Babouche à oreille's unique publishing approach

Babouche à oreille, an independent publishing house based in Saint-Clément-de-Rivière, Hérault, produces books that can be listened to. Each book includes a QR code that links to music composed specifically for the story, with voices of artists, and no need for a screen, app, or subscription. The publishing house emphasizes real stories and real music for children, avoiding digital intermediaries.

Three autumn novelties available for pre-order

The publishing house is offering three new titles for pre-order on Ulule until November 5. These include a pirate novel with recipes at the end of each chapter, a return of a popular album on sharing, and a sound Advent calendar for young children featuring lullabies instead of chocolates. Each title is tailored to different age groups and aims to provide an immersive audio experience.

Pirate novel with real recipes

Dans les cuisines de Barbe-Noire is an adventure novel where young Antoine Levasseur joins a pirate ship and encounters a grumpy cook with a big appetite. Each chapter ends with a real recipe that readers can prepare at home. The book is narrated by Isabelle Wlodarczyk with music by Pierre Diaz, and is available as a bipe, a purely audio book in a record-like sleeve, for 15 euros.

Return of a popular album on sharing

La part du lion returns after being sold out, offering a playful exploration of fairness through a lion's birthday party. The book includes song lyrics, downloadable colorings, and music via QR code. It is illustrated by Virginie Grosos and written by Marie-Hélène Lafond, with music by Pierre Diaz. The enriched edition is available for 20 euros.

Sound Advent calendar for young children

The first sound Advent calendar from Babouche à oreille is designed for children aged 2 to 4. It features 25 lullabies, including a double window, created by Isabelle Wlodarczyk and Pierre Diaz. The calendar is made of cardboard and can be reused the following year. It costs 25 euros and is available for pre-order until November 5.

Future bookstore aims for a unique identity

A future bookstore named La Cabane à Livres plans to create a strong identity by focusing on a welcoming atmosphere and innovative services. The project is led by Aurélie Fiani and aims to enhance the bookstore's appeal and ensure its economic sustainability through a diversified offering and digital communication.

Former Amazon executives launch new publishing venture

Two former Amazon executives, Jeff Belle and Nicholas Denissen, have launched Macguffin Co., a studio that evaluates the commercial potential of stories still in development. The company has signed its first agreement with Andrews McMeel Universal, integrating books into broader media projects, including screens and games.

Exploring comic book families in a new book

Numa Sadoul's book Families in boxes explores the relationships between six major comic book series, from Tintin to Astérix. It examines how characters like loyal companions, scientists, and adversaries shape the universes of these comics. The book, adapted from Sadoul's 1971 thesis, is being revived through a crowdfunding campaign on Ulule by LettMotif editions.

French independent manga returns with a new volume

Rock 'n' Roll Jungle, a French independent manga, is returning with a second, more mature and complete volume. The project, led by Maxime Nicolas and Lucy Bernard, has already accumulated several hundred thousand views online and successfully funded its first volume in 2024. The new volume promises to expand on the humor and detailed storytelling that made the first volume popular.

Comics tell the story of a historical naval battle

The Battle of Mers el-Kébir recounts the dramatic events of July 3, 1940, when the Royal Navy attacked the French fleet in Algeria. The comic, created by writer Aubry Palouzier and illustrator Lucas Di Nallo, explores this lesser-known World War II episode. The project aims to bring this complex history to a wider audience through the medium of comics.

Slavic folklore meets contemporary comics in a new series

SLAVA IV, the fourth and final volume of the Slava series, continues the exploration of Slavic folklore. The story, led by Łukasz W., brings ancient legends to life while questioning concepts of destiny and the role of individuals in a larger cosmic order. The volume features dark fantasy elements and complex character development.

Historical novel set in the 16th century launches crowdfunding

Conquista is a historical novel following Francisco de Peralta, a young Aragonese hidalgo, on his journey through the New World. The story explores the 16th century's mix of adventure, violence, and faith. The project, led by Franck Pertegas, is raising funds on Ulule to support its publication and distribution.

Dystopian sci-fi comic follows a half-human, half-alien

Altered Blood is a dystopian sci-fi comic following Kryo, a half-human, half-alien Altérée, in a world where Earth no longer exists. The story explores themes of identity and the origins of the protagonist. The project is led by Romane, also known as Holicdraw, and is currently in development.

Fantasy manga inspired by ancient Greece

Heathen(s) is a fantasy manga inspired by ancient Greece, continuing the story of Xenos, a young boy with magical talents. The project, led by Shindo, is scheduled for release in December 2026 and is the second prequel to the Aerials series, which will be released in 2027.

Editis owner to take control of Fnac

Daniel Křetínský, the owner of Editis, is set to take control of Fnac Darty after the European Commission approved his public offer. This move would give him control of both a major French publishing group and one of the country's largest book retailers. The transaction is expected to close in early November.

Exhibition catalog for a comics exhibition on sale

The Fonds Enki Bilal and Editions Barbier have launched a pre-sale campaign for the catalog of the upcoming exhibition Philippe Druillet × Enki Bilal, Des Dieux et des Hommes. The exhibition, which will run from December 3, 2026, to May 9, 2027, explores the work of two major figures in comics. The catalog is available for pre-order on Ulule.

Book born from grief receives community support

Stéphanie Lechat's book Lila, mon amour – Le pouvoir des maux was born from the grief of losing her daughter, Lila. The book has received strong community support, with 377 pre-orders before the campaign closes on October 5. The project is a personal tribute and a collective effort to preserve Lila's memory.

Fantasy novel about a girl with prophetic dreams

Acacia Hawthorne is a fantasy novel following a girl with prophetic dreams who moves to the Entre-Monde, a world where time and magic reign. The story, led by Estelle Aster, explores themes of guiding lost souls and finding one's place in a magical world.

Booksellers lose control over book selection

Booksellers at the Relay in Lyon station will lose the ability to freely choose their books, as Lagardère has removed their access to the order platform. This decision, announced less than three months after adopting an editorial pluralism charter, also requires a fifth of the book space to be replaced with Lego toys.

Children's book supports sick children through crowdfunding

Stella and Luna, a children's album by William Guérin, tells the story of how stars and the moon were born. The project, supported by a crowdfunding campaign on Ulule, aims to raise funds for L'ENVOL, an association that supports sick children. The book is intended for children aged 3 and above.

Illustrated book inspired by a French song

Evalou Editions have launched a crowdfunding campaign for an illustrated book inspired by the song Les Séquoias by Pomme. The project is part of their Paroles de cœur collection, which adapts committed French songs into illustrated books. The book will be available for pre-order on Ulule.

French readers' favorite paperbacks

Edistat's ranking of the 50 best-selling paperbacks from October 5 to 11, 2026, highlights a mix of thrillers and autumn romances. The list includes bestsellers like Freida McFadden and Laurie Gilmore, as well as classic titles. The rankings reflect the Lire en poche 2026 festival that took place in Gradignan, Gironde.

Netflix's impact on book sales

A study by NielsenIQ BookData found that Netflix adaptations often boost book sales, particularly around the time of the show's release. However, the impact varies, with some shows like Bridgerton and Lupin showing significant increases in sales. The study examines the extent to which screen adaptations influence book sales in the French market.

Cinema-related books supported by crowdfunding

Carlotta Films has published books on directors, actors, and films for nearly a decade. The company is currently raising funds for four new cinema-related books, highlighting the challenges faced by bookstores and publishers in the current economic climate.

Hachette Livre sees international growth

Hachette Livre reported a 4% decline in sales in France but saw growth in international markets. The company's revenue for the third quarter of 2026 reached 836 million euros, up 0.9% at comparable data. The growth is attributed to the company's international operations, while the French market continues to face challenges.

Dijon-based publishing workshop expands

Tache Papier has been running a Print Club in Dijon since 2015, supporting artists and developing its own editorial projects. The association, which focuses on graphic arts and artisanal printing techniques, has been expanding its publishing workshop to support more creative projects.

U.S. publishing industry sees growth

American publishing continued to grow in August 2026, with publishers reporting $1.2 billion in net revenues, up 8.9% year-on-year. General audience books saw the fastest growth, while ebook sales declined. The increase is partly attributed to the growing demand for paper-based books and the continued growth of digital audio.

Fantasy saga supported by readers

Cindy C. Teston's Ce qu'il restera du Monde - tome 1: La Louve et le Targhar is a dark fantasy saga set in the Terres du Vallère. The project, launched on Ulule, reached its funding goal in less than two hours and is already at 241% of its target. The success of the campaign has unlocked several enhancements for the novel's different editions.

Traveling café-library on the move

The Wandering Grimoire is a traveling café-library installed in a converted imperial bus. The project, led by Guillaume Talon, aims to bring books, coffee, and encounters to villages, markets, and events. After nearly two years of work, the bus is now in the final phase of renovation before beginning its journey.

Feminist literary project explores real vs. fictional

The League of Extraordinary Female Writers is a literary project that stages the confrontation between a real author and a monster from fantasy literature. The project, led by Editions Askabak, explores themes of feminism and the intersection of reality and fiction.

Romance meets action in new novels

Caro M.'s "Romaction" series blends romance with action and suspense. The novels explore diverse universes, from romantic suspense to dark romance, with a common thread of atypical plots and striking characters. The project is led by Caro M. and aims to surprise readers with unexpected twists.

Gothic tale unveiled through illustrated book

The Ogre, the Tree, and the Child is a gothic tale inspired by Tim Burton's style. Originally conceived as a stop-motion animated short film, the project is now being unveiled as an illustrated book by François Aubin. A crowdfunding campaign on Ulule is supporting the publication of this unique graphic work.

Official guide for hiking in France

HexaTrek — The Book and Official Topoguide is the official guide for the HexaTrek trail, which connects the most beautiful mountain ranges in France. The book, launched to celebrate the project's fifth anniversary, is intended for future hikers and those who have completed the journey. The project is led by HexaTrek.

Hong Kong horror manga makes its debut in France

Fear of the Dark, a Hong Kong horror manga by Wai On, is being published in France by Raion Éditions. The story explores themes of the paranormal and the limits of human curiosity. The project is led by Wai On and Raion Éditions, and is available for pre-order on Ulule.

Book fairs and festivals face challenges

Festivals and book fairs are under threat, but efforts are being made to preserve their role in the literary world. On November 3 and 4, 2026, the Sofia organization will host a meeting in Paris to discuss the future of these events and ways to strengthen their influence.

Children's book with deaf heroes

Chacha and Zali is a children's collection featuring two deaf heroes. The first album, Chacha wears hearing aids, tells the story of a child discovering his deafness and his hearing aids. The book includes French sign language (LSF) and is written by professionals who support deaf children and their families.

Tabletop RPG continues its adventure

Gates of Krystalia: Lumina is a new addition to the Gates of Krystalia role-playing game, inspired by anime and Japanese RPGs. The game uses a card-based system instead of dice, allowing players to create their own heroes and face challenges in the world of Lumina. The project is led by Alberto Dianin and Andrea Ruggeri.

AI to optimize book pricing

Bookwire, a German distributor, is using artificial intelligence to optimize book pricing and analyze sales data. The company has been experimenting with these technologies for several years and is now implementing them more widely.

Children's book encourages physical activity

Mom, I want to do sports with you! is a children's book that promotes physical activity without the use of screens. The book encourages children to move naturally throughout their day, just as they eat, brush their teeth, or read a story before bedtime.

Poetic children's book with watercolor illustrations

Maria in the land of enchantment is a poetic children's book with watercolor illustrations. The story invites children to explore a world where every meeting can change the way we see others and nature. The project is led by Mathilde Vargas and Mélanie Sutter.

New magazine analyzes conspiracy theories

COMPLORAMA is a new magazine dedicated to the analysis of conspiracy theories and misinformation. The magazine, directed by Rudy Reichstadt, aims to understand the motivations behind these theories and their impact on society. The project is led by Rudy Reichstadt and is available for pre-order on Ulule.

European court rules on funding for collective rights

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled on the use of funds collected by collective management organizations. The court determined that part of the funds can be used for social, cultural, and educational services for right holders, while the rest can be directed to broader audiences.

Poetry in public transport faces funding cuts

In Vancouver, the Poetry in Transit program, which has been running since 1996, faces funding cuts from TransLink. The program allows commuters to read poetry by British Columbia authors during their travels. Writers and publishers are mobilizing to prevent its cancellation.

Scientific library's ghost story

The Linda Hall Library in Kansas City has a legend about a French ghost, André Dettonville, who is said to have died in the Alps in the 17th century. The library has chosen to honor the legend as Halloween approaches, adding to its mysterious reputation.

Writers criticize AI regulation charter

The Society of Authors has withdrawn from a proposed international charter to regulate AI in the creative industries. The British organization, which defends the interests of writers, announced the withdrawal after criticism from its members, citing concerns about generative AI's impact on creators.

Georgian school textbook reform sparks controversy

A reform in Georgia requires schools to adopt a common textbook for each subject and grade level by 2028. The International Publishers Association has criticized the move, arguing that it threatens freedom of publication, pedagogical diversity, and the future of school publishing.

Florida court holds school board members accountable

A federal appellate court has ruled that Florida school board members cannot use their official positions to avoid questions about books removed from libraries. The decision is a procedural victory for PEN America, Penguin Random House, and several authors who have been challenging book bans.

UN calls for equality in the book industry

UN Women and the International Publishers Association have launched a global commitment to advance equality in the book industry. The initiative, presented at the Frankfurt Fair, aims to increase the number of women in leadership positions, improve working conditions, and increase the visibility of female authors.

Charity auction features names of famous characters

Margaret Atwood, Zadie Smith, and Ian McEwan are participating in a charity auction organized by the British association Freedom from Torture. The auction, which begins on October 28, offers the opportunity to have one's name associated with a character in the next novel of these authors.

Ancient manuscripts displayed in Bulgaria

The National Library of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Sofia, Bulgaria, displayed several ancient manuscripts for three hours on October 9. The display included an Armenian gospel dated 966, highlighting the library's rare and fragile collection of historical texts.

Shakespeare as a black woman

At the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, the idea that Shakespeare was a black woman, first proposed by Maya Angelou in 1985, is being explored through manuscripts, old editions, and theatrical archives. The library is showcasing how generations of black women have read, performed, and reinterpreted his work.

J.K. Rowling criticizes transgender activism

In a new essay, J.K. Rowling describes transgender activism as an "elitist" movement imposed on the working classes by institutions. The author of Harry Potter has continued to fund legal proceedings against critics of her views, despite the lack of solid evidence supporting her claims.

Librarians' dictionary expands on censorship and inclusion

The Militant Dictionary for Librarians has been updated to include terms related to censorship, inclusion, and budgetary issues. The dictionary, which was first published in 2018, now includes new definitions and reflects the challenges faced by librarians in the current climate.

French government proposes new taxes to support books

At the National Assembly, the government is considering amendments to the 2027 budget bill that would tax the turnover of editorial groups and platforms, as well as pulped books, to support bookstores and independent publishers. The proposal, introduced by Sarah Legrain, aims to address the financial challenges faced by the book industry.

Death of Ryû Murakami sparks reflection in France

The Japanese writer Ryû Murakami, known for his works on sex, drugs, and rebellion, has died at 74. His death has sparked reflection in France, where a climate of contestation is currently underway. Murakami's novels have long explored the anger of a generation that felt out of place in society.

French language commission addresses nuclear terminology

The French Language Enrichment Commission has turned its attention to the field of nuclear energy, aiming to standardize terminology and ensure clear communication. The commission's goal is to facilitate the use of French in technical fields and prevent misunderstandings that could lead to accidents.

Proust manuscripts' price rises due to inflation

The price of unpublished archives of Marcel Proust, currently up for sale by the author's heirs, has increased due to inflation. The State's initial target of 4.96 million euros has been raised to 5.1 million euros, reflecting the rising costs of acquiring historical literary works.

Lagardère defends its book selection policy

Lagardère Travel Retail France has defended its decision to remove the ability of booksellers at the Relay in Lyon station to freely choose their books. The company cited the need for harmonization of its tools and assured that the book would continue to be available in the chain, despite criticism from some quarters.

Railway workers' book distribution postponed

The gathering scheduled to defend the distribution of books to railway workers at Lyon station in Paris has been postponed. While some progress has been made, no solution has yet been announced. The issue remains a point of contention in the ongoing debate over the future of book distribution in public transport.

Lagardère admits shortcomings in book selection

Lagardère Travel Retail has admitted to "shortcomings" in its book selection policy after the removal of the extreme right magazine The Fury from its shelves. However, the company confirmed that the magazine would no longer be available in its stores, despite some instances of continued display.

Catherine Pégard struggles to defend her budget

Catherine Pégard faced challenges in defending her budget during a meeting with the cultural affairs committee of the National Assembly. The government's austerity measures and insufficient savings have raised concerns among cultural professionals, while the Minister of Culture provided only vague statements.

Bridget Jones prize supports new comedic writers

Helen Fielding, the creator of Bridget Jones's Diary, has launched a literary prize for unknown comedy writers in the north of England. The prize, worth 2000 pounds, is intended to support writers who have not yet published a book or have an agent.

Palestine documentary delayed by publisher disagreements

Two authors, Alana Hadid and Jenan Matari, have withdrawn their children's book on Palestine from Random House after disagreements over the portrayal of the October 7, 2023 attacks. The book is now scheduled for publication in 2027 by an independent publisher, Interlink Books, under a different title.

Bookstores face pressure to open or close

Messages on social media have raised concerns about the safety of bookstores, with reports of broken windows and looted stores. As the next mobilization day approaches on October 24, many bookstores are considering whether to open or close, facing difficult choices in a challenging environment.

AI controversy leads to book withdrawal

The Quebec editions of Boréal have announced that they will no longer reprint C'était ça ou mourir and will not publish any other books by Thélyson Orélien. This decision follows an analysis of the novel's working documents, which revealed traces of artificial intelligence in its metadata.

Boualem Sansal returns with a new novel

Boualem Sansal has returned to publishing with a new novel, La possibilité d'un miracle, after a period of controversy and departure from Grasset. The book, which he began before his arrest, has received a 1 million euro advance and is expected to be published on January 6, 2027.

Sally Rooney defended by literary figures

Nearly 160 personalities from the literary, artistic, and cultural worlds have signed an open letter defending Sally Rooney after she was accused of being a terrorist. Among the signatories are Nobel Prize-winning authors and figures from the film industry, including Tilda Swinton and Daisy Edgar-Jones.

Mariah Carey avoids defamation lawsuit

An American court has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Morgan Carey against his sister, Mariah Carey, over her memoir. The lawsuit, which accused Mariah of false claims about Morgan, was dismissed after the court found no merit in the allegations.

Conflict of interest at the Supreme Court

Four judges of the American Supreme Court have withdrawn from a case involving BMG, a company controlled by Bertelsmann. The judges had previously published books with Penguin Random House, which is owned by the same German group. The absence of a quorum led to a decision in favor of a composer without examining the case's substance.

Ferdinand Buisson's plea for the League of Nations

Ferdinand Buisson's 1917 speech in favor of the League of Nations is being revisited in light of Emmanuel Macron's speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026. The speech highlights the origins of the League of Nations, the first international organization with objectives similar to the United Nations.

Ukrainian love story withdrawn due to threats

Juna Liebrecht's first novel, set in Kherson, Ukraine, will not be published by Molino Verlag after the German publisher decided to cancel the release. The decision came after threats against the author, highlighting the challenges of publishing stories related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.