green
2003: Postcards from No Man's Land by Aidan Chambers
The New York Times Best Illustrated Books
2001: Sun Bread by Elisa Kleven
1994: Swamp Angel by Anne Isaacs, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
1992: The Fortune-Tellers by Lloyd Alexander, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
1981: The Maid and The Mouse and The Odd-Shaped House: A Story in Rhyme by Paul O. Zelinsky
