Paw Prints Publishing

Coming Soon

All Mixed Up

Raj Tawney | 10/28/2024 | Hardcover| 9781223188553 | $17.99

A multi-ethnic American boy forges a complex friendship with a Pakistani immigrant in the wake of 9/11. It's 2002--less than one year after the September 11th attacks-- and sixth-grader Kamal Rao is tackling a brave new world of challenges, including figuring out who he really is and how he fits in.“Through Jaz’s infectious bravado and his and Kamal’s anchoring friendship, Tawney (Colorful Palate, for adults) presents an earnest depiction of two outcasts finding comfort in each other while navigating societal tension in this brief interrogation of anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim attitudes…” – Publishers Weekly Order Now | Discussion Guide

Bunso Meets a Duwende

Rev Valdez | 09/24/2024 | Hardcover | 9781223188386 | $18.99

Join young Bunso on his mission to find the Duwende and recover the yummy Ube Halaya that has been stolen before his family's Thanksgiving dinner – their Kamayan – is ruined! "...The comic book style of illustrations with speech bubbles and a great deal of colorful action is engaging and highly entertaining…VERDICT Valdez continues to captivate youngsters with tales about Filipino culture and folklore.” – School Library Journal Order Now | Discussion Guide

Blexi, Play!

Alliah Agostini | 09/24/2024 | Hardcover | 9781223188478 | $15.99

Dealing with a stubborn smart home speaker results in welcome lessons about patience in this Level 1 early reader. Blexi listens to Mom and Blexi listens to Dad -- but Blexi doesn't listen to Liam! No matter how much Liam tries to get Blexi to do what he asks, the smart speaker simply won’t listen. What can Liam do? Learn some patience and kindness, of course! "...The text is set in a dyslexia-friendly typeface, with a few short narrative sentences on each page. Additional speech bubbles are printed in a different color for each character to aid readability. This short story includes an extensive emotional vocabulary, naming each of Liam’s emotions as he experiences them: confusion, anger, sadness, and, finally, pride. Many readers will identify with the frustration of interacting with new technology, and all will relate to the experience of moving through difficult emotions. VERDICT A strong addition to early reader collections.” – School Library Journal Order Now

Remember

Dac Trung Tran | 02/04/2025 | Hardcover | 9781223188683 | $18.99

A young boy wakes to find his mother has left for work early but she's also taken the time to leave him a note of encouragement, meant to guide him through his daily chores. Order Now | Discussion Guide

Shy Steve

Katerina Spaeth | 10/22/2024 | Paperback | 9781223188621| $9.99

Stuck in a mundane routine caused by his own shy behavior, Steve gets coffee from a barista who constantly misspells his name, rides to work on rickety bus, and gets piles of work from his grumpy boss. But one day, Steve's life changes when he meets Marianna, a guitarist, who brings out the hidden, confident songwriter he holds deep inside. “…Shy Steve works an adult job and has an adult boss, but children will surely relate to his timidity and anxiety. The book has meaningful ideas for little readers to note: One small act of bravery can be enough to positively effect change, and all voices deserve to be heard. A story with distinctive illustrations and a definitive message.” –Kirkus Reviews Order Now

Troll

Frances Stickley | 10/01/2024 | Hardcover | 9781223188577| $18.99

Once there was a scary troll with a scary voice and the scariest love for trolling the forest creatures that dared to come anywhere near him. Each day, he shouted nasty warnings to passersby, telling them to hurry along. But he never faced his victims, choosing instead to shout the obscenities from inside his cave. Then Troll comes face to face with one of those victims: a sweet little rabbit who can't hear and, therefore, can’t understand Troll’s bullyish behavior. Suddenly, trolling isn’t as fun for Troll when the recipient is real and defenseless. Join Troll as he learns the power of words to both empower and to harm and relish in his transformation from thug to friend as he embraces a new voice for love. "Stickley’s charming tale reveals how kindness can reap numerous rewards for both the giver and the recipient. Smoothly rhyming couplets tell of a round, hairy troll with a large green nose who rules over a bridge. Hiding underneath it and using a bullhorn to amplify his voice, he enjoys intimidating the creatures who attempt to cross. One day, a deaf bunny doesn’t hear Troll’s rude warning shouts and approaches his dwelling. Though she’s not afraid of Troll, she can tell she’s not welcome, so she reluctantly leaves him alone. When she’s gone, Troll, disappointed and lonely, realizes it might be time for him to practice a little kindness. Watching and listening to him work on his attitude adjustment is humorous, as he is clueless about where to begin. However, practice makes perfect, and he sticks with it until “he [finds] the beauty in the world.” Sometimes it takes courage to be kind, but the payoff is tremendous, as is demonstrated in this delightful story." -Booklist Order Now | Discussion Guide

“TROLL is a remarkable story that shows readers what #UnityEveryDay is all about: kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Beautifully written by Frances Stickleyand illustrated by Stefano Martinuz, the book reminds everyone that there is good in all of us and sometimes we just need to be shown the way. While Troll is always revealing his cranky, tough side to his neighbors, he can’t help but offer warmth when one day he encounters Rabbit, who cannot hear. This lovely twist turns an unwelcoming Troll into a kind friend. When Troll and Rabbit stand eye to eye and Troll feels the urge to cry, it creates a powerful moment for readers and reminds them that positive change is possible for everyone…This transformation aligns so well with the work of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center (NBPC). Our resources emphasize strategies on bullying prevention and encourage positive behaviors and creating change. We are pleased to include TROLL in our NBPC Book Club where we showcase books that help build community and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.” – Lisa Elm, Director of Social Inclusion Programs and PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center

All Fall/Winter 2024 Titles

In the Spotlight

Read our conversation with PACER’s Director of National Bullying Prevention Center and Social Inclusion Programs, Lisa Elm, Associate at the National Bullying Prevention Center, Danna Mirviss, and Jody French, PACER’s L.A. Coordinator at National Bullying Prevention Center, how libraries can utilize their resources to raise awareness and help prevent bullying in their communities.

Take a look at our own Baker & Taylor Unity Day support video here!

Highlights from Spring & Summer 2024

"...cartoon-style drawings, and a muted palette of yellows, reds, blues, and purples craft an inventive and absorbing origin story. Swift yet simple action sequences convey low-stakes conflict, and Forsynthia’s fourth wall–breaking narration and enthusiasm for her mother’s research are refreshing and endearing. Ages 7–9. Agent: Jessica Watterson, Publishers Weekly. Order Now

"...[I]llustrator Hopgood...brings movement and a child-centered framework to adult text. The warm palette of the artwork conveys its optimism, and softly edged pencil, chalk, and ink images feature the singing bird moving resolutely forward. ... This artistic interpretation breathes fresh life into a moving and familiar metaphor and is well suited for home and library enjoyment."— Kit Ballenger, Booklist Order Now

"This tale is told in Gondolfi’s casual rhyming text; the goal is not perfect scansion but the compelling idea, its execution, and the revolution itself. Romanick’s art offers many hilarious moments, with a diverse street crew, a wide array of birds/comrades, and suspense as the first “bomb” is dropped. VERDICT Pure silliness, this is sure to be popular with the early elementary set."–Ginnie Abbott, SLJ Order Now

What Color is My Patka "Santoya’s vividly colored illustrations accurately display the marvels of the museum and depict a diverse cast of characters." - Sue Morgan, SLJ

Order Now

Activity Guide

All Spring/Summer 2024 Titles

Inspiring kids to leave their mark!

Paw Prints Publishing aims to build empathy, empowerment, and engagement in today's young people by creating quality books that are fun, informative, and representative of diverse and authentic voices.

Titles are leveled to Lexile and Fountas & Pinnell Reading Levels and align with the CASEL standards of social-emotional development.

Simultaneous formats are available for most titles.

Spanish language and World language editions are available for many titles, as well.

Public Librarians: Find Paw Prints Publishing titles on TS360 or through the library provider of your choice.

School Librarians & Booksellers: These titles are available wherever you order your books! Please contact Baker & Taylor Publisher Services to learn more!

Submissions

Paw Prints Publishing publishes fiction and nonfiction with a focus on diverse voices, inclusivity, and social-emotional engagement. Currently, our portfolio emphasizes picture books and easy readers for audiences ages 3-8, and we continue to invest in those categories; however, we are also expanding our list to include graphic novels for ages 3-18 as well as beginner chapter books and novels for ages 8-18. To learn more about the kinds of books we publish, please explore our titles on the Edelweiss Baker & Taylor Publisher Services page.

We accept agented and unagented submissions. As a small team, we are not able to respond individually to every submission we receive or handle queries about submission status. We will get in touch if we are interested in pursuing your submission. We are always actively looking for diverse writers and artists. Please submit your nonfiction query, fiction manuscript, or art portfolio along with a cover letter as a PDF via email to [email protected] with the term "SUBMISSION" in the subject line.

*Logo art credit Fifi Abu

Baker & Taylor has a long and varied history in the American book world that began back in 1828. We have left our own paw prints in both the library and bookselling world for almost two centuries now! We started out as a binder and publisher of books and pivoted to book distribution later in the 20th century; the rest has been history. Today, we are the premier public library services provider and a worldwide distributor of books, digital content, and entertainment products. Gatekeepers have come to rely on us as trusted partners in the very special business of connecting literature and learning with their communities.

Now, we’re returning to our roots as a publisher. Paw Prints Publishing will bring original content to market for young readers in both physical and eBook formats. Our mission is to share stories that inspire and enlighten children from all walks of life, and we have a particular goal of publishing work featuring underserved or underrepresented communities. Books that focus on pillars of social emotional learning and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Books that are fun and informative and vital to today’s kids. Books that will inspire readers to leave their own beautiful and unique paw prints on this world.

*Please note that Paw Prints Prebind Editions will continue to be a reinforced library format program owned and managed by the CATS team at Baker & Taylor. In addition to creating Paw Prints Prebinds of other publishers’ material, Paw Prints Prebinds will be created of Paw Prints Publishing originals, delivered with the same Lifetime Guaranteed Binding public libraries have come to rely on.

For comments or considerations, please email our editorial and marketing team at: [email protected]

Latest CATS Videos

All Mixed Up
Join author Raj Tawney as he reads a chapter from All Mixed Up, a gripping story about a multi-ethnic American boy who forges a complex friendship with a Pakistani immigrant in the wake of 9/11.

To learn more about Paw Prints Publishing's titles and authors, check out our YouTube Playlist!

Storytime Palooza

Miss Edmonia's Class of Wildfires

In honor of National Art Appreciation Month, check out our recent Storytime Palooza with Victoria Scott-Miller.

Featured Titles

The Eco Family Book

Frann Preston-Gannon | 04/02/2024 | Paperback | 9781223188065 | $7.99

This title follows six families throughout the day to show the things we can all do around the house to live in a more environmentally conscious way. Order Now

The Ghost of the Blanes Museum

Lou Maraiti | 07/23/2024 | Hardcover | 9781223188119 | $18.99

Clara is a ghost living in the now-museum that was once her home. But being a ghost is lonely and Clara craves the connection she once enjoyed. Music is her only comfort, and practicing when she thinks no one is around makes her feel most alive. Little does she know, someone is listening who is as lonely as she."A simple ghost story and a mystery, too, but with substantial life lessons that are charming and memorable." -School Library Journal Order Now

Kangaroo Hops

Jill Esbaum | 04/30/2024 | Paperback | 9781223188294 | $9.99

A wild animal takes a risk and discovers its tremendous talent! In this delightful series, we follow the story of an apprehensive kid animal wondering about its limits in this great big world. As the kid tests its strength, tries something new, or even tumbles, it realizes that it is strong, capable, and powerful. Not unlike preschoolers, these animals teach us to be brave and to try new things. In doing so, we can discover some of our most incredible abilities and attributes! In this edition, we meet a kangaroo learning to hop! Order Now

Look Up! Fontain the Pigeon Starts a Revolution

Britt Gondolfi | 04/30/2024 | Hardcover | 9781223188089 | $18.99

Fontaine, a small pigeon, is fed up with the world's addiction to technology. In response, he rallies a cohort of birds and, with their help, leads an ICKY revolution that forces people to put down their phones, look up, and connect with nature and each other. Order Now

My Code Word: For When I’m Scared or Afraid

Lynn Joseph | 05/07/2024 |Hardcover | 9781223187365 | $18.99

A boy internalizes the negative things in the world - wildfires, violence, etc. - to a point where he begins to fear for his future. When everything seems most hopeless, his mother comes up with a clever solution to allay his fears and help him tackle the world head on. Order Now

The Switch

Jesse Byrd | 04/02/2024 | Hardcover | 9781223186337 | $17.99

When Kibwe’s basketball success starts going to his head, Kibwe’s dad decides to do something drastic to teach him some lessons that’ll work on (and off) the court. Order Now