Meet the Editors

photo of Yolanda Scott
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Yolanda Scott

VP, Publisher, and Editorial Director

A topic alone isn’t enough to interest me—I’m looking for a fresh, innovative approach and adept writing combined with an awareness of the market. The bulk of my titles are picture books (split between fiction and nonfiction), with the occasional novel or longer nonfiction. I like conceptual thinkers with strong convictions and a desire for collaboration. My editorial process emphasizes structure, story arc, consistency, and concise writing.

Yes, Please!

done   Diverse, lived-experience perspectives
done   Science, nature, and environmental topics
done   Books on arts and culture
done   LGBTQ+ content
done   Books that blend genres
photo of Alyssa Mito Pusey
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Alyssa Mito Pusey

Executive Editor

As an editor specializing in nonfiction, I firmly believe there is nothing as astonishing as real life. Almost any topic can hook me—as long as it’s approached from an unexpected angle. In addition to nonfiction, I edit fiction picture books with memorable characters and strong school-and-library hooks. In both nonfiction and fiction, I look for diversity, innovation, clarity, and voice. Humor is a plus!

Yes, Please!

done   Tightly focused, innovative nonfiction
done   All aspects of STEM
done   History, biography, and the arts
done   Underrepresented perspectives and identities
done   Funny, active fiction and nonfiction picture books with kid and classroom appeal
photo of Karen Boss
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Karen Boss

Senior Editor

My list is varied and diverse and includes fiction and nonfiction. I acquire mostly picture books, but also a little of everything from original board books to middle-grade and YA novels. I look for new voices, particularly those who are underrepresented. I love unique story structure, strong characters, and intriguing topics. My favorite part of being an editor is collaborating with creators—working together to figure out how to make a book the best it can be.

Yes, Please!

done   Authors and author-illustrators who are strong revisers
done   New takes or views
done   Humor or cleverness
done   Little-known topics approached with unique structure
done   Engaging characters
photo of Ariela Zeltzman

Ariela Rudy Zeltzman

Associate Editor

I'm looking for entertaining, thoughtful stories that inspire readers to explore their identity, beliefs, relationships, and the world around them. I want to work with creators who aren't afraid to get deep and who look for joy, fun, and hope through writing. I'm primarily interested in fiction and narrative nonfiction picture books, but I'm also open to MG and YA manuscripts. 

Yes, Please!

done   Stories that ask big questions about big topics (e.g., the meaning of life and death; capitalism; colonialism and imperialism; forgiveness and restorative justice)
done   Magic, imagination, whimsy, and clever humor
done   Books about language(s), and bilingual, multilingual, and translingual books, as well as books in translation 
done   Casual diversity: The everyday life and joys of disabled, chronically ill, Indigenous, immigrant, queer, neurodivergent, and/or fat characters
photo of Gabriela Baron
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Book cover of A Light for Lucinda showing a girl holding a candle
Book cover of Una luz para Lucinda showing a girl holding a candle
Book cover of Dropbear showing an illustration of a scary koala

Gabriela Baron

Assistant Editor

I’ve assisted our editors with a variety of titles ranging from board books to middle-grade novels. I’ve acquired primarily picture books as I’ve grown my own frontlist, but I’m also open to novels-in-verse. I’m drawn to language that sings, and I believe there is strength in simplicity. Topics of family, culture, and tradition particularly inspire me.

Yes, Please!

done   Books from new voices and diverse perspectives
done   Memorable, well-developed characters
done   Strong story arcs
done   Open to nonfiction and fiction, with a preference for narrative nonfiction

Creating Lifelong Readers and Lifelong Learners

For more than 35 years, Charlesbridge has been passionate about the craft of bookmaking. Our books encourage reading and discovery, embracing a child’s innate sense of wonder and fun. We believe books should be compelling, informative, and promote a positive worldview. We continually strive to seek new voices, visions, and directions in children’s literature.

Small-Press Values, Big-Publisher Sales Power

The combination of our world-class sales team, Penguin Random House Publisher Services, and our hands-on independent publishing model gives our authors, illustrators, and customers the best of both worlds.