Ladybird grows editorial team

PRH Children's imprint Ladybird has appointed two new members to its editorial team, Libby Walden (right) and Samia Gundkalli, while promoting Rianna Mezzullo.

Libby Walden, currently at Caterpillar Books, will join Ladybird's Trade team as editor on 6th June, reporting to editorial director Louie Stowell. She will focus on novelty front list and will also drive Ladybird's custom publishing.

Samia Gundkalli, awards manager at the Society of Authors, has been appointed editorial assistant. She takes up her role on 15th May, supporting the three Ladybird areas of Trade, Licensing and Education. 

Rianna Mezzullo, formerly editorial assistant, has been promoted to assistant editor for Ladybird Licensing, reporting to commissioning editor Gary Panton. Preschool licensing acquisitions are now led by publisher Leanne Gill.

Shannon Cullen, publishing director at Ladybird, commented: “We are delighted to be further growing the Ladybird team – Libby Walden, our new editor, has an impressive grasp on marrying the creative with the commercial, and we can’t wait to see what she does. Samia Gundkalli, our new assistant, won us over with her infectious enthusiasm and astute ideas. The Ladybird team goes from strength to strength, and these are exciting times for us.”