Chicago Review Press Acquires Ripple Grove Press's Children's Books

CHICAGO, IL—Chicago Review Press (CRP), one of the two publishers owned by Independent Publishers Group (IPG), has acquired Ripple Grove Press’s entire catalog as a part of CRP’s children’s list, effective May 1, 2021. 

Ripple Grove Press, an award-winning independent, family-run children's book publisher, has been an IPG distribution partner since 2014 for their 16 titles, known for being beautifully designed hardcover picture books. The press began as a labor of love for owners Rob and Amanda Broder, as has been demonstrated throughout their over seven years of publishing work.

“We started Ripple Grove Press from the ground up,” said the Broders. “We put our heart and soul into each book and our press. We are beyond grateful for every author and illustrator that wanted to make a book with us. And after all these years, it’s time to experience a new chapter.”

Ripple Grove Press expands CRP’s children’s line with bestsellers like Mae and the Moon, Iver & Elsworth, Seb and the Sun, and a forthcoming book titled Ripple Grove by Rob Broder and illustrated by Melissa Larson set to release in 2022. They join Fulcrum Publishing, Amberjack and Council Oak Books as recent additions to CRP’s lines, highlighting the best in independent publishing across categories.

“Ripple Grove Press has produced some of the most beautiful and tenderhearted children’s picture books and I’m proud to be adding them to our children’s list,” said Cynthia Sherry, group publisher for Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books. “The splendid illustrations and quietly powerful stories of friendship and compassionate interaction with people and the environment in Seb and the Sun, Iver & Ellsworth, A Girl Named October, and The Full House and the Empty House are just what the world needs right now and they make the most calming bedtime stories.”

The Fisher Company, specialists in international publishing mergers and acquisitions, initiated the deal with CRP, while also providing financial consultation and assisting in negotiations on behalf of Ripple Grove Press.

About Independent Publishers Group (IPG):
In June of 2021, Independent Publishers Group (IPG) will celebrate its 50th anniversary. As the original North American distributor, IPG was founded specifically to represent titles from independent publishers to the book trade. Today IPG remains committed to reimagining distribution and has grown to provide its publishers with services ranging from pre-publication consultation, global sales, marketing & publicity, supply chain, print and digital distribution, data and reporting, to print brokerage. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from giving publishers broader reach into more markets, including general trade, academic, children's, Spanish and special markets.

About Chicago Review Press (CRP):
IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books. Since 1973 CRP has grown into a dynamic independent publisher with new titles in fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. CRP publishes under a wide range of subjects under several imprints, including Lawrence Hill Books, Amberjack, Academy Chicago Publishers and Parenting Press.