New York, NY, August 20, 2020, 5:30 PM Eastern: Astra Publishing House has tapped esteemed children’s book expert Leonard Marcus as Editor-at-Large at the newly formed global publishing company.
“As a renowned historian, author, critic, exhibition curator, and public educator, Leonard Marcus brings an unparalleled range of international children’s book knowledge and experience which will further enhance Astra Publishing House’s unique global perspective and commitment to creating world-class books for every child,” says Ben Schrank, COO, Astra Publishing House.
“I’m thrilled to be joining forces with old and new friends to help realize Astra’s vision for a truly global children’s book brand. I have long been proud to call myself a picture book person, and I look forward now to adding to the store of books that inspire children to see more clearly, feel more deeply, and dream their wildest dreams,” says Marcus.
Maria Russo, Editorial Director, mineditionUS, adds “Leonard is practically an institution in the children’s books world, but he’s also funny, collegial, and adventurous. It’s a pure joy to have him working with me and minedition’s founder Michael Neugebauer to create a vibrant list of picture and board books that build bridges between cultures and help parents and educators raise globally aware children.”
Marcus is the author of over thirty books, including Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom, Randolph Caldecott: The Man Who Could Not Stop Drawing, and most recently, Helen Oxenbury: A Life in Illustration. Interest in his singular body of work propelled him onto the international stage as a featured speaker at the Bologna and Shanghai Children’s Book Fairs, and the national libraries of China, France, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, and Japan; and as a judge for major literary prizes including the National Book Award, China’s Chen Bochui International Children’s Literature Award, the Catálogo Iberoamérica Ilustra, and Bologna Ragazzi Awards. The recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the Bank Street College of Education, Marcus is also the only American recipient of the Chen Bochui Foundation’s award for special contributions to the development of Chinese children’s literature. He is a founding trustee of the Eric Carle Museum, has been a frequent contributor to the New York Times Book Review, and was a long-time Parenting contributing editor. His New York Public Library exhibition “The ABC of It” broke all attendance records and was viewed by over a half million visitors from around the world.
Marcus will focus on finding new artists and writers for the Astra list as well as hosting public programs in the US, China and elsewhere, and spearheading a variety of special projects.
ABOUT ASTRA PUBLISHING HOUSE:
Astra Publishing House comprises Astra House, an entirely new adult trade publisher of American and international literary fiction and poetry, and mission-driven nonfiction; mineditionUS, one of the most prestigious picture book publishers in the world; Boyds Mills & Kane, established and award-winning publisher of children’s books; and a new literary magazine committed to publishing the best new writers from around the world, debuting 2021.
www.astrapublishinghouse.com | twitter: @astrapublishing | Instagram: @astrapublishinghouse
www.minedition.com | twitter: @mineditionUSA