Random House Graphic, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, together with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, will publish the first-ever line of graphic novels starring classic Dr. Seuss characters in all-new stories next year.
The inaugural Dr. Seuss graphic novel program list features three chapter book series aimed at four to eight-year-olds, penned by top draw comic book creators, each starring an iconic Dr. Seuss character – the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and Sam-I-Am – in brand-new adventures.
The first instalment of the Cat in the Hat series, Cat Out of Water, by New York Times bestselling author Art Baltazar, will be released on 30th April 2024. It will be followed by a story featuring the Grinch, told by Kaeti Vandorn, inspired by How The Grinch Stole Christmas, in Autumn 2024, followed by a Green Eggs and Ham–inspired story featuring Sam-I-Am, told by two-time Eisner Award–winner James Kochalka, in Spring 2025.
The authors will create subsequent titles in each character’s series.
Cat Out of Water (A Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel) is available for pre-order now. On-sale dates for the next titles in the Dr. Seuss graphic novel publishing program will soon be announced.
“Chapter book graphic novels are one of the fastest-growing categories in the industry, and we are absolutely over the moon to bring Dr. Seuss’s iconic characters to life in a new way that will not only excite kids, but also get more kids reading,” says Whitney Leopard, Senior Editor, Random House Graphic.
“It’ i’s an honour to work with the lineup of comic book creators we have with Art, James, and Kaeti, and I can’t wait for kids to get their hands on these new Dr. Seuss adventures.”
Art Baltazar and James Kochalka appeared at New York Comic Con to promote this special milestone for Dr. Seuss Publishing.
Art Baltazar is a super-cartoonist machine from the heart of Chicago, who’s all about peace, love, and joy. He defines cartoons and comics not only as an art style, but as a way of life.
Art is a creative force behind the Eisner Award–winning Itty Bitty Hellboy and the New York Times bestselling, Eisner and Harvey award-winning DC Comics’ Tiny Titans, and is the artist on the DC Super-Pets children’s book series.
Kaeti Vandorn is a children’s illustrator and comic artist who likes friendly monsters and playing with colour. Kaeti’s first two graphic novels, Crabapple Trouble and Monster Friends, were both indie bestsellers.
She also enjoys fantasy adventure stories, and created a weekly webcomic, Smol Frens.
“These books are going to be a delight,” says Kaeti, on Kofi.
James Kochalka is a wildly prolific artist and has been creating iconic indie comics and bizarrely catchy punk rock since the early 1980s. He is a two-time winner of the prestigious Eisner Award, a four-time Ignatz Award winner, and a Harvey Award winner.
His comics are noted for their blending of the real and the surreal. Largely autobiographical, Kochalka’s cartoon expression of the world around him includes such real-life characters as his wife, children, cat, friends, and colleagues, but always filtered through his own observations and flights of whimsy. In March 2011, he was declared the Cartoonist Laureate of Vermont, serving a term of three years.
Random House Graphic (RHG), a new imprint dedicated to publishing graphic novels for kids and teens of every age and interest, fiction and nonfiction, launched its first list in Spring 2020. The list includes four titles of varied genres that span from young chapter books to YA, reflecting the rapidly growing popularity of the format among young readers.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises is a leading global children’s entertainment company focused on promoting literacy, education, self-confidence, and the wonderful possibilities of a child’s imagination through the works of Dr. Seuss. The company was established in 1993 and is based in San Diego, California. Global endeavors include publishing, film, TV, stage productions, exhibitions, digital media, licensed merchandise, and other strategic partnerships
• Pre-order Cat Out of Water here from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)
• Art Baltazar is online at artbaltazar.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
• Kaeti Vandorn is online at proteidaes.com | DeviantArt | Instagram | Kofi | Twitter
• James Kochalka is online at jameskochalkasuperstar.com | BandCamp | BlueSky | Instagram | Patreon | Twitter | LinkTree
• Random House Graphic is at prhcomics.com | prh.com/rh-kids-graphic | Twitter
• Dr Seuss Enterprises is online at drseussenterprises.com | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, US Comics
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