Houghton Taps New Children's Book Publisher

Andrea Davis Pinkney, editorial director of Hyperion Books for Children, has been named vice president and publisher of Houghton Mifflin's juvenile books. Pinkney replaces Anita Silvey, who spent six years in the position before leaving in May 2001 to spend more time teaching and writing about children's literature.

"We are so pleased that Andrea has decided to lead our children's program," says Wendy Strothman of Houghton's trade and reference division. "We have had a remarkable season with Caldecott, Newbery, and Sibert medal winners, and we look forward to even greater success under Andrea's leadership."

Pinkney, who had been at Hyperion since 1997, was responsible for acquiring the works of many authors and illustrators, including Toni Morrison, Julius Lester, and Giselle Potter. While at Hyperion, she also launched Jump at the Sun, a line of books that celebrates the black cultural experience. In addition to being an editor, Pinkney has written many children's books, such as Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra (Disney Press), winner of the 1998 Caldecott Honor Medal and Coretta Scott King Honor Award, and Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters (Gulliver Books), winner of the 2000 Coretta Scott King Author Award. Pinkney is a member of the Children's Book Council Executive Board and chair of National Children's Book Week 2003. She's also held editorial positions at Simon & Schuster and Scholastic. Pinkney will be based in Houghton's New York office as of this month.

"Houghton has an unparalleled publishing history," says Pinkney, who holds a degree in journalism from Syracuse University. "Working with our industry's brightest talent is a tremendous opportunity. I look forward to the change."