In the vast world of children's literature, the United Kingdom stands out with its rich history of publishing. From whimsical picture books to engaging young adult novels, UK publishers have brought countless beloved stories to life. This article highlights some of the top children's book publishers in the UK, offering a glimpse into the creative forces behind the books that have captured young readers' imaginations.

Key Takeaways

• Bloomsbury Publishing is renowned for its diverse range of children's books, including the famous Harry Potter series.
• Andersen Press is known for its high-quality picture books and fiction for young readers.
• Barrington Stoke specialises in books for children with dyslexia and reluctant readers, making reading accessible to all.
• Barefoot Books focuses on multicultural stories and educational content, promoting global awareness among young readers.
• The Bodley Head, a historic publisher, offers a variety of classic and contemporary children's literature.

1. Bloomsbury Publishing

Bloomsbury Publishing, established in 1986, is a major player in the world of children's books. With offices around the globe, they have a strong presence in both the US and the UK. Bloomsbury made a significant impact by taking a chance on J.K. Rowling, who had been turned down by many other publishers. This decision led to the phenomenal success of the Harry Potter series.

Bloomsbury offers a wide range of books for children of all ages. Their catalogue includes everything from picture books to young adult fiction. They are known for their high-quality publications and have many popular authors on their roster.

Bloomsbury Education has great classroom and CPD resources for teachers, poetry or fiction for your library, and book-banded stories for children.

Bloomsbury's commitment to quality and their diverse range of titles make them a top choice for children's book publishing.

2. Andersen Press

Andersen Press, established in 1976 by Klaus Flugge, is named after the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. This London-based publisher is home to many beloved picture book authors. Their first book was Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Tony Ross, and they have since published over 2000 titles.

Andersen Press are collaborating with the charity War Child on a special edition of When the Sky Falls, Phil Earle's multi-award-winning bestseller.

Some of their most famous authors include David McKee, creator of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, and Tony Ross, known for the Little Princess series. Ruth Brown, with classics like A Dark Dark Tale and The Big Sneeze, is also part of their impressive lineup. Colin McNaughton, author of the Preston Pig series, is among Andersen's bestselling titles worldwide.

Andersen Press has a rich history of publishing books that fit into the requirements of the Literacy Hour, including retellings of traditional tales and books with rhyming or repetitive text.

3. Barrington Stoke

Barrington Stoke is a unique publisher that focuses on creating books for children with reading difficulties. They are known for their innovative approach to making reading accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Their books are designed with special features like tinted pages and a unique font to help dyslexic readers. Barrington Stoke's mission is to ensure that every child can experience the joy of reading, regardless of their reading ability.

• Books for children with dyslexia
• Special features like tinted pages and unique fonts
• Focus on making reading accessible and enjoyable

Barrington Stoke's commitment to inclusivity in children's literature is truly inspiring. They believe that every child deserves the chance to become a reader, and they work tirelessly to make that a reality.

4. Barefoot Books

Barefoot Books is known for creating carefully crafted children's books and gifts that spark imagination, exploration, and creativity. Their mission is to share stories that inspire children to see the world in new ways. Barefoot Books has won numerous awards for their high-quality publications.

Award-Winning Books

Barefoot Books has received many accolades for their innovative and beautifully illustrated books. These awards highlight the publisher's commitment to excellence in children's literature.

Imagination and Exploration

The books from Barefoot Books are designed to ignite a child's imagination and encourage exploration. They offer a wide range of themes that cater to various interests and age groups.

Gifts and More

In addition to books, Barefoot Books also offers a variety of gifts that complement their literary offerings. These include puzzles, games, and other educational materials that make learning fun.

Barefoot Books creates carefully crafted children's books & gifts that spark imagination, exploration and creativity.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Barefoot Books is to share stories that inspire children to see the world in new ways. They aim to create content that is not only entertaining but also educational and thought-provoking.

5. The Bodley Head

The Bodley Head is a notable imprint under the VINTAGE division of Penguin Random House. Known for its rich history and diverse catalogue, it has published a wide range of books that cater to both children and adults. The Bodley Head has won a 23-publisher auction for the book "Couples: The Crisis of Intimacy and the Influence of Big History" by Dr. Orna, showcasing its commitment to acquiring significant works.

Key Highlights

• Part of the VINTAGE division
• Publishes both children's and adult books
• Known for acquiring significant works through competitive auctions

6. Buster Books

Buster Books, an imprint of Michael O’Mara Books, is based in London. They focus on publishing books for curious and creative children. Their range includes activity and puzzle books, art and craft, colouring, reference, early years, fiction, and sticker books. They are known for the “Cosmic Colin” series by Tim Collins.

Currently, Buster Books only accepts non-fiction manuscripts. They are also the publisher for series like “Microwave Shakespeare” and “Reading Stars”.

Buster Books is an award-winning independent children's publisher, dedicated to sparking imagination and creativity.

7. Allen Lane

Allen Lane is a notable name in the world of publishing. He was the founder of Penguin Books, a company that revolutionised the book industry. Sir Allen Lane was a 20th-century pioneer of paperback publishing in England. His belief in a market for high-quality books at low prices helped to create a new era in bookselling.

Allen Lane is part of the Penguin Press division, which includes several imprints such as Particular Books, Pelican, and Penguin Classics. This division is known for its diverse range of publications, catering to various reader interests.

Allen Lane's vision made books more accessible to the general public, changing the way people read and bought books.

The Penguin Press division, including Allen Lane, continues to publish a wide array of books, maintaining the founder's legacy of quality and affordability.

8. Austin Macauley Publishers

Austin Macauley Publishers is an independent partnership publisher, dedicated to showcasing new writers from around the world. Located in Canary Wharf, London, they have a large team of editors, designers, and illustrators who work together to create some of the most unique and engaging books. Their collection includes nearly 3000 titles, ranging from books for toddlers to school-going children.

The publisher is known for its wide range of children's books, including playbooks, initial learning books, and thought-provoking young fiction novels. They also offer informative books, activity books, and stories for children of all ages. If you love writing children's books, you can submit your manuscript online and become one of their well-known authors.

Austin Macauley Publishers is one of the fastest-growing publishers in the US, working in 24 different genres across three countries. They accept submissions from both new and established authors all year long.

9. Blackie and Son Limited

Blackie and Son Limited was a well-known children's book publisher in the UK. The company ceased operations in 1991, but its legacy continues to influence the publishing world. They were famous for their high-quality children's books that captured the imaginations of young readers.

• Established: 1809
• Ceased Operations: 1991
• Known for: Classic children's literature

Blackie and Son Limited played a significant role in boosting children's book sales by offering engaging and timeless stories. Their books remain cherished by many, even today.

10. Barefoot Books

Barefoot Books is a well-known independent children's publisher that focuses on creating books, CDs, and gifts that inspire imagination and creativity. They are dedicated to producing high-quality content that encourages exploration and learning in young readers. Their books are carefully crafted to engage children and spark their curiosity.

Barefoot Books was co-founded by Tessa Strickland, who also serves as the editor-in-chief. The company has won numerous awards for its innovative and beautifully illustrated books. They offer a wide range of titles suitable for various age groups, making them a favourite among parents and educators.

Barefoot Books believes in the power of stories to bring people together and to foster a love of reading from an early age.

Conclusion

In summary, the UK is home to a wide range of children's book publishers, each offering unique and engaging stories for young readers. Whether you're looking for picture books for toddlers or thrilling adventures for teens, there's a publisher out there that meets your needs. This list is just a starting point, and there are many more publishers to explore. Keep reading and discovering new favourites!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of books do these publishers offer?

These publishers offer a wide range of children's books, including baby books, picture books, early chapter books, and middle-grade fiction.

Are these publishers accepting new submissions?

Some publishers are open to new submissions, while others may have specific submission periods or guidelines. It's best to check their websites for the most accurate information.

Can I find books for teens from these publishers?

Yes, many of these publishers also offer books for teens and young adults.

Do these publishers only publish fiction?

No, these publishers also offer non-fiction books for children on various topics.

Where can I buy books from these publishers?

Books from these publishers can be found in major bookstores, online retailers, and sometimes directly from the publishers' websites.

How can I contact these publishers?

You can contact these publishers through their official websites, where they usually provide contact details or submission guidelines.