“It’s about interaction and quick wins”: The evolving world of children’s publishing

If there’s one thing that’s clear in children’s publishing right now, it’s that books are evolving – and fast. Graphic novels are breaking records, and influencers are stepping into the publishing world with books that feel more like TikTok in print.

It’s an exciting time to be creating for this space, and here at Smart Design Studio we’ve been right in the middle of it, bringing some fresh ideas to life.

Pocket-Sized Mayhem: The Bunny vs Monkey Spin-Offs
Graphic novels in the children’s segment are having a serious moment. Sales are through the roof, reluctant readers are getting hooked, and it’s all feeling a little bit like the new golden age of comics.

Some might say Bunny vs Monkey has been a key player in the growth of graphic novels in this age group – introducing younger readers to the format with its chaotic energy, hilarious storytelling and wildly expressive art style.

So, when we had the chance to work with David Fickling Books to extend Jamie Smart’s Bunny vs Monkey universe with a joke book and an activity book, we knew it had to be something fun, fast, and pocket-sized. These aren’t just bonus extras – they’re proper little gems in their own right.

The B-format size – a compact, pocket-sized format – makes them feel collectible and a bit mischievous, like something kids want to carry around in their pockets and swap in the playground. And this format really taps into a wider trend we’re seeing across children’s publishing: books that feel less like traditional reading and more like experiences. Whether it’s puzzles, doodles, or laugh-out-loud jokes, it’s about interaction and quick wins.

We’ve been producing a lot of these types of books lately across different licensed brands, and there’s definitely a growing appetite for them. They’re the perfect gateway into longer-form reading, and they keep kids connected to the characters they love, even when they’re between graphic novel volumes.

Science Meets Social Media: Turning ‘Likes’ into Learning
If you want to get kids engaged in a subject, you go to where they already are – social media. And while science might not traditionally scream “fun scroll”, that’s exactly what we flipped on its head when we worked on a series of books with Wayland and Twitter influencer Science Girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3).

She already had a loyal on-line following thanks to her bite-sized, mind-blowing science facts – and our challenge was to translate that energy into books that felt just as exciting. We created a series that’s visually packed and fast-paced, blending quirky, character-led illustrations with real-life photography and snappy facts that are almost impossible not to share.

This is part of a bigger trend we’re seeing in educational publishing: turning dense, ‘worthy’ topics into fun, accessible content that holds its own in a world of distractions. These books don’t look or feel like textbooks – they look like something you’d proudly leave out on show. They’re bright, visual, and full of personality.

And working with someone who already has an engaged community behind them is another shift worth noting. Kids aren’t just reading books – they’re following creators, watching reels, and sharing stories. Bringing that world into publishing opens up huge opportunities for fresh formats, new voices, and a totally different kind of engagement.

So, What’s Next?
The way kids consume content is changing, and books are evolving with them. We’re seeing more interactive formats and a merging of print and digital influence. Graphic novels aren’t going anywhere and influencers will continue to bring their audiences into the book world.

And honestly? We’re here for it. The more books feel fun, engaging, and fresh, the more kids will actually want to pick them up. Which is exactly why we love working in this space – because at the end of the day, what’s more exciting than making books that kids actually want to read?