The Innovation Press
The Innovation Press is a privately-held US children's book publisher producing STEM-aligned picture books, chapter books, activity books, and biographical titles for PreK-5th grade audiences, distributed globally via wholesale, retail, and institutional channels in 20+ languages.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersSeattle, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What The Innovation Press does
The Innovation Press is a privately-held US children's book publisher focused on the PreK through 5th grade segment. The company publishes a portfolio of picture books, chapter books, activity books, and biographical titles with an emphasis on STEM education, creative thinking, and diverse representation, including the flagship Zoey and Sassafras chapter book series and the Amazing Scientists biographical series. Titles are aligned with Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, and many are accompanied by dedicated companion websites with educational resources and discussion guides.
The company operates a multi-channel go-to-market model. Direct-to-consumer sales run through a company-owned e-commerce storefront with free shipping thresholds, complemented by presence on Amazon and IndieBound. Wholesale distribution is handled by Lakeside Book Company in the US, Ampersand Inc. in Canada, and Global Publishers Group across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, Southeast Asia, Japan/Korea, India, Australia/New Zealand, and the UK/Ireland, with foreign rights representation by DeFiore and Company. Books have been translated into more than 20 languages and are sold through independent bookstores, gift shops, retail stores, libraries, schools, and museums worldwide.
Revenue is generated primarily through one-time unit sales of physical paperback products priced at $16.99 to $21.99, supplemented by wholesale distribution fees, author advances and royalties managed internally, and foreign rights licensing. The company has built a parallel institutional channel via its For Schools program, which targets Title One schools and public libraries serving low-income neighborhoods and includes a charitable donation program through First Book that has delivered over $1 million in cumulative book value. The Innovation Press operates without proprietary technology infrastructure — the website is hosted on Squarespace — and the business is differentiated primarily by editorial curation, award recognition, and global distribution reach rather than by technology platforms.
The Innovation Press firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Innovation Press
- Legal name
- The Innovation Press
- Website
- https://theinnovationpress.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Innovation Press is a privately-held US children's book publisher producing STEM-aligned picture books, chapter books, activity books, and biographical titles for PreK-5th grade audiences, distributed globally via wholesale, retail, and institutional channels in 20+ languages.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Innovation Press industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Children's Book Publishing
- NAICS
- Book Publishers (513130)
- SIC
- Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Children’s Educational & Curriculum Publishing (MPAJAFAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Children’s Activity & Workbook Publishing (MPAJAFAG), Children’s Nonfiction Educational (Science, History, Nature) (EDAGAIAC)
Keywords
Where The Innovation Press is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seattle
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
The Innovation Press business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Book Sales (Retail): Direct retail sales of children's books through their own e-commerce storefront, major online retailers (Amazon), and independent bookstore networks. Books are sold as physical paperback products with pricing ranging from $16.99 to $21.99 for activity books.
- Wholesale Distribution: Wholesale distribution through Lakeside Book Company (US) and international distributors. Books available through all major national and international wholesalers.
- Author Advances and Royalties: Publisher pays authors an advance plus royalties, with worldwide distribution and foreign rights representation managed through DeFiore and Company.
- School/Library Sales: Sales to schools and libraries through the For Schools program, with books aligned to Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Paperback Activity Book - $16.99 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Paperback Activity Book - $21.99 |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels4 records
The Innovation Press product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Innovation Press publishes and sells award-winning children's books targeted at PreK through 5th grade audiences. Its catalog spans picture books, chapter books, middle-grade books, graphic novels, activity books, and biographical titles, with a strong emphasis on STEM learning, hands-on experimentation, and diverse representation through #OwnVoices authors and POC illustrators. Many titles are aligned with Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, and select series such as Zoey and Sassafras and Amazing Scientists are supported by companion websites with activity ideas and discussion guides.
Product overview
The Innovation Press is a children's book publisher offering a diverse portfolio of picture books, chapter books, activity books, and biographical titles primarily for PreK-5th grade audiences. Their product portfolio includes the flagship Zoey and Sassafras STEM chapter book series, the Amazing Scientists biographical series, and various standalone titles covering topics in science, math, engineering, art, and diverse cultural representation. The company publishes innovative activity books like A Little Bit of Dirt and The Curious Kid's Science Book that combine hands-on learning with STEM education. Their books align with Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, and many include companion websites with activity ideas and educational resources. The publisher focuses on award-winning content that inspires learning, creative thinking, and imagination in children.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Zoey and Sassafras Series: A series of children's books featuring STEM-themed adventures.
- Amazing Scientists Series
- Scratch Garden Book Series (Semicolons, Cupcakes, and Cucumbers)
Products and services
- Zoey and Sassafras Series A STEM-focused chapter book series for children in which a young protagonist named Zoey investigates magical creatures with the help of her cat Sassafras, designed to make science concepts approachable for elementary-age readers.
- Amazing Scientists Series A series of biographical picture books for children that profile notable scientists, marketed for STEM education and classroom use and supported by a dedicated companion website with activity ideas and discussion guides.
- Old Tracks, New Tricks A train-themed children's book series featuring hands-on activities and tricks, supported by a companion website with educational resources.
- A Little Bit of Dirt A full-color paperback activity book with more than 55 science and art activities that reconnect children with nature through hands-on outdoor projects such as dandelion bubbles, rain drums, and seed bomb lollipops, priced at US$16.99 (ISBN 978-1943147045).
- The Curious Kid's Science Book A full-color paperback activity book with more than 100 hands-on STEM activities for children ages 4-8 that use common household items, priced at US$21.99 (ISBN 978-1943147007).
- Cardboard Creations A children's activity book featuring hands-on cardboard craft projects.
- Mini-Masterpieces An activity book for children centered on creative mini art projects.
- Your Name is a Song A children's picture book celebrating the cultural significance of names and promoting diverse representation.
- The Girl Who Thought in Pictures A biographical picture book about scientist Temple Grandin, designed to introduce children to a scientist known for her visual thinking and contributions to animal science and autism advocacy.
- The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes A biographical picture book about ophthalmologist Dr. Patricia Bath, introducing children to a pioneering medical scientist.
- Hex Allen and the Clanksmiths A standalone children's book title published by The Innovation Press.
- Pigeon Math A children's picture book that teaches math concepts through a story featuring pigeons.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 1 million dollars worth of books donated to children and schools in need
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use The Innovation Press
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
The Innovation Press technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Innovation Press partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Lakeside Book CompanycoreUS distributor for direct retail orders. Independent bookstores can contact their rep group for terms and offers including Fujii Associates, Book Travelers West, Southern Territory Associates, and Northeast Publishers Reps.
- Ampersand, Inc.coreCanadian distributor representing The Innovation Press titles in Canada. Contact: 604-448-7111, https://ampersandinc.ca/retailers-libraries/
- Global Publishers GroupcoreInternational distributor covering Europe, Middle East, Africa, China, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Middle East, and other global markets. Managing Director: Chitra Bopardikar. Regional contacts include Michael Abbott (Europe/MEA), Nimo Lu (China), Shin Su (Taiwan/HK/Macau), Tim Burland (Japan/South Korea), Yvonne Chau (Southeast Asia), Sharad Mohan (Indian Subcontinent), Kathryn Hunt (Australia/NZ), James Wickham (UK/Ireland), Mark Cox (Middle East).
- First BookcoreNon-profit partner for providing free and reduced-cost books to children and schools in need. The Innovation Press donates thousands of award-winning titles annually through First Book to Title One schools and public libraries serving low-income neighborhoods. To date, over $1 million worth of books have been donated.
- DeFiore and Company (Linda Kaplan)coreForeign Rights representative handling translation rights inquiries. Contact: [email protected] or 212-925-7744 x106.
- Children's Book CouncilminorIndustry association membership providing networking and promotional opportunities within the children's book publishing sector.
- American Booksellers AssociationminorIndustry association membership supporting independent bookstore ecosystem and author promotion.
- Pacific Northwest Booksellers AssociationminorRegional bookseller association membership supporting independent bookstore presence in the Pacific Northwest.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Innovation Press competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Scholastic: The dominant children's book publisher in the US with the largest school and library channel, book fairs, and trade publishing. The Innovation Press competes for the same institutional buyers and parents but lacks Scholastic's distribution scale and marketing budget.
- Chronicle Books: Larger independent publisher with a significant children's book program (Chronicle Books Children's) covering picture books, novelty, and activity titles. Overlaps with The Innovation Press in trade channels and editorial aesthetic but operates at significantly greater scale.
- Workman Publishing / Workman Kids: Established independent publisher with a children's imprint known for activity books, Brain Quest, and educational titles. Direct competitor in the STEM/activity book niche but with a substantially larger catalog and broader retail footprint.
Regional players
- Owlkids Books: Canadian children's book publisher producing picture books, nonfiction, and activity titles for the same K-5 audience. Comparable editorial approach but primarily focused on the Canadian market with growing US distribution.
Direct peers
- Sourcebooks Wonderland: Children's imprint of Sourcebooks focused on picture books and novelty/activity titles for young readers. Comparable mid-size independent publisher profile with strong retail distribution and education channel reach.
- Candlewick Press: Independent children's book publisher with a similar broad portfolio of picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction for young readers. Comparable in size and editorial approach to The Innovation Press, with comparable awards profile and global distribution.
- Charlesbridge: Independent children's publisher with a heavy STEM/educational nonfiction focus and picture book lineup, very close in editorial positioning to The Innovation Press. Sells to schools, libraries, and trade channels with curriculum-aligned titles.
- Albert Whitman & Company: Mid-sized independent children's book publisher based in the US with a focus on diverse representation and social-emotional themes for K-5 audiences. Comparable scale, channel mix, and institutional sales motion.
- Sleeping Bear Press: Independent children's book publisher producing picture books, chapter books, and educational titles for K-5 audiences. Comparable catalog mix, sales channels, and institutional focus to The Innovation Press.
Emerging players
- Quirk Books: Independent publisher with a quirky children's and middle grade list. Smaller scale than The Innovation Press with a more novelty/crossover focus, but comparable independent-publisher distribution model and trade channel presence.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Innovation Press social profiles
Digital presenceThe Innovation Press financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Innovation Press leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
The Innovation Press funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Innovation Press M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Innovation Press
What does The Innovation Press do?
The Innovation Press publishes and sells award-winning children's books targeted at PreK through 5th grade audiences. Its catalog spans picture books, chapter books, middle-grade books, graphic novels, activity books, and biographical titles, with a strong emphasis on STEM learning, hands-on experimentation, and diverse representation through #OwnVoices authors and POC illustrators. Many titles are aligned with Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, and select series such as Zoey and Sassafras and Amazing Scientists are supported by companion websites with activity ideas and discussion guides.
Is The Innovation Press a public or private company?
The Innovation Press is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was The Innovation Press founded?
The Innovation Press was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Innovation Press based?
The Innovation Press is headquartered in Seattle, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Innovation Press make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Book Sales (Retail) is the primary driver. The others are wholesale Distribution, author Advances and Royalties and school/Library Sales.
Who are The Innovation Press's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Scholastic, Chronicle Books and Workman Publishing / Workman Kids. Owlkids Books is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Sourcebooks Wonderland, Candlewick Press, Charlesbridge, Albert Whitman & Company and Sleeping Bear Press. Quirk Books is listed as an emerging player.
Does The Innovation Press have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Innovation Press.
What industry is The Innovation Press in?
The Innovation Press's product category is Children's Book Publishing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAJAFAF, Children’s Educational & Curriculum Publishing, with a secondary code of MPAJAFAG, Children’s Activity & Workbook Publishing. Its NAICS code is 513130 and its SIC code is 2731.