Anik Press was founded in 1975 in Toronto, Canada, by Anne Collins, Ricky Englander, and Malcolm Reid.
The birth of the house came in response to a pressing need in the Canadian publishing market at the time, represented by the lack of originality and innovation in children's and young adult books. From the beginning, the three institutions sought to provide books that addressed children and young people with intelligence and respect, far from the stereotypical and traditional prevailing at that time.Annick Press' journey witnessed significant management transformations, as its full ownership was transferred in 1984 to co-founder Ricky Englander, who led the house with determination and a clear vision towards excellence. Under his leadership, the publishing house was able to maintain its independence despite the economic challenges facing the publishing sector. In 2018, the house witnessed another qualitative shift when Olivia Englander, Ricky’s daughter, took over the position of publisher, ensuring the continuation of the original vision while adding modern touches that keep pace with the requirements of new generations.Anik Press adopts a unique publishing philosophy based on several basic principles:
Full respect for the young reader: providing content that speaks to the child's intelligence and enhances his natural curiosity
Diversity of experiences and destinations: publishing stories that reflect the cultural and social diversity of Canada and the world
Encouraging critical thinking: Providing books that raise questions and encourage dialogue
Artistic and literary quality: attention to the quality of text, graphics, and artistic direction
Notable releases and seriesAnik Press’s publications were distinguished by their diversity and boldness in dealing with unconventional topics, and among their most prominent contributions are:
“Feelings and Meanings” series: books that address children’s complex emotions in an intelligent and sensitive way
Inspiring autobiography books: presenting positive examples of historical and contemporary figures
Graphic novels: which combine narrative power and visual aesthetics
Interactive books: that encourage the child to participate and discover
