Little Simon publishes innovative books for young children. Our award-winning and bestselling board book and novelty titles include Rod Campbell’s Dear Zoo, Eric Carle’s I See You, Ruth Forman’s Curls, and Karen Katz’s Where is Baby’s Belly Button? Little Simon’s Classic Board Book collection features timeless favorites, perfectly designed for the youngest of readers, such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Our original chapter book line includes homegrown series such as Heidi Heckelbeck, Isla of Adventure, Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol, and Critter Club. Little Simon now also publishes graphic novels for emerging readers with series like Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly and Guardians of Horsa leading the way.
Seasonal Catalog Backlist CatalogVALERIE GARFIELD
Senior VP & Publisher, Novelty, Licensed and Branded Publishing
Valerie Garfield is the Publisher for Licensed, Novelty and Branded Publishing for the Simon Spotlight, Little Simon, and Aladdin imprints. She has extensive experience in novelty books, board books, beginning readers and chapter books, acquiring programs for brands such as Angelina Ballerina and authors such as Alyssa Capucilli and David A. Carter. She has a particular interest in developing media properties, characters, and series across formats.
Anna Jarzab
Associate Publisher
Anna Jarzab joined the Little Simon team as Associate Publisher in January 2022. A graduate of Santa Clara University, the University of Chicago, and the Denver Publishing Institute, she started her publishing career in digital marketing and spent much of her early career at Penguin Young Readers before coming to Simon & Schuster Children’s, where she led the digital marketing department for four and a half years. In her current role, she serves as a liaison between the publisher’s office and other critical teams, including sales, marketing, publicity, and supply chain. Anna’s primary professional goal is to connect people with books that will enrich their lives. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @ajarzab.
JEFFREY SALANE
VP & Editorial Director
Jeffrey Salane joined the editorial staff at Simon & Schuster in 2014 after a thirteen-year spell at Scholastic. An MFA graduate of New School University, Jeffrey was named vice president, editorial director of the Little Simon imprint in 2020. He oversees the publication of nearly one hundred and fifty titles per year ranging from the youngest board book and novelty titles to early chapter book and graphic novel programs. He has been lucky enough to edit some of the best talent for the youngest audience, like Sandra Boynton, Karen Katz, Joan Holub, and Ruth Forman to name a few. He is interested in publishing board books and novelties that are commercial leaning with heart and an unexpected approach to learning, life, and literature that invites kids of all ages into the world of reading.
HANNAH LAMBERT
Executive Editor
Hannah Lambert is a Senior Editor for Little Simon. She has published everything from board books, to chapter books, to nonfiction picture books, but at this time she’s primarily focused on board and novelty. She enjoys finding new talent, especially authors who write for the youngest of readers and understand the power of a board book. Hannah appreciates manuscripts that have heart to them. But she also looks for concepts and themes that are presented in a fresh way, whether they’re heartfelt or funny. And as a mother of two young children, she tries to make sure that anything she acquires would get the stamp of approval at home!
SALLY HOSOKAWA
Senior Editor
Sally Hosokawa develops early chapter books and graphic novels at Little Simon. A graduate of Brown University, she edited many books at Simon Spotlight and Union Square Kids before joining the Little Simon team in 2023. Sally is passionate about publishing approachable stories that build empathy and a love of reading. Outside of the office, she enjoys cooking (and then eating everything she cooks).
Dorielys Cruz
Associate Editor
Dorielys Cruz is an Associate Editor at Little Simon. She joined the editorial team in 2020 while completing her MFA at Emerson College. She is currently looking to acquire board books and novelty formats, and has a deep love for stories about nature, animals, diverse families, and anything whimsical. When she’s not editing, reading, or writing, you can find her strolling in the park with her pup.
YULIYA VAYNER
Editorial Assistant
Yuliya Vayner joined Little Simon in 2022, having previously worked in academic publishing after completing a B.A. in Creative Writing at Hunter College. In her current position, she offers administrative and editorial support for the Little Simon team.
