2025-April – Update Letter from the Publisher

–April 2025–

Dear Valued Readers and Partners,

Writing this email is difficult, as I have some tough but important news to share about Albert Whitman & Company. Before we get into the details, I want to say how much we genuinely value your creativity, your partnership, and the incredible dedication you pour into the books we create together.

Some of you may have seen my communication towards the end of last year, where I spoke frankly about the significant challenges facing the children’s book industry and how they were impacting Albert Whitman directly. I outlined the major steps we took – restructuring our team, reducing costs wherever possible, trimming our publishing list, and pausing new acquisitions – all to stabilize the business and move forward. I also stressed our commitment to ensuring that funds coming in went directly back out to support you, our essential partners, after covering basic operational needs.

Despite these considerable efforts and sacrifices made by everyone involved, the financial pressures have unfortunately continued and we have concluded that the most responsible way to protect the future of Albert Whitman & Company is to file for reorganization under Chapter 11, Subchapter V of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

It’s incredibly important to us that you understand: this is about rebuilding, not closing down. Chapter 11, and specifically Subchapter V, is a legal process designed to help smaller businesses like ours get our finances in order, restructure debts, and create a sustainable plan so we can continue doing what we love – publishing meaningful books for children. Our goal is to emerge from this stronger and ensure Albert Whitman can continue its mission for years to come.

Naturally, this process comes with strict legal rules about payments and contracts established before the filing date. We are committed to navigating these requirements diligently and fairly. We promise to keep you informed about outstanding payments and future royalties as the reorganization plan takes shape, and as the court allows us to share details.

You will undoubtedly have questions, and we want to answer them as openly and clearly as possible within the legal framework we must now operate within. Martha Martinez (mmartinez@albertwhitman.cltv8.com) will be the point person to whom you can direct your inquiries. Please bear with us as we navigate this process; we’ll share updates as soon as we can.

This decision wasn’t made lightly; it impacts people we care about deeply – our team, and you, our creative partners. As we move forward, please know that we remain committed to our shared passion for the wonderful books we create together and the children whose lives they touch.

With respect and appreciation,

Tom

Tom MacDonald

Publisher

Albert Whitman & Co.