Hachette Childrens Group has successfully acquired the rights to two non-fiction books centered on artificial intelligence, authored by Brian David Johnson and Neal Layton.
In this significant deal, Laura Horsley, the publishing director for Wren & Rook, secured the global rights to Johnson’s “What You Need To Know About AI” through representation by Lisa Gallagher of DeFiore and Company. Simultaneously, Liza Wilde, the editorial director of colour non-fiction, secured the global rights to “What is AI? The Curious Kids Guide to Artificial Intelligence,” a non-fiction picture book both written and illustrated by Layton, through representation by Alison Eldred.
Scheduled for release in March 2024, Johnson’s “What You Need To Know About AI: A Beginners Guide To What Our Future Holds” promises to be an insightful exploration of AI, encompassing its role in unveiling intriguing aspects of space, dinosaurs, and the human body. The book aims to enlighten readers about the potential future of AI, delving into whether it might extend to tasks like tidying bedrooms. Additionally, the content includes a critical examination of the negative aspects of AI, emphasizing the importance of responsible consideration in our perception of AI.
Layton’s book, anticipated for release in July 2024, was developed in collaboration with Jonny Brooks-Bartlett, a senior machine learning engineer at Spotify. Described as an “easy-to-understand picture book exploring AI with young readers,” Layton’s work is expected to distill complex information into an engaging and accessible format for a younger audience.