About
Kids are at the heart of our books.
Tanglewood is an independent children’s publisher. We make books kids want to read, and read again.
Good books for bad children.
About Tanglewood Publishing
Our Story
The legendary editor, Ursula Nordstrom, said she published “good books for bad children.” Rather than books oriented toward adult mores, she looked for books with authentic characters whose speech and spirit and experiences reflected the real world and issues of young readers. Tanglewood Publishing strives to do the same. With a focus on inspiring readers to pick up a book for the pleasure of reading, Tanglewood’s list features titles with strong sales and critical acclaim, often by authors and illustrators who may have been overlooked by others.
Our Books
Just like Tanglewood’s NYT Best-selling title The Kissing Hand, in every Tanglewood book readers will find a sense of comfort that comes with being seen and understood. Through humor, adventure, disaster, disappointment, friendship, and love, Tanglewood brings the authentic young reader’s voice to the forefront for an unforgettable page-turning experience, opening up the doors to more adventures rooted in more pages.
Tales of Tanglewood
A name rooted in story.
The name comes from a tangle of woods, a place to wander, get a little lost, and find something unexpected. That is still how we think about reading: a path in, a story to follow, and room to imagine what comes next.
Our editorial compass
Two questions guide every book.
Would a child reach for this again? Does it sound like real kids, in a real world?
If the answer to both is yes, we keep going. If not, we go back to the story. That is how we choose what to publish, and how we work with authors and illustrators along the way.
For readers, teachers, and librarians.
Our books are made to be shared at home, in classrooms, and in libraries. Look for discussion guides and activity kits on the Resources page, and ask your local bookseller or librarian for a title to try first.
Founded in 2003
Meet our founder.
Tanglewood Publishing was founded by Peggy Tierney in 2003, just after her move to the Midwest. Peggy has been a children’s book editor and publisher in the UK and in the US since 1995. She has a degree in comparative literature from the American University of Paris, has loved to read since she first learned her alphabet, and has a son who constantly inspired her to find good books for reluctant readers.
Publisher
Meet our publisher.
Hi! My name is Emma and I’m honored to be the new publisher at Tanglewood Books. I’ve been a kids’ book editor for the last 5 years with Portland-based company A Kids Co., and DK publishing with the A Kids Book About imprint. I have a passion for crafting empowering and entertaining books for the next generation, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to continue that work with Tanglewood.
I’m a lifelong Oregonian, I live with my husband and our two cats, Breadstick and Cheddar, and you’ll often find me with a book in one hand and a matcha in the other.