We’ve got some exciting news to share: Lee & Low Books has acquired children’s book publisher Shen’s Books. This is a new milestone for us: we published our first book twenty years ago and are thrilled that two decades later, we continue to grow and maintain our commitment to diversity in children’s books.
Originally based in California, Shen’s Books was founded as a retailer in 1985 and began publishing books in 1997. Its books emphasize cultural diversity and tolerance, with a focus on introducing children to the cultures of Asia. Titles include the popular Cora Cooks Pancit, about a young girl cooking up a favorite Filipino dish with her mother, and the Cinderella series, which features retellings of the Cinderella story from cultures around the world.
Shen’s Books will now become an imprint of LEE & LOW BOOKS, which will publish both backlist Shen’s titles and new books. The Shen’s Books imprint will release seven reprints in early 2014, as well as one new title in the spring: Summoning the Phoenix, a collection of poems about Chinese musical instruments by Emily Jiang and illustrated by April Chu.
“We have admired the work that was done by Shen’s in the past, and we are honored to continue their legacy,” said LEE & LOW publisher Jason Low. “[Our] emphasis on diversity, cultural authenticity, and high-quality artwork makes it a perfect home for Shen’s Books.”
This addition comes a year after the acquisition of Children’s Book Press, another California-based multicultural children’s book publisher. Since then, LEE & LOW has brought over 85% of Children’s Book Press titles back into print, with several more planned for the upcoming year.
We look forward to adding Shen’s titles to our collection. Thanks to all our supporters and readers for making this a possibility – we wouldn’t have made it for twenty years without you!
For a list of Shen’s Books that are currently available from Lee & Low Books or to place an order, contact our ordering department toll-free at 1-888-320-3190 x. 28.
