North-South Layoffs

Children's book publisher North-South Books recently laid off more than 30 percent of its employees, and the company is evaluating how many titles to cut next year. The cost-cutting measures were the result of disappointing sales in 2001, states spokeswoman Shellie Parkhill.

Twelve jobs, including four editorial positions, were eliminated, leaving North-South with 21 staffers in its New York offices. Another round of layoffs is not expected, Parkhill says. North-South, best-known for The Rainbow Fish and Little Polar Bear , has no plans to discontinue any imprints, but its list of 75 to 100 books is expected to be reduced.