DreamWorks to Launch Children’s Books Imprint

By Maryann Yin 

DreamWorksDreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. will launch its own children’s books imprint called DreamWorks Press. Emma Whittard has been selected to run this new publishing venture.

The imprint’s list will focus on titles based on the movie studio’s popular properties including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar. In the past, DreamWorks had licensed several of these properties to traditional book publishers. Prior to the launch, the organizers had to work on recovering the rights.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg explained that “the last 18 months have been about expansion and diversification. Reading with a child is still a cherished experience. And giving kids e-books with interactive elements has shown itself to be a growth business in publishing.” What do you think?