Ten Speed Press has launched a new imprint, Ten Speed Young Readers, that will publish "bold and imaginative fiction and nonfiction with a distinctive aesthetic, delivering stories that inspire and entertain, ranging from the provocative to the profound to the seriously fun."
The Ten Speed Young Readers 2026 list consists of 20 titles, including the picture books Others by Kobi Yamada and illustrator Charles Santoso and Axolotl-Ella by Kate Messner and illustrator Lian Cho; the board book Chess for Babies from International Master and Gotham Chess YouTube star Levy Rozman; and middle grade titles such as Kid Potato by Neil Coslett, a young readers edition of Overlooked by Amisha Padnani and the New York Times, and a nonfiction series with Atlas Obscura.
Part of the Crown Publishing Group division of Penguin Random House, the Ten Speed Young Readers team is led by Ginee Seo, v-p, editorial director, Kelly Barrales-Saylor, executive editor, and Adah Li, assistant editor.
Seo said, "Reading and books have never been more important than they are at this moment, especially for our children. It's been a joy to answer that need within our unique position at Ten Speed and Crown, where we're able to harness all the creative energy around us. Whether the ideas come from our amazing roster of authors, our talented editorial colleagues, or beloved authors and agents within our own networks, our goal is to create dynamic new books designed to instill the joy of reading and discovery for every kind of child and family."
Aaron Wehner, executive v-p and director of business development, Crown Publishing Group, publisher, Clarkson Potter, and Ten Speed Press, added: "Children's books are the inception point for a love of storytelling and rich, transporting art, and are a major source of comfort (or perspective-expanding discomfort)--and just plain entertainment and joy. I could not be more excited to work with Ginee and her team as we expand Ten Speed's illustrated publishing program to include young readers, across a range of subject areas and formats, both traditional and innovative. Ginee is a publishing legend, and it's a true honor to have the opportunity to partner with her."