In order to diversify its collections, in 1988, French independent editor L’École des loisirs decides to open an editorial branch in Brussels. The name chosen for the new Belgian imprint is Pastel, and its director Christiane Germain. In 2008 she is succeeded by Odile Josselin.
Pastel’s catalogue currently includes over 600 works, around 80% of them being original works, and about 60 authors, both Belgian and international. Pastel’s catalogue highlights albums from artists from England, Swede, Germany, etc. A few of them became emblematic of the publishing house, such as Éva Eriksson, Barbara Firth, Anita Jeram, etc. Pastel’s editorial policy pays great attention to the requirement of literary and graphic quality that was always praised at L’École des loisirs, with a will to innovate through artistic ways while addressing children without taboos and with softness and respecting the young reader.
