Danielle Daniel, an award-winning author and illustrator, has launched Mighty Village Books.

The independent press will be dedicated to publishing exceptional children’s literature with a commitment to amplifying underrepresented Canadian voices, particularly from northern Ontario. The press, which is based in Little Current, Mnidoo Mnis, Ontario, will specialize in picture books and middle grade fiction.

Mighty Village Books plans to “double the average income creators typically can expect on a single body of work,” offering 20 per cent royalties on each book (10 per cent each to author and illustrator).

“I’m not just imagining a more equitable future in publishing—I’m building it,” says founder Danielle Daniel in the press release. “For too long, creators have received the smallest share of the profits from the works they bring into the world. We’re leading with a new model—one that fairly compensates authors and illustrators and honours the important work of making books for children.”

Mighty Village Books will also offer “artwork and educational resources by Canadian creators designed to uplift, inspire, and empower children and adults alike in the classroom, libraries, and at home.” The press’s online storefront currently offers a variety of non-book products, such as notebooks, bookmarks, and pencil cases featuring Daniel’s artwork. Proceeds from sales will “support the creation of future books and contribute to the equitable compensation for the creators.”

The press will open for submissions for its inaugural list in January 2026, with the first titles to be released in spring 2028.

Danielle Daniel is the author and illustrator of such books as Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox, I’m Afraid, Said the Leaf, and Forever Birchwood.