March 2025 Newsletter: A Season of Stories and New Beginnings
Banner Illustration: Story Book Success, by Yuke Li
From the Publisher’s Desk: Introducing CapyFun, A New Chapter for Yeehoo Press
By Helen H. Wu
Since its inception in 2019, Yeehoo Press has been dedicated to creating delightful, enchanting, and socially conscious children's books. With a unique emphasis on STEAM-related topics, cultural heritage, and amplifying diverse voices, our mission has always been to bring joy and ignite imagination in young readers worldwide.
Building upon this foundation, we are thrilled to announce the launch of CapyFun, a new imprint inspired by the gentle and sociable nature of capybaras. CapyFun is all about creating moments that make you smile, offering products designed to spark joy and mindfulness in everyday life.
Our inaugural title, "Capybara Bubble Tea: A Cup of Happy," introduces Capy, Cali, and Cavin—three curious and adorable capybara friends from the peaceful planet Capyzenia—on a whimsical Earth adventure. This hardcover picture book, perfect for children aged 3-8 years, is scheduled for release on August 15, 2025.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we continue to explore new adventures and create lasting memories with Capy, Cali, Cavin, and many more friends to come.
Warm regards,
Helen H. Wu
From the Publisher’s Desk: Building a New Legacy with Picnic Heist
By Janet
At Picnic Heist, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire, connect, and celebrate cultures. As a new independent publisher, our mission is to bring beautifully crafted, thoughtful, and meaningful stories to young readers. Founded with the goal of publishing standout picture books that blend artistry and heart, we are thrilled to be launching our first list in Fall 2025.
One of the highlights of our debut season is Monkey’s Sweet Surprise: A Lunar New Year Mix-Up, part of the Tales from the Zodiac Kitchen series. This delightful Lunar New Year picture book by the talented duo Patricia Tanumihardja and Bonnie Lui releases in November 2025.
The story follows Monkey, who is determined to redeem himself after a past banquet mishap by making the perfect dessert for the Jade Empress. Set against the backdrop of the Malay Zodiac, this book blends festive traditions, culinary adventure, and humor in a heartwarming tale of friendship and perseverance.
If Patricia and Bonnie’s names sound familiar, that’s because they’ve previously collaborated on The Sugar Plum Bakers (Disney, 2023), a charming holiday picture book celebrating cultural heritage through food and family traditions. Their ability to weave warmth, humor, and rich cultural detail into their stories makes them the perfect team to bring Monkey’s Sweet Surprise to life.
For any publisher, building a list is more than just selecting books—it’s about shaping an identity. Every list tells a story of what a publisher values, the kinds of voices we uplift, and the readership we serve. At Picnic Heist, our debut list reflects our vision of publishing bold, beautifully illustrated books that spark curiosity, celebrate cultural heritage, and resonate with young readers worldwide.
One of the greatest challenges for a small, emerging publisher is earning the trust of creators. Authors and illustrators put immense time, love, and effort into their work, and we deeply respect that responsibility. Our goal is not only to publish great books but to champion the creators behind them—ensuring their work is showcased with the care, attention, and visibility it deserves.
I look forward to meeting this challenge head-on, proving through action that Picnic Heist is a home where creators can trust that their stories will be nurtured and celebrated. The authors and illustrators who have already entrusted us with their books are the foundation of our journey, and we are committed to honoring that trust by delivering exceptional books that find their way into the hearts of young readers.
As we take our first steps into the publishing world, we invite you to join us on this adventure. Stay tuned for more announcements about our Fall 2025 list, and thank you for supporting a new publisher with big dreams!
Warmly,
Janet
Founder & Publisher, Picnic Heist