Little Bee Books Launches

Bonnier Publishing is crossing the Atlantic.

The U.K.-based book publisher has started up little bee books, a new imprint in the U.S. The titles from little bee books will be aimed at children 12 and younger, and will include from non-fiction and picture books to early learning concept books, plus board books, novelty books and activity books, as well as licensed products.

Plans are to launch 50 titles in spring 2015, and 150 total by the end of that year.  The books will be distributed in the U.S. and Canada by Simon & Schuster.

“This is something we have been planning for some time,” says Bonnier Publishing CEO Richard Johnson. “It is a major part of our international expansion strategy.”

The new imprint will be run by Shimul Tolia, who will serve as president for the imprint. Tolia most recently served as editorial director for Sandy Creek, a division of Sterling Publishing.

“All of us at little bee books look forward to launching and growing our business,” says Tolia. “Our goal is to curate a vibrant and robust publishing program that engages and connects with our audience.”