GLAAD and Bonnier Publishing USA Announce Children’s Book Publishing Partnership

Newly Released Prince & Knight Becomes First Title in Partnership 

Line of Kids’ Books will Promote LGBTQ Stories in Children’s Literature

New York, NY – GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, and Bonnier Publishing USA today announced a publishing partnership dedicated to integrating and elevating positive LGBTQ representation in children’s literature. The partnership will release at least four titles per year across various genres and formats for children up to the age of 14.

The first GLAAD and Bonnier Publishing USA book to be released is Prince & Knight, by Daniel Haack and illustrated by Stevie Lewis. In this “illuminating fairy tale for young readers” (School Library Journal) a noble prince is in line to take the throne. Together with his parents, they search the land far and wide to find a worthy bride but the prince doesn’t find what he is looking for in the princesses they meet. While away, a terrible dragon threatens their land, so the prince rushes back to save his kingdom. There, he is met by a brave knight. Together they defeat the dragon, and find love in the process. The title is currently available wherever books are sold.

Prince & Knight will be followed by a second picture book in October 2018 entitled Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman and illustrated by Holly Hatam. In this story, big sister Susan learns to understand and accept that her younger sibling identifies as “Jack” rather than “Jackie.” Both of these titles will publish under the Little Bee Books imprint, and additional titles will be announced in the coming months.

Shimul Tolia, CEO of Bonnier Publishing USA, says, “The Bonnier Publishing USA kids group, now in its fourth year, continues to grow and evolve. With that growth comes the responsibility to produce meaningful, socially conscience books for every reader. We’re proud to be partnering with GLAAD to authentically and accurately tell LGBTQ stories, and do our part to make classrooms, bookstores, and even the playground a more inclusive environment.”

Publisher Sonali Fry says, “Children need to identify with the characters they’re reading about. The importance of children recognizing themselves, their family, and their friends in media cannot be overstated. We strive to create stories that not only empower, but ensure that no child feels invisible.”

The partnership with Bonnier Publishing USA is GLAAD’s latest initiative to further LGBTQ images in Kids & Family entertainment. Previously, GLAAD worked with the Disney Channel on an episode of “Doc McStuffins” featuring two moms as the heads of a household, and on the series “Andi Mack,” which features a story about a young teenager coming out. GLAAD added the “Outstanding Kids & Family Programming” category to GLAAD Media Awards this year to raise the bar for inclusive stories on television. Additionally, GLAAD co-hosted the first ever LGBTQ panel during the Kidscreen Summit, which included GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis alongside an esteemed panel of writers, producers, and programming executives at PBS Kids, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Marvel Entertainment. 

“GLAAD is committed to advancing positive representation of LGBTQ lives, experiences, and stories at every stage of our lives, and books are a natural progression to encourage awareness, kindness, and acceptance at an early age,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD. “It’s so important that my two kids and others like them see their families reflected in the media. Our partnership with Bonnier Publishing USA represents an important step in our firm commitment to reach a day when all diverse families are included and accepted.”