This year we are celebrating 40 years of Peachtree Publishers.One of the most fun parts of celebrating this milestone has been looking back and remembering all the wonderful people and books that have built us into our identity today.

Our President and Publisher Margaret Quinlin spoke to Peachtree’s identity as a children’s book publisher: “The focus [on children’s books] occurred naturally through the interests of the staff, and in particular, our friendship with Carmen Deedy as she developed into an extremely talented author. But we also recognized that as a small business, we had to focus our time and talents and marketing dollars. Even within the children’s category, it is important to have sufficient depth in an area. Without that, it’s difficult to make an impression.” (Read the full interview from Quinlin on having a woman-owned and independent business here.)

For the last 40 years, we’ve focused on books that educate, entertain, encourage and endure—books with heart that reflect our values and personal passions like nature, social justice, community, and peace. These themes in our children’s books have resonated with readers around the world from the beginning and are just as important today than ever. 

If I Found a Wistful Unicorn by Ann Ashford and illustrated by Bill Drath is the first children’s book published by Peachtree Publishers in 1978, and is still in print today.  A sweet and gentle story about a relationship between a young child and a unicorn that goes straight to the heart of what love really is, what we risk when we ask for love, and what special rewards may be waiting for us in return, If I Found a Wistful Unicorn began the tradition and set the precedent for quality children’s books from Peachtree. 

As we reminisce this year, we want to share 40 Peachtree picks, just a few of the books that have excited us, moved us, and stuck with our customers through the years. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter to see our daily featured picks over the next several weeks, and feel free to share your Peachtree Pick!