Author-illustrator Katie Dwyer’s BEAR’S FRIEND, following a bear who proudly introduces his new friend—a rock—to the forest animals, only to face doubt when the others don’t understand their bond; about friendship, self-acceptance, and staying true to the ones we love, to Nicole Fox at RISE x Penguin Workshop, for publication in fall 2027, by Kaitlyn Sanchez at Bradford Literary Agency (world).

Author of MUSHROOM RAIN Laura K. Zimmermann’s TANGLED TALES OF AN UNDERGROUND MARKET, a STEAM story that explores the bustling market below the forest floor, where plants, animals, and other creatures barter, lurk, protect, help, and more, illustrated by Priscilla Tey, to Michelle Lee at Dial, for publication in fall 2027, by Kaitlyn Sanchez at Bradford Literary Agency for the author, and by Steven Malk at Writers House for the illustrator (world).