The Dutton Writers' Room

About Dutton Children’s Books
Dutton Children’s Books is one of the oldest and continually operating children’s book publishers in the United States. Edward Payson Dutton opened the doors of his Boston bookshop in 1852 and shortly thereafter began to release “fresh and entertaining” books for young readers. More than 150 years later, Dutton’s tagline, “Every book a promise,” reflects the imprints’ mission to create high-quality books that will transport young readers. The Dutton list of today looks very different, but its commitment to excellence, freshness, and entertainment has not changed. Approximately 75 new hardcover titles are published every year, fiction and nonfiction for babies through young adults.

It is every publisher’s dream to acquire the book or books that will last forever. The honey of Dutton’s backlist is found in the four classic works of A.A. Milne and Ernest H. Shepard, in print for over eighty years. Winnie-the-Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner, When We Were Very Young, and Now We Are Six have inspired a line of related titles for Pooh fans young and old, including board books, novelty books, and gift books, such as Positively Pooh, coming out just in time for graduation in 2008.

Many other beloved characters grace Dutton’s list. Fudge , the irrepressible younger brother of Peter, appears in several best-selling middle grade novels by Judy Blume. Miss Bindergarten enjoys many adventures with her kindergarten class in picture books written by Joseph Slate and illustrated by Ashley Wolff. Judy Schachner’s Skippyjon Jones, a Siamese cat who thinks he is a Chihuahua, gets into trouble in several hilarious read-aloud books thanks to his gigantico imagination. The author-illustrator team of William Kotzwinkle, Elizabeth Gundy, Glenn Murray and Audrey Colman created everyone’s favorite misunderstood mutt, Walter the Farting Dog. Janet Stoeke’s hen named Minerva Louise is an appealingly dumb cluck.

Dutton’s picture book list includes books by such noted illustrators as Susan Jeffers, Michael Garland, Kay Chorao, Henry Cole, Jane Zalben, Scott Nash, Lisa Campbell Ernst and Thor Wickstrom. Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky recently illustrated The Shivers in the Fridge, written by Fran Manushkin. His moving parts books, Knick Knack Paddywhack and The Wheels on the Bus , are family favorites as well as pre-eminent examples of bookmaking ingenuity.

Ingenuity marks Dutton’s publishing, whether it takes the form of the deluxe novelty book A Princess Primer: The Fairy Godmother’s Guide to Being a Princess; nonfiction pop-up books by Kate Petty and Jennie Maizels, such as The Perfect Pop-Up Punctuation Book; or full-color graphic novels like Dead High Yearbook. The editors actively seek fiction with a distinctive narrative voice. John Green, whose first two novels Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines won the American Library Association’s 2006 Michael L. Printz Award and 2007 Printz Honor respectively, is a preeminent example of the imprint’s high literary standards. The diverse fiction offerings by such authors as Neal Shusterman, Lauren Myracle, Walter Sorrells and Peg Kehret represent many genres: fantasy, historical, adventure, mystery, humor, and contemporary thrillers inspired by topical events.

Dutton’s nonfiction tells captivating stories as it ties into the school curriculum. Oh, Rats! by Albert Marrin, illustrated by C.B. Mordan, demonstrates how a reviled creature has impacted human history. Boy, Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs! by Kathleen V. Kudlinski, illustrated by S.D. Schindler, presents many theories about paleontology that have been proven wrong over time. How Underwear Got Under There: A Brief History by Kathy Shaskan, illustrated by Regan Dunnick, is a lively survey of undergarments throughout time.

Dutton’s list has grown and changed over the last 150 years, but its vision remains the same. The editors at Dutton strive to find books that will engage, entertain, and inspire young readers on their journey to adulthood. We all know from personal experience how books can shape lives. Cultivating the creative talents of authors and illustrators and publishing books with purpose and heart continue to be the mission and joy at Dutton .

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