First-Ever "Olympian Week" to celebrate Percy Jackson's return in
the second book in The Heroes of Olympus series
New York-August 18, 2011- With a 3-million copy first printing-the largest first printing in DPW history-Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) announced today the return of the ultimate demigod hero, Percy Jackson in The Son of Neptune. In support of the October 4, 2011 one-day laydown, fans are invited to special prepublication festivities in Los Angeles and New York City as well as online at HeroesofOlympus.com. Disney Publishing will also launch the first-ever Olympian Week, a seven-day, coast-to-coast celebration of Rick Riordan and his Heroes of Olympus series.
"Rick Riordan has created one of the most iconic characters in children's book history with Percy Jackson," said Suzanne Murphy, vice president and publisher, Disney Publishing Worldwide. "Children, booksellers, librarians, and fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting Percy's return, and we believe that will propel The Son of Neptune to be the biggest book of the fall for young readers."
Two exclusive prepublication events will take place the weekend prior to the book's release, on Saturday, October 1, at Greeley Square in New York City, and Sunday, October 2, at The Grove in Los Angeles. DPW invites fans to help take over the entire outdoor areas of these iconic venues to celebrate The Son of Neptune. Fans of all ages are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character and join the festivities, which will include performances and readings by characters from the series. Get all the latest information on the series at HeroesofOlympus.com.
Hundreds of bookstores and libraries throughout the US and Canada entered the Olympian Week contest for a chance to win an event with Rick Riordan. The seven winners who will be hosting an event during Olympian Week (October 4-10) are:
The Son of Neptune simultaneously releases in hardcover, as an eBook, and as an audio version through Listening Library on October 4, 2011. Thirty million books are currently in print in the US across Riordan's three series from Disney-Hyperion Books: Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles, and The Heroes of Olympus. The books have been translated into 37 languages in 36 countries.
With an ever-expanding cast of brave-hearted heroes and formidable foes, this second book in The Heroes of Olympus series offers all of the action, pathos, and humor that Rick Riordan fans crave. Visit heroesofolympus.com for more information on The Son of Neptune and the series.
Rick Riordan, Children's Choice Book Award Author of the Year, is the author of the award-winning New York Times #1 best-selling Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The Lightning Thief, the first book in that series, was developed into a feature film. In 2010 he launched two all-new series that both debuted at #1 on multiple best-seller lists: The Kane Chronicles and The Heroes of Olympus. His previous novels for adults include the hugely popular Tres Navarre series, winner of the top three awards in the mystery genre. He lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and two sons. For additional information on Rick visit rickriordan.com.
About Disney Publishing Worldwide
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines, with over 250 million children's books and over 400 million children's magazines sold each year. Disney Publishing Worldwide consists of an extensive worldwide licensing structure as well as vertically integrated publishing imprints including Disney Book Group in the U.S., Disney Libri in Italy and Disney Libros in Spain. DPW publishes a range of children's magazines globally including Topolino, Le Journal de Mickey, and Donald Duck, as well as family titles in the U.S. which include Disney FamilyFun and Phineas and Ferb. Disney English is DPW's English language learning business which includes Disney English schools in China and a worldwide retail licensing program. DPW's digital products include bestselling eBook titles as well as original apps. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, Disney Publishing Worldwide publishes books, magazines, and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit disneypublishing.com.