Children’s book editor and publisher Walter Lorraine is planning to retired at the end of 2007, concluding a 55-year career in children’s books with Houghton Mifflin. He joined the company after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, and rose through the ranks. He directed the children’s trade division for many years, and is now publisher of his own imprint. Some of the authors and illustrators he’s worked with include David Macaulay, Chris Van Allsburg, Scott O’Dell, and Lois Lowry.
Houghton Mifflin’s vice president and publisher of the children’s division Betsy Groban said “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.”