Accord is the small independent publisher in Denver, Colo., bought by Andrews McMeel in 2005, that publishes novelty children's books and craft calendars. "I've been very impressed by the small team of highly creative people who are always brainstorming and pushing the envelope," said Linda Jones, who was brought on as senior v-p of Accord last month. "This group is focused on quality, education and entertainment and they bring innovation to everything they do." Andrews McMeel has kept the company in Denver, which it believes has helped Accord keep its edge.
Accord's original hot title, Ten Little Dinosaurs by Pattie Schnetzler, illustrated by Jim Harris, has spawned similar titles like Ten Little Puppies. Last year's Bee & Me by Elle J. McGuinness, illustrated by Heather Brown, featured Anti-Motion, a new paper engineering technology, and has sold more than 200,000 copies. Accord's new titles for this year are 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, illustrated by Jon Goodell, and Lights Out, Night's Out by William Boniface, illustrated by Milena Kirkova.