SimonSays.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

New York, January 18, 2006 -- Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing has won world rights to publish a multi-format book program based on best-selling author Jon Scieszka's concept, JON SCIESZKA'S TRUCKTOWN. The initial three-year deal includes more than fifty JON SCIESZKA'S TRUCKTOWN books in a variety of formats, to be published by the following Simon & Schuster imprints: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (hardcover), Aladdin Paperbacks (Ready-to-Read original paperbacks), Little Simon (novelty), and Simon Scribbles (coloring & activity). The JON SCIESZKA'S TRUCKTOWN publishing program is scheduled to launch in 2007. The deal was negotiated by Emma D. Dryden, Vice President & Associate Publisher of Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Margaret K. McElderry Books, and Steven Malk of Writers House.

A former elementary school teacher, Jon Scieszka is one of the most beloved and best-selling children's book authors working today. Best-known for The Stinky Cheese Man and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, both illustrated by Lane Smith, and his Time Warp Trio series, Scieszka more recently has turned his attention to the web-based initiative Guys Read (www.guysread.com), whose mission is to motivate boys (and men) to read more by connecting them with materials and formats that are more appealing to them. Scieszka's  motivation and concept behind JON SCIESZKA'S TRUCKTOWN is to create a fictional world populated by trucks that will attract the very youngest readers and lay the foundation for a lifetime love of reading.  All of the books in the JON SCIESZKA'S TRUCKTOWN publishing program will share a unified look, to be developed and illustrated by artists to be named.

"We are thrilled to work with such a uniquely creative talent as Jon Scieszka," said Rick Richter, President and Publisher of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.  "It was clear from the start of our discussions that Jon and Simon & Schuster shared a big-picture vision for what the Trucktown publishing program ultimately could be. We are pleased to bring the full power and range of our publishing capabilities -- with its diverse array of imprints and formats -- to this inspired program, in many ways the first of its kind."
 
"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Jon Scieszka to Simon & Schuster," said Emma Dryden. "A shining star in the children's book field, Jon's tremendous passion for and knowledge about books and humor for young children, particularly boys, is dynamic and energizing. The tenets of Trucktown get down to the basics of what young kids are all about. We look forward to opening the garage doors that lead into the sensational world of Jon Scieszka's Trucktown!"

"Look out world -- here comes Trucktown, powered by Simon & Schuster," said Jon Scieszka. This is a great match of a new way to reach readers and a publisher excited to make it happen.  I am thrilled to be working with Rick, Emma, Justin Chanda, and the whole S&S team. They really got what Trucktown could be from the very beginning. I'm also revving my engine in anticipation, squealing my tires in delight, and writing as many truckish allusions as possible."

The Trucktown publishing program will be supported by a major marketing, promotion, and publicity campaign.

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, one of the leading children's book publishers in the world, is comprised of the following imprints: Aladdin Paperbacks, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Libros para niños, Little Simon®, Little Simon Inspirations", Margaret K. McElderry Books, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Simon Pulse, Simon Scribbles, and Simon Spotlight®. While maintaining an extensive award-winning backlist, the division continues to publish acclaimed and best-selling books for children of all ages. In addition to numerous Caldecott, Newbery, and National Book Award winners, Simon & Schuster publishes such high-profile properties and series as Eloise, Olivia, Raggedy Ann & Andy", Henry & Mudge®, The Hardy Boys®, Nancy Drew®, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts®, Nickelodeon's® Dora the Explorer®, Blue's Clues® and SpongeBob SquarePants®, and Mirage studios' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". Simon Spotlight, an imprint wholly devoted to media tie-ins, has become one of the fastest growing imprints in the children's book industry. For more information
about Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, visit our website at http://www.SimonSaysKids.com.

Simon & Schuster, a part of the CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Online, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonsays.com

CONTACT:  Tracy van Straaten, Vice President, Executive Director of Publicity
                     Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
                     212/698-2809 / tracy.van.straaten@simonandschuster.com