Scholastic to buy children's publisher Cottage Door Press for $71M
What's the deal? Scholastic CorporationDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cottage Door PressDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, an independent children's publisher, for approximately $71 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The New York-based company announced the acquisition on September 29, 2026.
What each does: Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL) is a global children's publishing, education, and media company. Cottage Door, founded in 2014, is the largest independent children's publisher in the US, known for board and novelty formats aimed at early readers.
Why now? Early childhood publishing is a key growth focus for Scholastic. The deal adds a proven independent publisher with strengths in interactive formats, plus established retailer relationships and digital marketing capabilities.
What changes: Cottage Door will be folded into Scholastic's Children's Book Group but is expected to keep its existing team, brand, and entrepreneurial approach. Its Luna StoryTimeDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → line of interactive electronic toys will be spun off before closing and is not part of the deal.
What's the endgame? Scholastic aims to broaden its publishing portfolio across formats, categories, and channels. Chief executive officer Peter Warwick called Cottage Door "a strong strategic fit" and "an attractive investment in an important growth area of the children's book market."
Founder and chief executive officer Dick Maddrell said finding "the right home for our brand and our team was an important priority," adding that Scholastic shares "a kid-first culture."
The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and the completion of the Luna StoryTime separation.
The signal: The acquisition reflects continued consolidation in children's publishing, as scaled players buy fast-growing independents to capture niche formats and reach younger audiences. For Scholastic, it is a bet that early childhood books remain a durable growth market.
Read more: pr.sandyjournal.com
Image credit: nenad53
