Balzer + Bray

Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins, was launched in 2009 by Alessandra Balzer and Donna Bray. "Balzer + Bray publishes bold, creative, and groundbreaking picture books that appeal directly to kids in a fresh way. Within [this] boutique imprint, authors and illustrators have the freedom to take risks and fulfill their unique visions." (source)

Balzer + Bray is usually closed to unsolicited submission, however, they are open to submissions from SCBWI members through December 1, 2015. Click here for more details.

Getting to Know Balzer + Bray

VP and Co-Publisher: Alessandra Balzer 

Interview

VP and Co-Publisher: Donna Bray
Interview
Interview about diverse books

Senior Editor: Kristen Daly Ren
About
Video interview by Kathi Appelt

Senior Editor: Jordan Brown
Bio

Assistant Editor: Viana Siniscalchi
Bio

Editorial Assistant: Kelsey Murphy
Bio (scroll down)

(source)

Books We Had on Hand (* indicates books we read)

*Meet the Dullards (2015); Written by Sara Pennypacker; Illustrated by Danial Salmieri; Edited by Donna Bray

*Otter in Space (2015); Written and Illustrated by Sam Garton; Edited by Donna Bray

First Snow (2015); Written and Illustrated by Peter McCarty

*If You Plant a Seed (2015); Written and Illustrated by Kadir Nelson; Edited by Donna Bray; A Profile of Kadir Nelson by Donna Bray

*Shark Kiss, Octopus Hug (2014); Written by Lynn Rowe Reed; Illustrated by Kevin Cornell; Edited by Alessandra Balzer

Edward Hopper Paints his World (2014); Written by Robert Burleigh; Illustrated by Wendell Minor

*Lion Lion (2014); Written by Miriam Busch (debut author); Illustrated by Larry Day; Edited by Alessandra Balzer

A Piece of Cake (2014); Written and Illustrated by LeUyen Pham; Edited by Donna Bray

Cheetah Can't Lose (2013); Written and Illustrated by Bob Shea; Edited by Alessandra Balzer

*That is Not a Good Idea (2013); Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems; Edited by Alessandra Balzer

*Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 (2013); Written by Michelle Markel; Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

*Extra Yarn (2012); Written by Mac Barnett; Illustrated by Jon Klassen; Edited by Alessandra Balzer; Mac Barnett's BGHB Picture Book Award Speech

*Oink-a-Doodle-Moo (2012); Written and Illustrated by Jef Czekaj

*Chloe (2012); Written and Illustrated by Peter McCarty

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs (2012); Retold and Illustrated by Mo Willems; Edited by Alessandra Balzer

*If Waffles Were Like Boys (2011); Written by Charise Mericle Harper; Illustrated by Scott Magoon

*Teach Your Buffalo to Play Drums (2011); Written by Audrey Vernick; Illustrated by Daniel Jennewein; Edited by Kristen Daly Ren

The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man (2011); Written by Michael Chabon; Illustrated by Jake Parker

*Clink (2011); Written by Kelly DiPucchio; Illustrated by Matthew Myers; Edited by Donna Bray

*You Are the Best Medicine (2010); Written by Julie Aigner Clark; Illustrated by Jana Christy; Edited by Donna Bray

*Mathilda and the Orange Balloon (2010); Written by Randall de Seve; Illustrated by Jen Corace











At our next meeting on November 14, we will focus on books published by Boyds Mills Press.