Scholastic Signs Deal With Miss Spider Creator

Posted on July 31, 1997

Scholastic Inc. has signed an exclusive agreement with author David Kirk and publisher Nicholas Callaway for extensive publishing rights to the literary works of David Kirk, the creator of Miss Spider.

This agreement marks the most recent development in the phenomenal growth of the Miss Spider franchise. With 1.6 million books in print, Miss Spider's Tea Party, Miss Spider's Wedding, and Miss Spider's Tea Party: The Counting Book, have been best-sellers since the series began publication in 1994. The beloved arachnid and her tales have received the adoration of pop celebrity icons including Madonna and Rosie O'Donnell, and Today show anchor Katie Couric.

Under the terms of this comprehensive agreement, books authored and illustrated by David Kirk and created and produced by Callaway & Kirk during the next six years will be published in the U.S. and Canada by Scholastic Inc. Scholastic's exclusive rights also extend to all spin-offs including audio works and calendars.

Scholastic's future plans with Kirk include the publication of two new picture books based on his beloved character, Miss Spider, including Miss Spider's New Car (Scholastic Press/Callaway; October 1997; $16.95; Ages 4-7), with an initial first printing of 255,000, as well as two additional picture books that will introduce an entirely new set of characters and stories.