The Official Blog of Greenwillow Books
About Greenwillow Books
A look at the origins and mission of a distinguished children's book imprint.
Greenwillow Books was founded on December 16, 1974, by Susan C. Hirschman. From the start, the imprint set out to publish thoughtful, beautifully crafted books for children and young adults — a mission that has guided every list since.
The founding team brought together remarkable talent. Art director Ava Weiss shaped the visual identity of the imprint's earliest titles. Managing editor Ada Shearon and senior editor Libby Shub rounded out a small but formidable editorial group that would go on to define the Greenwillow sensibility: literary, curious, and never condescending to its readers.
The first list appeared in fall 1975, launching a tradition of discovering and championing distinctive voices. Over the decades, Greenwillow Books has published celebrated authors across middle-grade and young adult fiction, poetry, and picture books — earning a reputation for editorial care and enduring quality.
Since its founding in the mid-1970s, Greenwillow Books has built a reputation for publishing children's literature that balances literary merit with emotional resonance. The imprint's early vision was to produce books that respected young readers as thoughtful individuals, a philosophy that continues to shape each season's list. Over the decades, the catalog has grown to include picture books, middle-grade novels, and young adult titles that explore everything from everyday wonder to deeper questions about identity and belonging. The blog extends that mission beyond the printed page, offering readers a closer look at the stories behind the stories and the creative process that brings them to life.
The blog's pages reflect a love of seasonal rhythms and small, meaningful details, from the Vermont sugaring tradition that appears in several posts to the quiet magic of underwater worlds and city landscapes. Readers who follow along find discussions of worldbuilding, character development, and the craft of writing, as well as glimpses into the lives of the authors and illustrators who create the books. The tone is warm but unhurried, inviting readers to linger over a book recommendation or a behind-the-scenes reflection. It is a space for those who believe that children's books matter deeply, not just for the stories they tell but for the readers they help shape.
A tradition of literary discovery
From its earliest days, Greenwillow has been a home for authors who push boundaries — whether through inventive fantasy worlds, verse novels that tackle difficult subjects, or picture books that respect the intelligence of the youngest readers. The imprint's blog, Under the Green Willow, extends that spirit by offering behind-the-scenes conversations, cover reveals, and reflections from the people who make the books.
Staff voices have long been part of the blog's fabric. Contributors over the years have included Tu Ahn Dinh, Katie Heit, and Virginia Duncan, among others — editors and publishing professionals who share their perspectives on the books they love and the work of bringing them into the world.
Greenwillow Books celebrated its 35th anniversary in January 2010, marking three and a half decades of independent-minded publishing. The blog continues to serve as a living record of the imprint's community — from author spotlights on writers like Jessie Haas, Kent Davis, Alexandra Duncan, Christine Heppermann, Erin Entrada Kelly, Megan Whalen Turner, and Lynne Avril, to coverage of events such as YALLFest.
Explore the Archives for past interviews, cover reveals, and publisher news — or visit the Home page for the latest posts.