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Author and illustrator Danielle Daniel launches Mighty Village Books, a new independent publishing company dedicated to children’s books
Published Sep 23, 2025 • 3 minute read
Author and illustrator Danielle Daniel is launching Mighty Village Books, a new independent publishing company dedicated to children’s books. Supplied photoArticle content
Award-winning author and illustrator Danielle Daniel, a 2024 Governor General’s Literary Award finalist, is launching Mighty Village Books, a new independent publishing company dedicated to children’s books.
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Built on the belief that smaller is better, Daniel, who was born and raised in Sudbury, said the press aims to amplify underrepresented voices — particularly those rooted in Northern Ontario — while giving creators greater support and a fairer share of profits.
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“What sets Mighty Village Books apart from other companies is our model,” Daniel explained in an interview. “We stay intentionally small and share more fully with the creators who bring our books to life. Authors receive 20 per cent of the retail price of each book sold — double the industry standard. This approach ensures every book gets the care and attention it deserves, while building a fairer, more sustainable future for children’s publishing.”
In addition to starting a new publishing company, Daniel plans to create art and resources designed for the classroom, libraries and home.
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“These resources support social–emotional growth and creativity,” she said. “They include affirmations that encourage empathy, nurture self-worth, and remind children that their voices and stories matter. As a former elementary school teacher, I know how essential it is to build a classroom where every child feels they belong. Our resources are created to reinforce messages of kindness, courage and self-belief.”
Daniel said her company’s vision is focused on young readers and early literacy, with an emphasis on picture books and middle-grade fiction.
“Alongside our books, we create meaningful art and resources that directly support our future books and creators,” she said. “We’re not just publishing stories —we’re building community, bringing together readers, creators, educators and families through the power of art and story. By selling directly online and partnering with independent bookstores, we’re helping to shape a movement rooted in equity, care and creativity.”
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The Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox author and illustrator said that she thought long and hard about creating something “filled with hope” and something that was better aligned with her spirit and vision for the future of publishing.
“At my core, I believe beautiful, lasting books begin with how we care for the people who create them,” she said. “Mighty Village Books is my way of honouring creators and their stories while helping to build a more sustainable, equitable future for children’s publishing.”
After 10 books in 10 years, Daniel said she was ready to challenge herself in a new way — to be more innovative, utilize her skills and “to step boldly into what comes next.
“My experiences — both good and difficult have shaped me, and I know they will make me a stronger leader, because I’ve lived on the frontlines of publishing,” she said. “Now, I look forward to walking alongside a new generation of authors and illustrators as they bring their stories into the world, guided by a mighty heart.”
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Daniel said starting January, submissions will be open on her website. She encourages both debut and established Canadian and Indigenous authors, as well as those from underrepresented communities, to apply. The first books will be published in 2028.
“We are especially passionate about uplifting new voices in children’s literature from Northern Ontario, working closely with authors and illustrators to bring thoughtful, imaginative stories into the world,” she said. “Latitude 46 Publishing has been a powerful advocate for northern writers, and we’re here to ensure those voices are heard in children’s publishing. too.”
For more information, visit mightyvillagebooks.com. You can follow the company on its socials: IG: @mightyvillagebooks and Facebook: @mightyvillagebooks.
The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government.
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