Literary Safari Expands Presence in Children’s Media and Publishing Market

Literary Safari, a New York-based educational publishing vendor founded in 2008, has significantly expanded its operations to become a full-service children’s media agency and independent publisher. Led by founder Sandhya Nankani, the company now integrates learning science and educational standards into inclusive media for children and families. This evolution reflects a broader industry trend of boutique agencies bridging the gap between traditional trade publishing and specialized educational content development.

Originally established as a curriculum development service for the school marketplace, Literary Safari has grown into a creative studio serving major industry players such as Scholastic, McGraw Hill Education, and Sesame Workshop. Under the leadership of Sandhya Nankani, a veteran of Weekly Reader and Scholastic, the agency offers strategic consulting and content development for both educational and entertainment sectors. The firm utilizes a flexible team of specialists, including former teachers and librarians, to develop materials ranging from curricular guides to commissioned works by award-winning authors like Jerry Craft, Jane Yolen, and Derrick Barnes.

In 2021, the company launched its own imprint, Literary Safari Publishing, to produce original books focused on diversity and representation. The imprint employs a hybrid business model that combines traditional small-batch printing with print-on-demand distribution through platforms like Ingram, Lulu, and KDP. This approach allows the company to partner directly with mission-driven institutions, such as museums, to create niche titles that serve both trade and educational markets. Notable releases include the Imagination Lab activity book and the upcoming picture book biography It’s Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair, developed in collaboration with the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.

The company’s strategy centers on meshing the creative spirit of trade publishing with the pedagogical rigor of the school market. By collaborating with first-time authors and institutional partners, Literary Safari aims to fill gaps in the marketplace for inclusive, high-quality children's content. Nankani emphasizes that the agency's unique perspective—balancing engagement with educational standards—allows it to produce stories that function effectively in classrooms, libraries, and homes. This multi-pronged approach positions the studio as a versatile partner in an increasingly fragmented children's media landscape.