The Horn Book, Inc.–the Boston-based publisher of The Horn Book Magazine and The Horn Book Guide, which review over 4,000 children’s books annually–has been acquired by Ohio’s Media Source, best-known for their Junior Library Guild review and selection service for children’s and YA books. Horn Book will continue to run editorial operations from their Boston office. Editor-in-chief Roger Sutton says in the announce: “The expertise, enthusiasm, and resources that Media Source brings to the table will allow us to enlarge our audience while maintaining our independent viewpoint and high standards. Our print and digital publications will be refreshed, redesigned, and […]
Children's Books
Barefoot Path to Success
With their 1,000-square-foot boutique in the Fifth Avenue FAO Schwarz opening on Thursday, Cambridge children’s publisher Barefoot Books is the focus of a feature in the Boston Globe. “Under the deal, FAO Schwarz isn’t charging rent, but revenue from book sales will be split 50-50.” (Schwarz ceo Ed Schmults made the deal after visting Barefoot’s store in Cambridge. “The deal vindicated [owner Nancy] Traversy’s decision to keep the 7-year-old shop open. Though her company as a whole is profitable, the store has never made a profit.” With reported sales of $6.8 million last year, the company’s revenues come in a […]
Softplay Buys Kidsbooks
Privately-owned Chicago-based Softplay, a marketer of interactive books and related toys, has purchased Boston children’s book publisher Kidsbooks, on undisclosed terms. Playthings