Woodbridge children’s publisher Imagine That opens new chapter with a name change and the launch of a new book range

The team at Imagine That Publishing outside their offices near the Tide Mill in Woodbridge Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Top That Publishing in Woodbridge has announced that from today its new company name is Imagine That.

The rebrand comes alongside a new publishing strategy that will see the publisher offer three distinct ranges of books including a new selection of chapter-led books, called the Willow Tree range, aimed at children who are starting to read by themselves.

Managing director David Henderson said the new strategy is “about being focused on what we love doing, and what we are good at, and aligning that with all of our customers needs”.

David has led the publisher since succeeding his father and company founder Barrie Henderson in 2009 and has seen the business grow to a point where it now sells over 11 million books per year in over 70 countries and 35 languages.

Imagine That sells 11 million books a year in 70 countries Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

With growth of 10% in 2016 and 15% last year, the publisher is set to record a third consecutive year of double digit growth in 2018.

The company, which employs around 35 people at offices near Woodbridge’s Tide Mill, has made its name publishing books for children aged 0 to 10 years - these include books that come with activity accessories, such as arts and crafts kits, as well as novelty books which include pre-school touch and feel books through to educational sticker books and puzzle books.

Mr Henderson said while the company will still focus on “perennial favourites” including early learning books that help children learn their ABC and to count, the new strategy will see it publish books that reflect the trend towards stories that highlight strong female lead characters and a greater level of diversity, as well as books that promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.

“We have an incredibly creative internal team that take an awesome amount of pride in all new titles, so they are consistently contributing new ideas,” he said

New titles will include strong female lead characters and a greater level of diversity Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The company has actively sought out new markets abroad in recent years and today 70% of its sales come from overseas.

Mr Henderson added that the business’ success was down to “the passion and dedication of the team, in creating so many inspiring children’s books, and the sales team working hard to get them on the shelves all over the world.”