New York, NY,  March 19, 2009-Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, under the imprint of Paula Wiseman Books, announced today plans to publish children's picture books by Nobel Prize Laureate Toni Morrison and her son Slade Morrison. The first book, entitled Peeny-Butter Fudge, will be published on September 9, 2009, and S&S holds world rights. Award-winning artist Joe Cepeda has been selected as the illustrator of the book.  This publication begins a publishing program of picture books and books for older readers from the author and her son.

 

Inspired by Toni Morrison's own grandchildren, Peeny-Butter Fudge is the story of what really happens when Mom goes out one day and leaves Nana in charge. Mom leaves behind detailed instructions for Nana's visit with the kids.  But Nana and the children create a world of their own, and naptime, story time and playtime are transformed by fairies, dragons, dancing and pretending-and of course, making yummy fudge just in time to share with Mom when she returns.  Peeny-Butter Fudge includes Toni Morrison's family fudge recipe that has been handed down through the years.

 

"It was impossible not to smile putting this book together-seeing the cheer and love being passed from generation to generation. And Joe Cepeda's illustrations capture the joy perfectly," said Toni Morrison.

 

"Toni Morrison is a one-of-a-kind storyteller and Peeny-Butter Fudge will resonate with grandparents and children alike," said Paula Wiseman, Publisher, the editor for the book. "It is a joy and honor to be working with Toni and Slade Morrison, as well as Joe Cepeda, who catches the spirit of the brilliant writing, and captures the special bond between a grandparent and grandchild."

  

Toni Morrison is the author of many award-winning novels, including A Mercy, Beloved, The Song of Solomon, and The Bluest Eye.  She is the Robert. F. Goheen Professor of Humanities,Emertia, at Princeton University.  She has received the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize and in 1993 she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.  She lives in Rockland County, New York, and Princeton, New Jersey. 

Slade Morisson was born in Ohio and educated in New York.  An artist, he studied fine art and music at the State University of New York at Purchase.  He is a father and the author of several picture books with his mother.

Joe Cepeda is the award-winning illustrator of Mice and Beans by Pam Munroz Ryan and Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron and many other popular books for children. He lives in Southern California with his family.

 

Forthcoming in Spring 2010 from Toni and Slade Morrison is Little Cloud and Lady Wind, to be illustrated by Sean Qualls.

 

ABOUT SIMON & SCHUSTER CHILDREN'S PUBLISHING

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, one of the leading children's book publishers in the world, is comprised of the following imprints: Aladdin, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Libros para niños, Little Simon®, Little Simon Inspirations^TM, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Simon Pulse, Simon Scribbles, and Simon Spotlight®. While maintaining an extensive award-winning backlist, the division continues to publish acclaimed and bestselling books for children of all ages. In addition to numerous Caldecott, Newbery, and National Book Award winners, Simon & Schuster publishes such high-profile properties and series as Eloise, Olivia, Raggedy Ann & Andy^TM, Henry & Mudge®, The Hardy Boys®, Nancy Drew®, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Jon Scieszka's Trucktown, Nickelodeon's® Dora the Explorer®, Wonderpets® and SpongeBob SquarePants®, and coloring & activity books for Universal's Curious George®. For more information about Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, visit our website at http://www.simonandschuster.com.

 

Simon & Schuster, a part of the CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

 

CONTACT:

Nicole Russo

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

212/698-7087 /nicole.russo@simonandschuster.com