Marco Anderson might be turning fourteen years old soon, but he’s already written his own origin story — complete with dragons, unicorns, and a plot twist no one saw coming. A year ago, most kids his age were writing book reports or passing notes, while Marco had something far more impressive on his hands: securing his own picture book deal for something he wrote when he was twelve! And not just any deal: the debut title for a brand-new imprint on a mission to rewrite the rules of children’s publishing, one pint-sized powerhouse at a time. Curious how a kid skipped the slush pile and shelved his first story? Want to know how “nothing” became a “big beginning?” Keep reading — this tale is just getting started.
Moon + Bird: Because Big Stories Start Small
Launched in September 2024, Moon + Bird is the latest literary hatchling from Watkins Media — an imprint with its head in the clouds and heart on the bookshelf. Specializing in picture books and middle grade tales, it is doing more than publishing for children; it’s championing books by them too! With a mission to nurture creativity, courage, and curiosity, this publishing house is setting out to give young readers stories that resonate and young storytellers a place to shine.
Moon + Bird’s focus is as lofty as its name suggests. It aims to create beautifully crafted, emotionally intelligent stories that help children manage feelings, build resilience, and stretch their imaginations. Whimsical read-aloud sessions, heartfelt narratives, or stimulating tales wrapped in humor — these are just some of the ways this literary launchpad is carving out a space for stories that meet kids where they are and lift them higher.
And how are they kicking things off? By handing the mic (or the pen, as it were) to a debut kid author with a book about, well… “nothing.” If Moon + Bird’s goal is to elevate unexpected voices and make room for big sagas in small packages, it’s safe to say that’s a mission joyfully accomplished.
Meet the Boy Behind the Book
Marco Anderson, originally from San Francisco and now living in London with his family and their dog, dreamed up his story in the afterglow of the COVID-lockdown era. A budding filmmaker with a clear storytelling instinct, he crafted a narrative that’s as giggle-worthy as it is gut-felt — distinctly capturing that post-pandemic feeling of craving quiet but needing connection. Most tweens are navigating math homework and figuring out where to sit at lunch. Marco is navigating a book launch for his debut picture book, This Book is About Nothing. It’s a clever, chaotic, and charming celebration of imagination, featuring a five-year-old protagonist named Rio who prefers a calm, uneventful story… until dragons, unicorns, and delightfully disruptive guests crash the pages. The result? Whimsy with a wink and a quiet ode to introverts learning to let the world in (again).
And as for irony? The boy who wrote a book about “nothing” may have just launched a career that’s really something.
This Book is About Nothing by Marco Anderson & Illustrated by Erica Salcedo
Rio, that five-year-old who wants exactly what the title promised (a story with no surprises, no drama, and definitely no dragons, thank you very much), is destined for disappointment. He expected a peace-and-quiet experience, but the universe (and the author) had other plans. What begins as a quiet tale quickly unravels into delightful chaos as a parade of unexpected characters barge into Rio’s carefully curated calm. It’s a playful meditation on embracing the unpredictable and learning that even “nothing” can turn into something magical when you let others in.
Bringing this chaos-carnival to life is Spanish illustrator Erica Salcedo, whose expressive, energetic style is the perfect companion to the story’s zany cast and emotional undercurrents. Known for her work on Kid Normal and All Bodies Are Good Bodies, Salcedo’s artwork brings the perfect level of humor and heart, making every character leap, twirl, and tumble across the pages with pops of color and mischief. This Book is About Nothing is set to hit shelves on November 25, 2025, just in time for cozy winter story times and holiday wish lists.
Add a Little “Nothing” to Your Shelf
Marco Anderson’s debut may be about “nothing,” but it’s already turning heads — and pages. With its quirky charm, vibrant illustrations, and a twist of tween brilliance, This Book is About Nothing promises to be anything but forgettable. Sometimes, the best stories start with nothing at all. Preorder now and be among the first to support a budding new kid author and an innovative new publishing house!
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