Czech independent children's book publisher Albatros is expanding its U.S. operations. Albatros will publish American authors, add new book categories to its American catalog, and, beginning in spring 2026, will publish more titles per season.
Under founder Carolina Schwarz, We the Content, which helps children's publishers position and sell books in the U.S., will lead the overall strategic direction and management of Albatros's U.S. operations. Susan Marston, editorial director of the Junior Library Guild, will manage the school and library list.
"We are delighted to put in motion our broader U.S. expansion plans in order to serve not just the school and library market, but also a wide range of other accounts," said Albatros export manager Tomáš Jodas. "Our ambition is that within five years, Albatros will be a brand everyone will recognize for children’s books with outstanding content and terrific graphic design.
"As a solid next step, I'm truly excited to welcome Susan Marston to our team. With her deep passion for children's books and unique insight into the school and library world, I'm confident we’ll connect with even more readers, boost our U.S. sales, and expand our publishing program to 50 titles each season--ranging from children's nonfiction to picture books, activity books, and chapter books. These titles will showcase talented U.S. authors as well as a hand-picked selection of the very best that Europe has to offer."
Established in 1949, Albatros was one of the seven co-founders of the Bologna Children's Book Fair. It has been publishing titles in the U.S. since 2021 and is distributed by Consortium.