Tonkato Unusual Childrens Books Hit -

"We want our books to be a surprise, a delight, and a sometimes even a little bit weird," says Tonkato's editorial director. "We're not afraid to take risks and try new things, because we believe that's where the most exciting and engaging stories come from."

Why this matters

However, the "hit" that made them famous was not their educational value, but the jarring disconnect between their format and their content. Unlike the sanitized, hyper-safe literature common in modern publishing, Tonkato books are known for a distinct brand of "brutal realism."

The future looks bright—and bizarre. Tonkato recently announced a partnership with a noise music collective to produce "audio books" that consist of static, whale song, and interrupted violin. Pre-orders sold out in four hours.