Philomel

Philomel Press was founded by editor and publisher Anne Benedos in 1980 as part of Putnam Publishing, which acquired World Publishing Books for Young People, where Anne originally published many of the classics that later became part of the Philomel canon.The house is named after the nightingale, using a term that literally means “lover of song,” suggesting that these books will be lyrical, beautiful in concept and form, and elegant enough to be given as gifts. The first lists included such classics as The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, and The Emperor and the Kite by Caldecott Prize-winner Ed Young.In 1986, Patricia Lee Gauche took over as editor-in-chief of Philomel. Under her leadership, Philomel published the Caldecott Award-winning books: *All Moon by Jane Yolen and John Schoenherr; and Lon Boo Boo by Ed Young; And "So you want to be president?" By Judith St. George and David Small; In addition to the popular animal fantasy series Redwall by Brian Jack, and classic picture books by Patricia Polacco.In 2023, Jill Santopolo took over as Publisher of Philomel, while Tamar Brazis took over as General Publisher for the group, overseeing the Viking, Philomel and Puffin Classics catalogs. With an editorial team of three who work to create books that illuminate minds and hearts and bring out the potential in every reader, Philomel’s list includes, among other works, historical novels that have achieved New York Times bestsellers, such as “Between Shades of Gray,” “Sea Salt,” “The Fountains of Silence,” and “It Must Be.”I Betray You" by Ruta Sepetis, all of which have been recognized by the Carnegie Commission, as well as award-winning novels such as Mockingbird by Katherine Erskine, A Tangled Knot by Lisa Graff, The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rose by Isaac Bloom, Magnolia Wu Reveals All by Chanel Miller, and The Super Pearl by Isabel Allende and Sandy Rodriguez.No matter the genre of book, Philomel seeks to empower and inspire children and young people. Her appreciation for story, language, and books that can be read over and over again without losing any of their magic is what drives her to produce distinctive and meaningful books year after year.