Amazon Publishing has set up another new publishing imprint with the launch of Amazon Crossing Kids for children’s picture books in translation and is seeking picture book submisssions from all regions of the world.
The new venture aims to increase the diversity of children’s picture books in translation and encourage young reading from a range of cultural perspectives. The new venture builds on the experience of Amazon Crossing, which has become the biggest publisher of translated fiction in the US, and Amazon Publishing’s Two Lions children’s book imprint.
Amazon Crossing Kids launches later this year with three picture books and is seeking picture book submissions from all regions of the world. The first titles on the list are:
- Spiky — written and illustrated by Ilaria Guarducci and translated by Laura Watkinson. First published in Italy in 2016, this is the story of a forest creature named Spiky, who spends his days bullying the other forest creatures and sharpening the spikes on his body. But suddenly, when he begins to lose his spikes, he must learn how to befriend the other creatures of the forest and share his softer side, making meaningful relationships along the way.
- A Tiger Like Me — written by Michael Engler, illustrated by Joëlle Tourlonias and translated by Laura Watkinson. First published in Germany in 2016, this story follows a boy who likes to reimagine his world as that of a tiger’s.
- Along the Tapajos — written and illustrated by Fernando Vilela and translated by Daniel Hahn. First published in Brazil in 2015, this is the story of two children and their pet tortoise Titi who live in the region of Jarí, a small community that links the Amazon and Tapajós rivers. Every year, the families living there must relocate when the rainy season starts. When the boy and his sister move with their family, they realize they have left Titi behind and sneak back at night along the river.
Spiky will be the first book out in July while the other two follow in the autumn.
Publisher of Amazon Publishing Mikyla Bruder says, ‘We’re delighted to blend the missions of Amazon Crossing and Two Lions by introducing terrific books from around the globe to readers who are beginning to develop their worldview. Whether a title has a universal theme with regionally-influenced artistry or focuses on an aspect of local culture, our list will encompass a broad range of perspectives, styles, and characters that celebrate what makes us unique as well as what we have in common.’
Both Amazon Crossing and Amazon Crossing Kids accept book proposals from any language for translation into English at translation.amazon.com/submissions.
Amazon Publishing imprints take 9 out of Top 10 places in Kindle best-sellers’ list of 2018 so far
Amazon Publishing imprints take 9 out of Top 10 places in Kindle best-sellers’ list of 2018 so far