The Bookseller – News – DK buys A Kids Book About and brings the first children’s book publishing team to the USA

DK has purchased the A Kids Book About (AKBA) slate from American media company A Kids Co (AKC), which includes a total of 170 titles and brings DK’s first children’s publishing team to the US.

The deal, financial terms of which were not disclosed, will allow DK to significantly expand its global creative reach.

As an established partner, DK has already licensed and sold part of the published list. With this takeover deal, the company will now take over the worldwide sale of the entire front list and the AKBA back catalogue with over 170 titles.

With this move, DK is establishing its first children’s book publishing team in the US. Author and entrepreneur Jelani Memory, who first made the list in 2019 with the book ” A children’s book about racismwill join the DK Licensing Department as Vice President and Editor. Two other AKBA members will also join the DK team.

Memory will report to Mark Searle, Managing Director of DK Licensing, and will continue to be based in Portland, Oregon. Memory will remain a significant shareholder in A Kids Co and will become the company’s Executive Chairman.

DK said of his plans for the A Kids Book About books: “With DK’s investment, the series will continue to grow, challenging and empowering young readers to engage with an increasing range of diverse topics, while expanding the roster of notable authors and influencers, whose recent releases have included contributions from A-list celebrities such as Billie Jean King (A children’s book about equality), Jessica Biel (A children’s book about periods) and Ashley Graham (A children’s book about beauty).”

Paul Kelly, CEO of DK, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jelani, a truly inspirational and creative publisher, to the DK family. A Kids Book About has found the perfect home in DK – both companies are mission-driven innovators who firmly believe in imparting knowledge and education in engaging and accessible ways.

“When we talk about books moving the world forward, Jelani truly lives that by bringing inspiring people together with kids to engage them in challenging, empowering and important topics. I couldn’t think of a better team to launch DK’s first U.S. creative team for kids.”

Memory said: “DK is an iconic brand that has always explained big ideas to children and I couldn’t think of a better home for the A Kids Book About range. I’m excited to be joining DK in this next phase of publishing books that continue to tell some of the most important stories for children.

“And the fact that we’re doing this in partnership with A Kids Co., where I can continue to have an impact in my new role as Chairman of the Board and continue to work on what will surely be a bright future, is really wonderful.”

Searle said: “Jelani and the team at A Kids Co have created a completely unique series that we have brought to a wider audience. We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from booksellers and readers on the important themes and stunning design. I am delighted that we will be producing even more ambitious titles.”

A Kids Co is working to empower a generation of children through diverse storytelling. Founded in 2019 in Portland, Oregon, A Kids Co will continue to produce new podcasts, pursue direct-to-consumer business, pursue brand partnerships outside of books, and leverage additional multimedia opportunities to tell powerful stories for children of all ages following the sale of AKBA. Memory will remain a significant shareholder in A Kids Co in addition to his leadership role.