Utz Books

Utz Books (הוצאת עוץ) is an independent Israeli publishing house founded in 2013 by translator and editor Gili Bar-Hillel Semo. The name "Utz" is derived from the magical land created by author L. Frank Baum in 1900, a place of enchantment and wonders, a utopia where the highest values are love for all living creatures, imagination, tolerance, and a sense of folly. The publisher focuses on classic and fantasy literature for children and young adults, often releasing hardcover editions with original illustrations. Bar-Hillel Semo has stated that the press was born out of a love for books and nostalgia for books of the past, aiming to introduce Israeli children to beloved books from her own childhood that had never been translated into Hebrew. Utz Books operates as a boutique publisher, with only a few of its titles sold in large bookstore chains; most are sold through independent bookstores and its own website. The catalog includes works by authors such as L. Frank Baum, T. S. Eliot, Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre, Katherine Rundell, Louis Stowell, and others. The publisher also offers a book subscription card ("Utz Card") and participates in events like the ICon Festival. Utz Books is a private, independent entity, not publicly traded.

Utz Books was founded in 2013 by Gili Bar-Hillel Semo, a translator and editor. The publishing house was born out of her love for books and nostalgia for classic books, aiming to introduce Israeli children to books she loved in her childhood that had never been translated into Hebrew. The name "Utz" is taken from the magical land created by L. Frank Baum in 1900, a place of enchantment and wonders, a utopia where the highest values are love for all living creatures, imagination, tolerance, and a sense of folly. The publisher focuses on classic and fantasy literature for children and young adults, often releasing hardcover editions with original illustrations. Bar-Hillel Semo has emphasized that a printed book will not disappear but will become a luxury product. The selection of books is curated, focusing on fantasy and classics for children and teens. Only a few of the publisher's books are sold in large bookstore chains; others are sold in independent bookstores and through the publisher's website. The publisher also offers a subscription card ("Utz Card") and participates in events like the ICon Festival.

• 2013

  Utz Books founded by Gili Bar-Hillel Semo.

Boutique independent publisher focusing on carefully curated classic and fantasy literature for children and young adults, with emphasis on high-quality editions featuring original illustrations and design.

• Oz series by L. Frank Baum

  Classic children's fantasy series, including 'The Scarecrow of Oz'.

• Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

  Fantasy novel, with sequel 'The Poisoned King' available for pre-order.

• Loki series by Louie Stowell

  Humorous fantasy series for children.

• Mouse Adventures series by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

  Illustrated children's series, including 'Mice on Ice' and 'Mice on the Moon'.

• Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot

  Classic poetry collection.

1. 1Official website homepageutz.co.il
2. 2About pageutz.co.il
3. 3Hebrew Wikipedia articlehe.wikipedia.org
4. 4Wikidata entrywikidata.org
5. 5ארכיון היסטורי | עוץ הוצאה לאורutz.co.il