Following solid year-over-year gains in October for print book sales, Circana Bookscan analyst Brenna Connor foresees a strong selling season for the holidays. In her weekly analysis published Friday, Connor wrote: “My 2024 holiday outlook is positive. I believe the book market will see an improvement in sales compared to last year. Consumer engagement with books is high in 2024 and the market is poised for a strong holiday season, with sales volume growing between 1 percent and 4 percent compared to last year, with stronger MSRP dollar growth. This holiday there will be a focus on value for many […]
Best Of: NYT/NYPL Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2024
The New York Times announced their list of the 10 best illustrated books of the year.
People 11/11
VP, associate publisher Judy Hottensen will step down on January 1, 2025. "She will help spearhead the transition of a new hire and continue to work on independent projects at Grove in 2025," according to a release.
Jamie Oliver Pulls Children’s Book After Protests
Jamie Oliver has pulled his children’s book Billy and the Epic Escape from publication around the world, following protests by indigenous Australians. The book is published by Penguin Random House UK. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Commission (Natsiec) spoke out about the book, calling it “damaging” and “disrespectful” and saying it perpetuated stereotypes. Indigenous literary figures in Australia supported the effort to get Oliver to withdraw it. In the portion of the book that raised concern, a First Nations girl living in foster care in an Indigenous community is abducted. Sharon Davis, chief executive of Natsiec said this […]
Obituaries: Dorothy Allison, Bruce Degen
Feminist writer Dorothy Allison, 75, died of cancer on November 5 at her home in Guerneville, CA. Allison was the author of acclaimed 1992 novel Bastard Out of Carolina, as well as other works including the novel Cavedweller and the short story collection Trash. Bruce Degen, 79, illustrator of The Magic School Bus series of children’s books, died of pancreatic cancer on November 7 at his home in Newtown, CT. Degen worked with author Joanna Cole on the 14-book series. Degen’s other work included illustrating the book Jamberry.
BNED Estimates Flat Sales, With Full Numbers To Come
Barnes & Noble Education released only preliminary results for their second quarter ended October 26, historically their biggest and most profitable period. Sales are expected to be “approximately flat” — compared to a weak performance a year ago, when they reached $617 million (down from $627 million the prior year and well below pre-pandemic levels of $772 million in 2019). They estimate net income registered between $44 million and $49 million, compared to $25 million last year, “driven by comparable store top-line growth and continued improvements in cost management.” After a first quarter loss of $(99.5) million, the company is […]