Parragon redesigns pre-school imprint

Parragon Books has unveiled a “bold” redesign of its own-brand imprint Start Little Learn Big, aimed at pre-schoolers.

The Bath-based publisher’s refresh incorporates a new art style designed by French-based illustrator Olivier Latyk and an editorial style from author Smriti Prasadam Halls, author of titles such as I Love You Night and Day (Bloomsbury Children's).

The imprint's redesigned range consists of three formats: tabbed board books, lift-the-flap board books and wipe-clean handle board books. Each book is aimed to encourage children to “explore and discover” and “empower independent thinking, whilst aiding educational, social and emotional development”.

Rachel Lawrence, head of children’s publishing at Parragon, said: ”We are delighted with the new look and feel of our Start Little Learn Big imprint. It has been a pleasure to develop this new range of books which not only provides fun learning for preschoolers but has also been endorsed by educational specialists.”

A recent title from the series, Twisty Mazes For Little Hands, title won a Bronze Award in the MadeForMums Awards last month. Colour Me Bright Creative Activities, published in 2016, has sold 1,403 copies (Nielsen BookScan).

Last week it was revealed that former Penguin Random House group sales director Mike Symons has been appointed chief executive of Parragon Books. He said he joined at a “key time” as it looks to drive growth.

The publisher is part of DC Thomson, and works with brands such as Marvel, Nickelodeon and Disney. It has offices in New York, Cologne, Delhi, Melbourne, Hong Kong and Singapore and last year the company announced plans to grow its US sales over the next five years. It established a US publishing team in September.