Tokyopop has announced the launch of its new publishing imprint, Tokyopop Kids, aimed at young readers. Featuring manga, graphic novels, picture books, novels, and Spanish-language titles, the Tokyopop Kids catalog will publish titles for children up to 12 years old.
“Tokyopop has been bringing manga to readers of all ages for nearly 30 years and this new imprint will deliver engaging, age-appropriate content that combines the visual appeal of manga with storytelling themes relevant to today’s early and middle-grade readers,” said Tokyopop COO and publisher Marc Visnick. “We look forward to working with a wide range of licensors and publishing and retail partners to develop this initiative and to helping young readers develop their lifelong love of reading with a compelling and unique catalog of titles.”
Kids, parents, librarians, and educators can expect to see Tokyopop Kids books to startBy appearing on shelves in the fall. Below, find details on some of the imprint’s initial releases.
Barbie y Teresa: La Receta Secreta
By Courtney Carbone
On sale August 4
Ages P-2
Pre-order
The Spanish language release of Barbie and Teresa: The Secret Recipe. An exciting story about friends and family offering a helping hand!
Barbie “Brooklyn” Roberts, Barbie “Malibu” Roberts, and their best friends Teresa Rivera and Nikki Watson head to New York to help with the grand opening of Teresa’s cousin’s new restaurant. Teresa wants to perfect her Abuela’s tamale before the big opening, but can’t seem to get it right. Will Teresa find the right ingredient in time?
A Tree Swing to Soar
Written by Jungyoon Huh
Illustrated by Soyung Lee
On sale September 15
Ages 3+
Pre-order
With vibrant watercolor illustrations, this children’s picture book from Korea shares a heartwarming story of friendship, healing, and community.
Over the years, a beloved tree swing has silently gifted many friends with memories and comfort, letting them soar through the air—but, one day, it breaks. It’s up to the tree swing’s animal friends to return the favor by, this time, helping the tree swing soar. A poetic story about how those around us can give our weary hearts the strength to rise again.
Nightmare Library, Book 1: Welcome to the Nightmare Library
By Taiga Kayama
On sale September 22
Ages 8+
Pre-order
This delightfully spooky book takes readers into a hidden library where the skeletal Concierge guides you through stack after stack of books that are literal nightmares. The library’s staff of Ghostwriters turn children’s bad dreams into stories, and everyone who receives a special invitation can come and read one story a night… But who knows what chilling fate awaits at the end of your own story?
Nightmare Library is a richly illustrated collection of spooky tales wrapped up in a framing story told in the second person, transporting the reader into the book’s creepy world.
As Yubooh Slumbers, Vol. 1
By Paulina Palacios
On sale October 20
Ages 10+
Pre-order (Also available in Spanish)
In this unique and magical series, friendship, mystery, emotions, and humor come together to bring the enchanting world of Saturn Academy to life.
Yubooh Rowell has always believed in magic. Now, she’s been accepted into Saturn Academy, the school her best friend Salvia attends… which Yubooh is sure is secretly an academy for witches!
While Salvia denies it, Yubooh knows Saturn Academy is more than just a prestigious boarding school. And there’s got to be a reason why her childhood friend, Esteban, is so anxious when he learns that Yubooh is his new classmate…
When night descends and Yubooh falls asleep, the academy stops pretending. Magic awakens, nightmares and shadows reign supreme, and anyone without magic is in great danger. For the first time in years, the school sounds its “Code Fish” alarm: until they know whether or not Yubooh possesses magic, it’s up to everyone else to keep her safe. Salvia, Esteban, and the other students of Saturn Academy must protect Yubooh while she slumbers!
Wild Paws, Vol. 1: The Fox Farm
By Victor Nordahl
On sale November 10
Ages 8-12
Pre-order
A gripping saga about foxes Lukas and Ty, which delves into themes of being different, mental illness, and the journey of self-discovery.
The wild fox Ty has never felt like the other foxes in the clan. He shies away from fighting, is bullied by crows, and depends on his family to be fed and protected. One day, Ty runs away to prove to the others that he can catch his own prey. Instead, he winds up being caught on a fox farm. There he meets Lukas, whose sheltered life couldn’t be more different from Ty’s. Ty resolves to show Lukas the world… But will they be able to escape the heavily guarded fox farm?
Humorous and warm, Wild Paws is a stand-out children’s book series that impresses with its gripping storytelling. It was nominated for the ARK Children’s Book Prize and the Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s Comic Prize.
That Girl
By Toshiyuki Fukuda
On sale November 17
Ages P-2
Pre-order
All these feelings… where do they come from? One day, I meet a girl who looks just like me. That girl gets angry easily, throws tantrums, and does mischief. I can’t stop her from doing these things. And the worst part is, my parents scold me for her behavior. I’m the only one who can see that girl. How can I get along with her?
This touching picture book with whimsical illustrations ventures into the heart of a young girl, who learns we cannot always control our feelings, but can learn to live with them.
For more information, visit TokyopopKids.com.
