On April 19, 100 Scope Notes, a School Library Journal blog which highlights the latest and the greatest in children’s literature, interviewed Tucker Stone of Nobrow Press and its children’s book imprint, Flying Eye Books. They talked about shaving beards, smartmouth mice, and, of course, books, giving us a preview of all of the excitement we can look forward to from Flying Eye Books in 2016!
Since its creation in 2013, Flying Eye Books has proved to be a force to be reckoned with: racking up starred reviews, bestsellers, and awards (including two nominations in 2016 alone for the Eisner Awards) for its authors and illustrators alike, and the 2016 titles look to be no different. While, as a self-defined “visual publishing house,” Flying Eye is known for its stunning visuals that appeal to readers of all ages, they also gravitate towards producing works with important messages. The message of this season? Empathy and compassion.
“The world feels like a difficult place to live in right now,” Stone said, “and we have to find a way to share the space.”
Francesca Sanna’s The Journey, which publishes Septemb
er 13, is just one of Flying Eye’s titles this season which represents that timely drive.
“It’s a picture book for young children about a family of refugees abandoning their homeland due to the war that, among other things, takes their father. It’s particularly inspired by the experience of Syrian refugees, but also incorporates the journeys that have had to be undertaken by the people of Somalia, Tibet and Eritrea,” Stone said. “I can’t imagine anyone walking away from this book without being stirred up by it.”
This year is also one of what Stone called “triumphant returns,” including new books from the beloved Hilda and Professor Astro Cat series (Hilda and the Stone Forest and Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure, respectively); exciting additions to their nonfiction animal books (including Wild Animals of the North and One Day on Our Blue Planet… In the Antarctic); and a gorgeous new title from William Grill (The Wolves of Currumpaw), winner of the 2015 Kate Greenaway Medal (for illustration). In 2016, Flying Eye Books will also be reissuing some beloved children’s titles from the 1950s and 1960s, such as Helen Borten’s Do You See What I See? and Do You Hear What I Hear?.
Whether you’re a nonfiction aficionado or a regular comic book fiend, both Nobrow Press and Flying Eye Books are sure to have something for you this season!