Epic Books for Kids Partners with Andrews McMeel Publishing to Give Young Readers Early Access to New Releases

Collaboration launches with exclusive previews of upcoming titles from bestselling Phoebe and Her Unicorn and Big Nate series

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Epic Books for Kids (Epic), the leading digital reading platform for children, today announced a collaboration with Andrews McMeel Publishing (AMP) to give young readers exclusive early access to highly anticipated new releases from bestselling children's series. Beginning Aug. 31, Epic readers will get an early look at Dana Simpson's Phoebe and Her Unicorn: Across Enchanted Lands, more than a month ahead of its Oct. 6 publication, following Epic's exclusive early preview of Lincoln Peirce's Big Nate: Curse of the Puffy Shorts!, which was published Sept. 1.

"Our work with publishers and authors creates opportunities for kids to connect with their favorite series," said Julia Horowitz, Chief Content Officer at Epic. "Exclusive early access builds excitement around highly anticipated releases and introduces books directly to young readers, while Epic's broader library makes it easy for that discovery to continue across an entire series."

"Finding new and meaningful ways to connect young readers with the books and characters they love is incredibly important to us," said Kirsty Melville, CEO of Andrews McMeel Publishing. "Working with Epic gives us an opportunity to build anticipation for new releases while helping kids discover even more from beloved series like Big Nate and Phoebe and Her Unicorn. We're excited to give fans an early look at what's next and introduce these stories to a new generation of readers."

Both Big Nate and Phoebe and Her Unicorn have extensive catalogs available on Epic, giving readers the opportunity to continue exploring the series after discovering the newest releases. The titles are part of Epic's library of more than 40,000 books from 250+ publishers, which helps kids discover books that match their interests and keep reading.

The early preview of Big Nate: Curse of the Puffy Shorts! also included an exclusive Big Nate avatar, the first new Epic avatar introduced in six years, along with downloadable activities, an author video, signed book giveaways and badges. The upcoming Phoebe and Her Unicorn: Across Enchanted Lands early-access experience will offer similar exclusive content and experiences, including an author video, signed book giveaways and badges. Through Epic's Ambassador program, participating educators will also have the chance to win an exclusive classroom visit with Lincoln Peirce or Dana Simpson, where the authors will discuss their new books, demonstrate how they create their art and answer students' questions about the series.

The Andrews McMeel Publishing collaboration is part of Epic's growing work with publishers and authors to create new ways for children to discover upcoming books, engage with the creators and characters behind them and continue exploring the stories and series that capture their interest.

To learn more, visit www.getepic.com.

About Epic Books for Kids

Epic is the world's leading digital reading platform for kids 12 and under, offering access to more than 40,000 high-quality books, audiobooks, videos and educational resources. Trusted by millions of families and educators worldwide, Epic helps children discover books they love while building reading confidence and lifelong literacy skills. Learn more at www.getepic.com.

About AMP

Andrews McMeel Publishing is an innovative leader of more than 50 years in comics and humor, poetry and inspiration, gift books, calendars, and greeting card publishing for children and adults. It is a division of Andrews McMeel Universal, an independent Kansas City based global media company that partners with a world-class roster of creative and diverse talent. Through publishing, syndication, entertainment, and interactive experiences, AMU connects audiences to universal messages of truth, humor, and hope that have the power to connect people and change lives. Learn more at https://publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com.

SOURCE Epic!