TALKING BOOKS

Talking Books Announcement Image: Alex Borbolla while at Atheneum bought world rights to Talking Books: Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read, a nonfiction picture book by Jenny Lacika, illustrated by Ashanti Fortson, in their picture book debut; Feather Flores will edit. This biography details how perpetually curious Robert B. Irwin found new ways to learn and explore the world after losing his sight at a young age, ultimately making stories accessible to readers of all abilities through the creation of the first audiobooks. Publication is set for spring 2026; Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Susan Graham at Einstein Literary represented the illustrator.

Talking Books: Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read

By Jenny Lacika
Illustrated by Ashanti Fortson
Published by Atheneum
Release Date: Spring 2026

Alex Borbolla while at Atheneum bought world rights to Talking Books: Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read, a nonfiction picture book by Jenny Lacika, illustrated by Ashanti Fortson, in their picture book debut; Feather Flores will edit. This biography details how perpetually curious Robert B. Irwin found new ways to learn and explore the world after losing his sight at a young age, ultimately making stories accessible to readers of all abilities through the creation of the first audiobooks. Publication is set for spring 2026; Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Susan Graham at Einstein Literary represented the illustrator.