I'm so excited to bringing the news of a debut deal today! Kelly Rice Schmitt has written a truly beautiful, lyrical picture book text - and from the perspective of a container ship, no less. From the moment I read it I fell head over heels, and I'm so delighted she's been matched with editor extraordinaire Carol Hinz, who has signed up the talented Jam Dong to illustrate! Here's the deal announcement that went out:

Carol Hinz at Lerner/Millbrook has acquired world rights to I, Ship by debut author Kelly Rice Schmitt (l.), illustrated by Jam Dong. Narrated by a container ship, this picture book takes readers on a journey across the seas while introducing key concepts related to international shipping and trade. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Tara Gonzalez at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Shadra Strickland at Painted Words represented the illustrator.

We can't wait for I, SHIP to set sail in Fall 2023!

--Tara