Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - October 14, 2007

Houghton Mifflin Announces the Retirement of Walter Lorraine, Distinguished Children's Book Editor and Publisher

BOSTON — October 14, 2007 — Walter Lorraine, who spent his entire fifty-five year career in children's publishing at Houghton Mifflin Company, will retire at the end of the year. An opinionated, passionate, and sometimes irascible editor, Lorraine embraced originality and talent, and helped produce imaginative books loved by generations of readers.

Lois Lowry, two-time Newbery Medalist, said "In these too-fast days of microwave meals and Hollywood marriages, it seems increasingly rare for an editor and author to have a long, monogamous, and happy relationship like the one Walter Lorraine and I have had for thirty years. Our friendship will continue, but I'll miss his sometimes testy, always trustworthy, professional guidance." Lowry's latest collaboration with Lorraine, The Willoughbys, will be published in March 2008.

Lorraine, who studied at the Rhode Island School of Design, developed a keen artistic sense for children's book design and illustration, and quickly became one of the most influential editors in the industry, ultimately becoming Vice President and Publisher of Walter Lorraine Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Company. He worked with such award-winning authors and illustrators as Lois Lowry, David Macaulay, Helen Lester, Lynn Munsinger, Bernard Waber, Bill Peet, James Marshall, Susan Meddaugh, Arthur Geisert, Scott O'Dell, Allen Say and Chris Van Allsburg. Under Lorraine's guidance, many children's book icons—including Tacky the Penguin, Lyle the Crocodile, George and Martha, the Stupids and Martha the Talking Dog—sprang to life.

To honor Lorraine's artistry, commitment and accomplishment, Houghton Mifflin has established the Walter Lorraine Children's Book Collection at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). This endowment will support the annual purchase of children's books—focusing on, but not exclusive, to works by RISD graduates—for many years to come.

Lorraine is among only five editors whose books have won both the prestigious Newbery and Caldecott medals in the same year. In 1992, The Giver by Lois Lowry received the Newbery Medal and Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say won the Caldecott Medal. Additionally, two books that Lorraine himself illustrated—I Will Tell You of a Town by Alastair Reid and Dear Rat by Julia Cunningham—were selected as New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books.

"It is nearly impossible to overestimate the impact, both creative and commercial, that Walter Lorraine had upon the success of children's book publishing at Houghton Mifflin. He is one of the most important figures in the history of children's books, and we are fortunate that he chose to spend his illustrious career with the Company," said Betsy Groban, Vice President and Publisher of the Children's Book Division.

About Houghton Mifflin
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Company is one of the leading educational publishers in the United States, with more than $1.4 billion in sales. The Company publishes a comprehensive set of educational solutions, ranging from research-based textbook programs to instructional technology to standards-based assessments for elementary and secondary schools and colleges. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers. In 2006, Houghton Mifflin merged with Riverdeep, bringing together one of the most respected print publishers with the leader in interactive courseware. With origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. To learn more about Houghton Mifflin, visit www.hmco.com.