TOKYOPOP has launched a new imprint that will be aimed for kids.
The publisher announced that the new imprint, TOKYOPOP Kids, has licensed seven new works which consists of two graphic novels, two picture books, one chapter book for readers 10 years old and up, and two Spanish-language titles. All seven of these titles will release sometime in the fall this year.
The imprint intends to offer “stories that ignite curiosity and wonder with imagination and adventure, celebrating cultural diversity with global stories and inclusive characters, and promoting literacy and age-appropriate narratives through engaging visual formats.”
A Tree Swing to Soar
Writer: Jungyoon Huh
Artist: Soyoung Lee
With vibrant watercolor illustrations, this children’s picture book from Korea shares a heartwarming story of friendship, healing, and community.
Over the years, a beloved tree swing has silently gifted many friends with memories and comfort, letting them soar through the air—but, one day, it breaks. It’s up to the tree swing’s animal friends to return the favor by, this time, helping the tree swing soar. A poetic story about how those around us can give our weary hearts the strength to rise again.
As Yubooh Slumbers (English and Spanish)
Paulina Palacios
Yubooh Rowell has always believed in magic. Now, she’s been accepted into Saturn Academy, the school her best friend Salvia attends… which Yubooh is sure is secretly an academy for witches!
While Salvia denies it, Yubooh knows Saturn Academy is more than just a prestigious boarding school. And there’s got to be a reason why her childhood friend, Esteban, is so anxious when he learns that Yubooh is his new classmate…
When night descends and Yubooh falls asleep, the academy stops pretending. Magic awakens, nightmares and shadows reign supreme, and anyone without magic is in great danger. For the first time in years, the school sounds its “Code Fish” alarm: until they know whether or not Yubooh possesses magic, it’s up to everyone else to keep her safe. Salvia, Esteban, and the other students of Saturn Academy must protect Yubooh while she slumbers!
Barbie Y Teresa: La Receta Secreta (Spanish)
Courtney Carbone
Barbie “Brooklyn” Roberts, Barbie “Malibu” Roberts, and their best friends Teresa Rivera and Nikki Watson head to New York to help with the grand opening of Teresa’s cousin’s new restaurant. Teresa wants to perfect her Abuela’s tamale before the big opening, but can’t seem to get it right. Will Teresa find the right ingredient in time?
Nightmare Library
Taiga Kayama
This delightfully spooky book takes readers into a hidden library where the skeletal Concierge guides you through stack after stack of books that are literal nightmares. The library’s staff of Ghostwriters turn children’s bad dreams into stories, and everyone who receives a special invitation can come and read one story a night… But who knows what chilling fate awaits at the end of your own story?
With fun, spooky art—illustrated by a character designer and Pokémon card artist—this book is a richly illustrated collection of spooky tales wrapped up in a framing story told in the second person, transporting the reader into the book’s creepy world.
That Girl
Toshiyuki Fukuda
This touching picture book with whimsical illustrations ventures into the heart of a young girl, who learns we cannot always control our feelings, but can learn to live with them.
All these feelings… where do they come from? One day, I meet a girl who looks just like me. That girl gets angry easily, throws tantrums, and does mischief. I can’t stop her from doing these things. And the worst part is, my parents scold me for her behavior. I’m the only one who can see that girl. How can I get along with her?
Wild Paws
Victor Nordahl
The wild fox Ty has never felt like the other foxes in the clan. He shies away from fighting, is bullied by crows, and depends on his family to be fed and protected. One day, Ty runs away to prove to the others that he can catch his own prey. Instead, he winds up being caught on a fox farm. There he meets Lukas, whose sheltered life couldn’t be more different from Ty’s. Ty resolves to show Lukas the world… But will they be able to escape the heavily guarded fox farm?
Humorous and warm, Wild Paws is a stand-out children’s book series that impresses with its gripping storytelling. It was nominated for the ARK Children’s Book Prize and the Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Comic Prize.
Source: TOKYOPOP
