Hi folks, it’s been a bit since I’ve posted a press roundup!

First, and most importantly, it’s been a full month since TALKING BOOKS has been in the world! TALKING BOOKS: AUDIOBOOK INVENTOR DR. ROBERT B. IRWIN AND A NEW WAY TO READ by Jenny Lacika and my client Ashanti Fortson was published by Atheneum on February 24, 2026! You can buy a copy at a bookstore near you. You know we love brick & mortar indie bookstores, but you can also buy direct from S&S, or at bookshop.org, which is an online retailer that puts monies directly into the coffers of independent bookstores. As always, I encourage avoiding buying from That One Too Wealthy Man when we can. Plus, some glowing reviews below!

“This story is told with a tone of courage and hopefulness. . . . In addition to the digital art, Fortson includes embroidery within the pages. It’s exquisite and represents the idea of communication incredibly well.  A unique title, this will be a welcome addition to biography collections.”
– School Library Journal

“An engaging and empowering tribute to the power of books—and to a trailblazer who made them more accessible.”
– Kirkus Reviews

“Throughout this winning portrait, upbeat narration emphasizes Irwin’s resolve, while embroidery lends an appropriate sensory dimension to busy pages featuring scratchy digital drawings of the protagonist doggedly working to effect change.”
– Publishers Weekly

“Makes a lesser-known historical figure relatable by focusing on Irwin’s childhood and professional journey, weaving together his drive and the stepping stones to his achievements, as well as the achievements themselves. Fortson’s digitally rendered images in mostly pastel colors with fine lines are further textured with scanned embroidered elements, and the stitches bring a satisfying trompe l’oeil physicality to a book about words’ ability to leave the printed page.”
– The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Fortson uses curved lines swirling across the pages to convey the sound waves so critical to Irwin’s experience of the world. Both the clear writing and the friendly art succeed at providing helpful details for readers to understand Irwin’s life and accomplishments.”
– Horn Book Magazine

We’ve also got our first trade review for MORSEL by Carter Keane along with many, many lovely blurbs! Not only that, but I’m so pleased to note that, though I can’t officially announce it yet, we’ll soon have our first deal inked in translation! Look out for Carter doing press in April and beyond, and go ahead and pre-order the book! Again, wherever books are sold.

“Keane’s confident debut heralds the arrival of a gifted horror author… Keane’s talent for sunlight horror impresses as the plot builds to a genuinely surprising but fairly clued denouement. Richard Chizmar fans will be thrilled.”
—Publishers Weekly, Full review here.

“Carter Keane writes folk horror for the class war, horror that turns every expectation on its head, horror that is going to stay on my mind. Morsel is just about as working class, punk rock, and entertaining as a story can get.” —Margaret Killjoy, author of The Lamb Will Slaughter the Lion

“Morsel is a divinely dark tale about the dwindling space for humanity under capitalism. Rife with horrors both real and supernatural, Keane has crafted a gut-punch of a debut.”—Erin E. Adams, author of Jackal and One of You

“Morsel goes all-in with teeth bared. Absolutely delicious.” —Sarah Gailey, USA Today bestselling author of Spread Me

“An absolute delight. Had me holding my breath the whole time. And that twist! Add this to your TBR right now.” —S.A. Barnes, USA Today bestselling author of Cold Eternity

“Morsel is more than just folk horror—it’s a malignant and timely reflection on corporate America, devouring its own. One hell of a grim and visceral Appalachian nightmare.” —Shane Hawk, co-editor of Never Whistle at Night

“Equal parts folk horror and pyramid scheme…a propulsive read with complex, believable characters—and one very good dog. Keane has proven that the Ohio woods are supremely scary.” —Wendy N. Wagner, author of Girl in the Creek

“A fantastically vicious anticapitalist fable about the things that consume us all when we’re not looking—and sometimes when we are. By turns bloody, terrifying, and nightmarishly heart-wrenching, Keane’s delightful debut takes no prisoners and gives no shits. Make no mistake about it: this book has teeth to spare.” —Matthew Lyons, author of A Mask of Flies

“A gripping and biting work of cult, social horror. Morsel feels like Intensity and Pumpkinhead had a deadly standoff on a mountain road.” —Johnny Compton, author of Devils Kill Devils