About Us

Soaring Kite Books

Founded in April 2020, Soaring Kite Books is an award-winning small independent publisher formed to give a voice and a presence to underrepresented main characters in children's books. According to 2019 children's publishing statistics, characters with diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds make up only 27% of children's books. While children can learn important values from book characters of any background, it builds children's confidence and self-esteem to see and read literature featuring characters that look like them. Soaring Kite Books has recently been acquired by Lerner Publishing Group effective January 2025.

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Mission & Vision

Our mission is to create books that celebrate underrepresented main characters.

Our vision is to build a collection of books by diverse authors that parents and readers can trust.

Storytelling Pillars

Diverse
Representation

We value and amplify diverse voices through storytelling because we know that representation matters.

Family

Values

The importance of family is at the core of our lives as well as our books.

Self-Esteem

We aim to build the self-esteem and confidence of our readers by celebrating diversity and individuality.

Kindness

Our books embrace our mantra, "Above All, Be Kind", which is needed now more than ever.

Our Team

- Ceece Kelley, Publisher & Founder -

Ceece Kelley is the founder of Soaring Kite Books. She has a background in brand marketing and creative services and a Master of Liberal Arts from Harvard University. She enjoys working with illustrators, graphic designers, and editors to bring her visions to life and into the hands of readers.

After welcoming her first child, Ceece felt compelled to introduce him to a variety of children's books including timeless classics, empowering current releases, and books with characters that look just like him.