After announcing a deal with Randon House to establish a new book publishing imprint for adults in September, Discovery Communications is planning a series of books for kids, according to Natalie Chapman, publishing director of Discovery Channel Publishing.

The content will not be decided until a publisher is named, but Chapman says the themes will cover Discovery’s general categories of natural history, science, technology, exploration and adventure. By targeting students and preschoolers, Discovery is filling a niche left open by its major competitor, National Geographic.

Although Chapman insists Discovery’s ‘publishers’ program isn’t looking over the shoulder of National Geographic,’ the addition of a book line targeting children will draw a division between the rival brands.

While Discovery plans to produce 10 books this coming year in its adult nonfiction line, its strategy for the children’s line in the autumn of 1999 is more modest: Chapman says the company plans to start slowly, growing its title list year by year.