Broken Frontier

Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, announced that it has acquired Amulet, a two-book deal won at auction. Written by 27-year-old graphic novelist Kazu Kibuishi, the first title will be released in spring 2007 under Scholastic’s Graphix imprint. Kazu Kibuishi is represented by Judith Hansen of Hansen Literary Agency.

“We are very proud to be the publisher of Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet,” said Jean Feiwel, publisher and senior vice president, Scholastic Children’s Book Publishing. “Kazu’s amazing ability to combine action-packed storytelling, engaging characters and stunning artwork will appeal to children and adults alike. We look forward to building this new Graphixä talent and bringing these innovative books to Scholastic’s distribution channels.”

In Amulet, main characters Em and Navin’s mother has recently died, and their father has just moved them to a strange, hilltop house. After their father disappears suddenly, the kids find a door that leads into a stunning labyrinth filled with strange creatures and hints of a vast, new world at the end of it. As they search for their father in the maze, they join forces with a small rabbit, Miskit, who is also searching for a lost loved one.

Kazu Kibuishi’s debut graphic novel, Daisy Kutter: The Last Train, was nominated as an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults – the only graphic novel on the list in 2005. He is the editor and art director of the critically-acclaimed Flight, an anthology of young comic book artists. Flight Volume II was published in April 2005 to rave reviews. Kibuishi was born in Tokyo, Japan and moved to the United States in 1982 with his mother and brother. He currently lives in southern California.