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DK has bought the list for A Kids Book About (AKBA) from American media company A Kids Co (AKC), totalling 170 titles and taking DK’s first children’s publishing team into the US.
The deal — for which the financial details have not been disclosed — sees DK significantly extend its global creative reach.
Previously as an established partner, DK has licensed and sold a portion of the published list; and with this acquisition deal in place, it will now take on the global sale of the entire frontlist and AKBA back catalogue of over 170 titles with immediate effect.
The move establishes DK’s first children’s publishing team in the US. Author and entrepreneur Jelani Memory, who first launched the list in 2019 with book, A Kids Book About Racism, will join the DK Licensing division as vice president and publisher. Two other AKBA members will also join the DK team.
Memory will report to Mark Searle, managing director of DK Licensing, and will continue to be based out of Portland, Oregon. Memory will remain a significant shareholder in A Kids Co and become the company’s executive chair of the board.
DK said of its plans for the A Kids Book About books: “With DK’s investment, the series will continue to expand, challenging and empowering young readers to tackle an increasing range of diverse topics while growing its roster of high-profile authors and influencers, which has seen contributions for recent publications from A-lister names including Billie Jean King (A Kids Book About Equality), Jessica Biel (A Kids Book About Periods) and Ashley Graham (A Kids Book About Beauty).”
Paul Kelly, chief executive of DK, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jelani, a truly inspirational and creative publisher, to the DK family. A Kids Book About has found the perfect home in DK — both companies are mission-driven innovators, with a strong belief in sharing knowledge and education through engaging and accessible ways.
“When we talk about books moving the world forward, Jelani really lives it, by connecting inspirational people with children to introduce them to challenging, empowering and important topics. I couldn’t think of a better team to establish DK’s first US-based children’s creative team.”
Memory said: “DK is an iconic brand that has always been about explaining big ideas to kids and I couldn’t think of a better home for the A Kids Book About series. I am excited to kick off this next phase with DK in publishing books that continue to tell some of the most important stories for kids.
“And the fact that we’ll be doing this in partnership with A Kids Co. where I’ll still get to make an impact in my new role as executive chair and continue to build what is sure to be a bright future, is truly wonderful.”
Searle said: “Jelani and the team at A Kids Co have created an entirely unique series which we have brought to a wider audience. We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from booksellers and readers alike on the important topics and stunning design. I’m thrilled that we will be producing even more ambitious titles.”
A Kids Co works to empower a generation of kids through diverse storytelling. Founded in 2019 in Portland, Oregon, following the sale of AKBA, A Kids Co will continue to produce new podcasts, operate the direct to consumer business, seek brand partnerships outside of books, and pursue additional multi-media opportunities to tell impactful stories for kids of all ages. Memory will remain a significant shareholder in A Kids Co, as well as his executive role.