Jason Reynolds to Release Picture Book Dig
Publisher Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books secures North American rights for the upcoming picture book.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Books
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Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books has acquired the North American rights to the new picture book Dig, authored by Jason Reynolds and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo. The story, which follows a father and son digging holes together, is scheduled for publication on May 4, 2027.
Why it matters
The author created this work as a personal exploration of grief following the death of his father in 2020. The book serves as a reflection on that loss through a narrative centered on the bond between a father and his son.
The production process for the book spanned over 17 months total, including one year of sketching and more than five months of final digital artwork creation. The book is currently slated for a May 4, 2027, release.
The players
Jason Reynolds
He is an acclaimed author known for his impactful storytelling and contributions to young adult and children's literature.
Taeeun Yoo
She is an illustrator recognized for her unique artistic style and techniques used in children's picture books.
Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
This publishing imprint is a prominent division of Simon & Schuster that focuses on high-quality literature for young readers.
Holly McGhee
She is a literary agent who represents authors and facilitates agreements between creators and publishers.
The details
Illustrator Taeeun Yoo employed a paper-cut printing technique for the artwork, which involved printing colored areas and adding pencil-drawn lines before finishing the images digitally. The book depicts a father and son engaged in the shared activity of digging holes.
Timeline
Jason Reynolds's father died in 2020.
The picture book Dig is scheduled for release on May 4, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
The use of the paper-cut printing technique represents a continued interest in hybrid artistic methods within the publishing industry. This release highlights the ongoing effort by major houses like Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books to blend traditional physical art styles with digital finishing processes.
Readers can anticipate the book's availability in North American bookstores starting in May 2027. The project will be accessible to families and young readers looking for illustrated works that explore themes of family and emotional processing.
The takeaway
Grief can be a powerful catalyst for creative projects, often resulting in deeply resonant works for readers of all ages. Exploring emotional milestones through literature offers families a meaningful way to discuss complex life events together.
What happens next
The picture book Dig will be released on May 4, 2027.
Further reading
Explore the Books section to learn more about upcoming literary releases and publishing acquisitions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PublishersWeekly.
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