Cecily Kaiser joined Penguin with a mission to create engaging, empowering, and elegant books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. She launched the RISE x Penguin Workshop imprint in 2020, and has since published groundbreaking books for 0-5 year olds, including  ALA Notables, an Ezra Jack Keats Medal winner, Original Art Show selections, and most importantly, kid-favorites. Cecily also oversees the World of Eric Carle publishing program, proudly continuing Eric Carle’s legacy by creating new books for new generations.

Cecily was previously the Children’s Publisher at Phaidon Press, and prior to that, launched the Appleseed imprint for 0-5 year olds at Abrams Books. She began her career 25 years ago at Scholastic, first as a Book Clubs manager, and then as Editorial Director of the Cartwheel imprint for 0-6 year olds. Cecily earned a degree in child development at Tufts University and a Masters in Business from NYU. She is devoted to her young readership, bringing a developmental perspective to her editorial work, and a commitment to authentic ingenuity.