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Cherry Lake Publishing Group (CLPG), an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based educational and children’s book publisher, has acquired Tilbury House Publishers from WordSplice Studio, LLC. Tilbury House Publishers, based in Thomaston, Maine, is known for its award-winning children’s books that explore topics such as cultural diversity, social justice, and the natural world.

Following the May 19 acquisition, Tilbury House Publishers will become an independent imprint of CLPG, and no changes will be made to its current distribution model. Tilbury House titles have been distributed by W.W. Norton, the nation’s largest independent, employee-owned book publishing firm, since 2016. CLPG looks forward to continuing this partnership.

Founded in the 1980s as Harpswell Press, Tilbury House originally published literary and New England regional titles. A children’s list was added in the 1990s and has become the publisher’s primary focus since its 2013 acquisition by WordSplice Studio, LLC, headed by publishing veterans Jonathan Eaton and Tristram Coburn. Tilbury House will remain in Thomaston and Eaton will continue in his role as Publisher. “When looking for a long-term home for our children’s list, we were pleased to find that CLPG shares our passion for creating books that can change children’s lives,” said Eaton. “We believe the team at CLPG will be good stewards and will continue our legacy of publishing books that matter. We are excited to be the newest member of the CLPG family.”

CLPG originated in Mankato, Minn., as an educational publisher. In 2012, it acquired Sleeping Bear Press, a Michigan children’s publisher which started as a regional press in 1994 and moved exclusively into children’s book publishing in 1998. CLPG is committed to its mission of providing books that engage, entertain, educate, and provide opportunities for students and children to explore the world in educational, library, and home settings. It is comprised of five imprints which include decodable books for young readers (Cherry Blossom Press), Hi-Lo books for struggling readers (45th Parallel Press), a wide range of educational titles (Cherry Lake Press), graphic novels (Torch Graphic Press), and picture books and chapter books (Sleeping Bear Press).

“Cherry Lake Publishing Group respects and admires Tilbury House’s mission to change children’s lives through quality books,” said Ben Mondloch, CEO of CLPG. “We are thrilled to be a long-term home for their list of titles, which directly align with our offerings.”

To learn more about CLPG, visit https://cherrylakepublishing.com. To learn more about Tilbury House Publishers, visit https://www.tilburyhouse.com.

The Fisher Company , a specialist in international mergers and acquisitions focused on publishing and educational media, represented Tilbury House Publishers in this transaction.