New Delhi, Penguin Random House India (PRH India) announces a new addition to its children’s publishing programme, with Aparna Kapur joining as Lead Editor, Children’s Publishing, and taking over stewardship of the Duckbill imprint from Sayoni Basu.
Co-founded by Sayoni Basu and acquired by PRH India in 2019, Duckbill has grown into one of the country’s most distinctive children’s publishing imprints, known for championing original, contemporary stories for young readers. Following the acquisition, Sayoni joined Penguin as Consultant Editor and has since played a pivotal role in shaping the imprint’s identity, list and community of authors and illustrators.
As Sayoni is moving on from PRH India by the end of November, Aparna Kapur is joining in July 2026 as Editor for the Duckbill imprint, reporting to Sohini Mitra, Publisher, Children’s Publishing. Aparna has over sixteen years of editorial experience, including roles at Pratham Books and HarperCollins India Children’s, and brings a deep understanding of children’s literature as both an editor and author.
Commenting on the transition, Sohini Mitra, Publisher- Children’s Publishing at PRH India, said, ‘It is impossible to talk about Duckbill without talking about Sayoni. She has shaped the imprint with remarkable vision, care and conviction, and her influence can be seen not only in the books she has championed, but in the vibrant community of authors, illustrators and readers who have come to trust and love Duckbill.
‘For me, working alongside Sayoni has been both a privilege and a joy. I have learnt so much from her—her editorial instinct, her unwavering commitment to creators, her generosity as a colleague, and her wonderful sense of humour. More than the exceptional list she leaves behind, she leaves a legacy of relationships, trust and creative excellence that will continue to define Duckbill for years to come. While we will miss her deeply, I know she will bring the same passion and brilliance to whatever comes next.
‘As we wish Sayoni the very best for her next chapter, I am delighted to welcome Aparna. She is a natural choice to take the imprint forward. Aparna understands children’s publishing from multiple vantage points—as an editor, a writer, and a passionate advocate for children’s literature. Many within the Duckbill community already know and respect her work, which makes this a particularly seamless transition. Children’s publishing is built as much on trust and instinct as it is on books, and I am confident Aparna will build on the strong foundation that Sayoni has created while bringing her own ideas and energy to the imprint’s next chapter.’
Aparna Kapur says, ‘I have loved Duckbill ever since Sayoni and Anushka announced their first set of books and have continued to be deeply interested in all they put out. I am very honoured and grateful that PRH India, Sohini and Sayoni have trusted me to carry on Duckbill’s list of fantastic, unusual, ambitious books. I hope I can fill Sayoni’s giant shoes of editorial perspicacity, good humour and high standards.’
Welcoming the new addition to the team, Sayoni Basu, says, ‘I have known Aparna as a colleague and an author, and it is a matter of great joy to me that she will be taking stewardship of the Duckbill list. Aparna is a person who is thoughtful, considerate, sensitive to text, capable of whimsy and fabulous humour, and with great empathy and kindness. And I can say that there is really no one else I would trust with the Duckbill list, which is very dear to my heart.’
About Aparna Kapur
Aparna brings over sixteen years of editorial experience to the role, having worked with leading children’s publishers including Pratham Books and HarperCollins India Children’s. She holds a master’s degree in Wild Writing, where her award-winning dissertation explored picture books, climate change and the plurality of voices. Aparna has spoken at several international conferences on children’s literature and publishing, including the International Research Society for Children’s Literature Conference, the Children’s Literature Association Conference and the Asian Festival of Children’s Content. Alongside her editorial work, she is also a widely published writer.