Aladdin Paperbacks
| Company type | Imprint |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Founder | Jean E. Karl |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Children's books, paperback editions |
| Parent | Simon & Schuster |
Aladdin Paperbacks is a children's literature imprint under the ownership of Simon & Schuster. It was originally created by Jean E. Karl at Atheneum Books, where she established the children's division in 1961. Aladdin became part of Simon & Schuster after Atheneum was acquired first by Scribner's in 1978, then by Macmillan in 1984, and ultimately Simon & Schuster purchased Macmillan in 1994.
Remit
The Aladdin Paperbacks imprint caters to young readers between the ages of 4 and 12, focusing mainly on reissuing titles previously released as hardcovers from various imprints, including many timeless contemporary children's classics. Its offerings feature lines such as "Ready-to-Read" and "Ready-for-Chapters," designed specifically for early and emerging readers. Additionally, Aladdin publishes a select range of original works spanning genres like action, adventure, and relationship-themed stories.
Executives
The first children's title under the imprint was released in 1967. Jean E. Karl served as head of Atheneum Books for Younger Readers, overseeing the Aladdin and Argo imprints until her retirement in 1985.
In October 2002, Eloise Flood assumed the role of Vice President and Publisher for Simon & Schuster's Children's Publishing Paperback Group, managing both Aladdin Paperbacks and Simon Pulse. By 2008, prominent figures within the Children's division included Rick Richter as President, Robin Corey as Executive Vice President & Publisher for Novelty & Media Tie-Ins, and Senior Editor Liesa Abrams.
Books
Aladdin's catalog features distinguished titles initially published in hardcover by other imprints, including:
- Strega Nona (1975) authored by Tomie dePaola
- The Bunnicula series by James Howe, beginning in 1979
- The Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant with illustrations by Suçie Stevenson, starting in 1987
- The Shiloh trilogy by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, launched in 1991
- The Pendragon series by D. J. MacHale, from 2002 onward
- The Canterwood Crest series by Jessica Burkhart, debuting in 2006
- The Melting of Maggie Bean (2007) written by Tricia Rayburn
- The Dork Diaries series by Rachel Renée Russell, starting in 2009
- The The Goddess Girls series authored by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams, introduced in 2010
- The Half Upon a Time series by James Riley, beginning in 2010
- The Story Thieves series also by James Riley, from 2015
Nancy Drew & Hardy Boys series
Together with its parent company Simon & Schuster, Aladdin is recognized for publishing later installments of the Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys series, originally penned under the pseudonyms Carolyn Keene and Franklin W. Dixon respectively. Notable series include:
- Nancy Drew: Girl Detective
- The Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers
- Nancy Drew Diaries
- The Hardy Boys Adventure
These collections form key elements within Aladdin’s offerings, ensuring continued relevance in the market beyond the original Grosset & Dunlap editions.