Foundation Books Unveils First Titles in Macmillan Partnership; John Goodman to Narrate Animated Short Adaptation (Exclusive)

Foundation Books has unveiled the first titles in its partnership with Macmillan, including three projects from New York Times bestselling author Jim Benton, creator of It’s Happy Bunny and Dear Dumb Diary. Benton’s titles, which are being published under Macmillan’s Odd Dot imprint, include Everybody, which Foundation is also producing as an animated short narrated by John Goodman, currently in postproduction. Inspired by a viral cartoon, Benton’s illustrated meditation on life, death and everything in between was published in February 2026. Benton’s other two projects are Cherise the Niece, his first “kid-ult” picture book, which blends dark comedy and macabre storytelling, following a seemingly innocent orphan whose guardians meet increasingly mysterious ends; and Spoonduck, a middle-grade martial arts adventure following an abandoned duck raised by a disgraced mentor who must clear his teacher’s name after he is falsely imprisoned. Odd Dot will also publish a three-book series expanding digital creators Rock Squad’s Bloodsuckers universe. The middle-grade series blending romance, fantasy and vampire adventures. Building on the group’s digital series, the books explore the characters and their world in greater depth, bringing an established entertainment property to a new storytelling format. Another imprint, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, will publish Dead F’ing Cheerleaders From Calabasas, a YA graphic novel from comedians Kylie Brakeman and Patrick McDonald, featuring artwork by Butcher Billy and Wagner Loud. Blending horror, satire and high school social politics, Cheerleaders centers on an elite Southern California high school cheerleading squad hiding the fact that its members have become the living dead. First announced in February 2025, Foundation Media Partners and Macmillan’s partnership “brings publishing and entertainment development together from the outset, creating opportunities for authors and publishers to remain creatively involved as their intellectual property expands across formats. Moving beyond traditional book-to-screen adaptations, the program encourages established creators to explore new genres, audiences and storytelling formats while opening doors for emerging voices, with opportunities for authors to participate in screenwriting and producing roles.” Foundation’s already had success developing literary properties across entertainment, including its longstanding relationship with Aaron Blabey. Patrick Hughes, Foundation’s founder and CEO, served as executive producer on DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys (2022) and The Bad Guys 2 (2025), as well as Netflix’s Thelma the Unicorn (2024). Foundation is also developing the recently announced Game of Pets animated feature with Rideback at Amazon MGM, adapted from Aaron Blabey’s Game of Pets: The Boy Who Knew Too Much, and has a first-look agreement with Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for film and television adaptations. “We believe the people who create great stories should have the opportunity to help shape where those stories go next,” said Patrick Hughes, founder and CEO of Foundation Media Partners. “With Foundation Books, we’re bringing authors, publishers and entertainment partners together from the beginning, creating a more collaborative approach to developing intellectual property across formats.” Added Amy Wilson, Head of Books at Foundation Media Partners: “What makes this first slate so exciting is the range of voices and creative perspectives we’re bringing together. From bestselling authors to digital creators and comedians, we’re working with talent who have distinctive stories to tell, while exploring new genres, audiences and opportunities for their work to grow beyond the page.” “It is thrilling to find a company who so closely aligns with our approach to publishing,” said Jen Besser, President of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. “Like Macmillan, Foundation Media emphasizes creativity, innovation, and true collaboration with the authors and artists whose work we publish. We could not be more excited to partner with Foundation and to bring these first projects into the world.”