Publishing House Jacoby & Stuart

What Publishing House Jacoby & Stuart does

Publishing House Jacoby & Stuart is a Berlin-based, privately held book publisher founded in 2008 that specializes in high-production illustrated books across children's, young adult, graphic novel, and adult illustrated non-fiction categories. The catalog is anchored by long-running creative partnerships with internationally recognized illustrators and authors — Benjamin Lacombe (artistic director of the Enzyklopädie des Wunderbaren series), Anna Llenas (creator of Das Farbenmonster), Katja Spitzer, Bianca Schaalburg, and Elise Gravel — and is differentiated by luxury production techniques including laser-cut pages, translucent pages, gold foil stamping, embossing, Pantone metallic printing, and leather or silk-bound editions. Flagship properties include Das Farbenmonster (multiple formats, international translations), the Sherlock Katz early-reader series, Emma und Amir (2025 Comicbuchpreis finalist), Sophie's Cakes (2M+ copies sold lifetime), and the Comic-Bibliothek des Wissens educational graphic novel line. The business operates with a 1–10 employee team out of Berlin, distributing through the DACH book trade, a direct-to-consumer online shop, library channels, international rights licensing, and major industry events including Leipziger Buchmesse and the Internationaler Comic-Salon Erlangen. Pricing is unit-based across five tiers ranging from approximately €9.50 for board books to €49 for luxury art editions, and the publisher pursues systematic educational outreach via dedicated school materials (Handreichungen, Bilderbuchkinos). Recent strategic emphasis has shifted toward expansion of the adult illustrated non-fiction segment and franchise extension of Das Farbenmonster, alongside continued investment in international rights.

Name

Publishing House Jacoby & Stuart

Legal name

Jacoby & Stuart

Website

https://jacobystuart.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Berlin-based independent publisher of premium illustrated children's, young adult, and graphic novels, plus adult illustrated non-fiction, working with internationally recognized illustrators and producing luxury art-book editions for the DACH market.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Book Publishing

NAICS

Book Publishers (513130), Book Publishers (51313)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731)

akta.pro primary industry

Picture Book Publishing (MPAJAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Children’s Comics, Graphic Novels & Manga Publishing (MPAJAFAH), Children’s Nonfiction Publishing (MPAJAFAE), Children’s Nonfiction Educational (Science, History, Nature) (EDAGAIAC), Children’s Reference & Informational Series Publishing (MPAJAFAN), Hardcover & Premium Editions Publishing (MPAJAAAE), Children’s Activity & Practice Books (Workbooks, Puzzles, Handwriting) (EDAGAIAE)

Keywords

• Children's book publishing
• Illustrated book publisher
• Graphic novel publishing
• Picture book production
• Literary rights licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Book Sales: Jacoby & Stuart generates revenue primarily through the direct sale of published books through their own online shop and through book trade distribution channels (bookstores, libraries). Books are sold as individual retail items at various price points ranging from approximately €9.50 for board books to €49 for luxury art editions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Jacoby & Stuart is a Berlin-based independent German publishing house that publishes high-quality illustrated children's books, board books, picture books, young adult fiction, graphic novels, comics, illustrated non-fiction, art books, and cookbooks. The house is distinguished by luxury production techniques including laser-cut pages, translucent pages, gold and silver foil stamping, embossing, Pantone metallic printing, and silk-bound hardcover bindings, and operates a Rights division for international licensing of its catalog.

Product overview

Jacoby & Stuart is a German publishing house specializing in illustrated children's books, youth literature, comics, graphic novels, and non-fiction. The company publishes individual titles and book series, including the 'Enzyklopädie des Wunderbaren' (Encyclopedia of the Wonderful) series curated by Benjamin Lacombe, the Sherlock Katz detective series, the Farbenmonster (Color Monster) picture book franchise, and the Comic-Bibliothek des Wissens educational comic series. Their portfolio spans board books for toddlers through graphic novels for adults, featuring works by international illustrators and authors. The company operates a Rights division for international licensing and maintains an online shop for direct sales.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Enzyklopädie des Wunderbaren: A series of illustrated encyclopedias curated by Benjamin Lacombe featuring works on monsters, dragons, witches, and fairies.
• Comic-Bibliothek des Wissens

Products and services

• Emma und Amir A political thriller graphic novel by Bianca Schaalburg set between Berlin and Paris, following Amir and Emma as they investigate a right-wing populist conspiracy after a suspected terrorist attack. Finalist for the 2025 Comicbuchpreis and named Youth Book of the Month January 2026.
• Jerusalem – Die Geschichte einer Stadt A graphic novel presenting 4,000 years of Jerusalem's history, written by historian Vincent Lemire and illustrated by Christophe Gaultier.
• Enzyklopädie des Wunderbaren (Encyclopedia of the Marvelous) A curated series of illustrated encyclopedias featuring fantasy creatures (monsters, dragons, witches, fairies, ghosts) produced under the artistic direction of Benjamin Lacombe, with laser-cut pages, translucent pages, and elaborate paper engineering.
• Frida An artist biography of Frida Kahlo by Benjamin Lacombe and Sébastien Perez, featuring cut-out pages and artistic pastiches, with 78,500 copies sold in the first European edition.
• Der Zauberer von Oz A modern retelling of The Wizard of Oz by Sébastien Perez, narrated from the Scarecrow's perspective, with poetic illustrations by Benjamin Lacombe featuring metallic green foil effects.
• Superhelden – das Handbuch (Handbuch für Superhelden series) An interactive superhero handbook by Sébastien Perez and Benjamin Lacombe with 3D pages and 3D glasses, explaining superhero tasks and featuring Pop Art-inspired illustrations.
• Sherlock Katz Series A detective series for early readers featuring Sherlock Katz, a blue cat detective who solves cases across different time periods and locations; six volumes published.
• Das Farbenmonster (The Color Monster) An internationally successful picture book by Anna Llenas that helps children understand and organize their emotions through color metaphors, available in multiple formats including board book, activity book, and mandala editions; translated into many languages.
• Genial! – 16 Erfinderinnen und ihre Geschichten A children's non-fiction book by Katja Spitzer and Gareth Harmer profiling 16 female inventors throughout history, nominated for Science Book of the Year 2026.
• Die Bachmann An illustrated biography of Ingeborg Bachmann told chronologically in reverse, described as an ironic, on-point illustrated biography of the author.
• Sophies Cakes A bestselling cookbook by Sophie with more than 2 million copies sold worldwide, reissued in its 25th anniversary edition with 96 recipes presented in a new approach.
• Frankenstein (Luxury Edition) A new illustrated luxury edition of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein with illustrations by Stan Manoukian featuring graphite and gouache artwork with Pantone silver metallic effects, including a 16-page sketchbook of chimeras.
• Comic-Bibliothek des Wissens (Comic Library of Knowledge) A series of educational graphic novels covering topics like politics, history, science, and society, including titles on Israel and Palestine, human rights, and artificial intelligence.
• International Rights Licensing A Rights division offering international publishers catalogues of picture books, fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, cookbooks, and gift books for translation and co-edition licensing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2 million copies sold of Sophie's Cakes cookbook, celebrating 25 years of publication
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Benjamin LacombecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBenjamin Lacombe is a recurring author and illustrator for Jacoby & Stuart, producing numerous titles including the Enzyklopädie des Wunderbaren (Encyclopedia of the Marvelous) series, Frida, Der Zauberer von Oz, and many others. Lacombe serves as artistic director for the Encyclopedia series.
• Sébastien PerezcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSébastien Perez is a recurring author for Jacoby & Stuart, collaborating with Benjamin Lacombe on multiple titles including Superhelden – das Handbuch, Frida, Kleine Katzenkunde, and the Sherlock Katz series. Perez writes stories that mix fantasy with humor while addressing themes like tolerance.
• Katja SpitzercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKatja Spitzer is a key author/illustrator for Jacoby & Stuart, authoring the bestselling 'Genial! 16 Erfinderinnen und ihre Geschichten' (with Gareth Harmer) and the narrative children's book 'Fionella und der Geist von Grandpa Gregory'. Known for her lively, colorful illustration style.
• Elise GravelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerElise Gravel is a Canadian children's book author and illustrator published by Jacoby & Stuart in German translation. Her titles include 'Ich bin ein Monster', 'Ich habe HUNGER!', 'Heute bestimme ICH!', and 'Eine Kartoffel fährt Fahrrad'. She has won the Governor General's Award in Canada.
• Anna LlenascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnna Llenas is the creator of 'Das Farbenmonster' (The Color Monster), one of Jacoby & Stuart's most internationally successful titles. The book has spawned multiple sequels, activity books, and board book editions, and has been translated into many languages.
• Bianca SchaalburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBianca Schaalburg is a Berlin-based illustrator and comic author for Jacoby & Stuart, having previously won the German Youth Literature Prize 2022 for 'Der Duft der Kiefern'. Her 'Emma und Amir' was a finalist for the Comic Book Prize 2025 and was named Youth Book of the Month January 2026.
• Internationaler Comic-Salon ErlangenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual comic book fair where Jacoby & Stuart participates as an exhibitor, promoting their graphic novel and comic titles. The publisher had a stand at Hall B/81 for the 22nd edition in June 2026.
• Berliner BücherfestminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual Berlin book festival where Jacoby & Stuart participates as an exhibitor at Bebelplatz, promoting books to the general public with author readings and signings.
• Leipziger BuchmesseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor German book fair where Jacoby & Stuart participates with book signings and promotion, particularly for graphic novels and illustrated books.
• Vincent LemireminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVincent Lemire is a historian and former director of the French Research Center in Jerusalem (CRFJ). He authored 'Jerusalem: Die Geschichte einer Stadt', a graphic novel about 4,000 years of Jerusalem's history, illustrated by Christophe Gaultier.
• Christophe GaultierminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChristophe Gaultier is a comic artist who illustrated 'Jerusalem: Die Geschichte einer Stadt' with historian Vincent Lemire. He has worked as a storyboard animator and comic artist, winning various awards.
• Gareth HarmerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGareth Harmer is a British illustrator and photographer who co-created 'Genial! 16 Erfinderinnen und ihre Geschichten' with Katja Spitzer. He studied English Literature at the University of Wales, Swansea, and has lived in Berlin since 2020.
• Stan ManoukianminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStan Manoukian is a French illustrator born in 1969 who studied at École Estienne in Paris and worked in the US as a cartoonist, designer, and storyboarder. He illustrated Jacoby & Stuart's edition of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' with graphite and gouache illustrations featuring Pantone silver accents.
• Luise MirditaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLuise Mirdita (born 1994, Freilassing) studied art history at the University of Salzburg and illustration at HAW Hamburg. Her debut book 'Annika und das Angstschwein' was published by Jacoby & Stuart, and she illustrated 'Ingrid und Paul' by Ingo Haeb.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Chronicle Books: US-based independent publisher of illustrated books, gift books, and children's titles with a design-led editorial approach. Comparable on the premium illustrated book positioning and gift/format extension strategy, though at significantly larger scale.
• Loewe Verlag: German children's book publisher covering picture books, chapter books, and YA titles including graphic novels. Comparable on the children's illustrated book segment and shares the German-speaking market focus, but operates at meaningfully larger scale.
• Gestalten Verlag: Berlin-based publisher of visually driven illustrated books spanning art, design, and culture. Overlaps with Jacoby & Stuart on premium illustrated adult titles (e.g., Die Bachmann, Frida) and the high production value approach.
• Thienemann-Esslinger Verlag: Established German children's and young adult book publisher with a long-standing catalog across picture books, middle grade, and YA. Comparable on children's book publishing scope, though broader and more traditional in production than Jacoby & Stuart.
• Phaidon Press: Global illustrated book publisher known for high-production-value art, photography, and illustrated non-fiction titles. Comparable on the art-book-quality illustrated non-fiction category (e.g., Frida, Samurai-Frauen), though Phaidon operates globally at much larger scale.
• Carlsen Verlag: Major German publisher of children's, young adult, and graphic novel titles (including Disney comics and manga). Overlaps with Jacoby & Stuart on graphic novels and YA illustrated fiction but operates at much larger scale and broader scope.

Direct peers

• Reprodukt: Berlin-based German graphic novel and comics publisher with a curated, design-forward catalog. Comparable as a small-to-mid independent Berlin publisher specializing in illustrated graphic novels and comics for adult and YA audiences.
• Moritz Verlag: German independent publisher of high-quality illustrated children's books, graphic novels, and comics. Closely comparable on the curated illustrated book positioning and the German-language independent press profile.
• minedition: German-language illustrated children's book publisher known for high-quality picture books by internationally renowned illustrators. Comparable as a small independent focused on premium illustrated children's titles with international rights reach.
• Tulipan Verlag: Independent Berlin-based German children's book publisher specializing in picture books and illustrated titles for young readers. Directly comparable as a similarly sized, design-forward independent house in the same German illustrated children's market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/JacobyStuart
• Facebookfacebook.com/jacobystuart
• Instagraminstagram.com/jacoby.stuart
• Xx.com/jacoby_stuart

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Publishing House Jacoby & Stuart