Recently, ACL received some paperback reissues of books published by Flashlight Press. Because ACL only reviews new books, we won’t be able to review these but wanted to check out the publisher’s history and focus.
Located in Brooklyn, NY, Flashlight Press focuses on children’s picture books. They accept submissions from agents as well as from un-agented authors and artists. Many of their books have received awards, including state awards, Storytelling World awards, awards from Top Shelf, Parents Magazine, and Bank Street. The free website Storytime Online even features celebrities reading their books on its website; Storyline Online Celebrity Readings – Flashlight Press.
Flashlight Press books are distributed by IPG and have been translated into nineteen languages. They focus on picture books that explore families and different social situations. The editors and designers note the importance of the use of picture books in library storytimes, so they are always looking at that possibility when they evaluate a manuscript. Many children’s librarians value independent publishers who make new voices available, so check out this article from School Library Journal: Independent Publisher Makes Mighty Impact: Flashlight Press Celebrates 20 Years of Popular Picture Books | School Library Journal, or the publisher’s website: Our Books – Flashlight Press.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University iSchool
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