Kensington Publishing announced a new strategic alliance with Hudson Publishing yesterday afternoon, with plans to launch a new imprint called Marimba Books in 2008, focusing on “children’s books with spiritual and moral themes geared to the African-American market,” along with other multi-culturally themed titles. Wade Hudson (left), who co-founded the independent imprint Just Us Books with his wife Cheryl in 1988, was enthusiastic about the venture. “We pride ourselves on having worked to fill the void in black-oriented children’s books,” he said in the press release announcing the team-up. “This new venture allows us to present more of the titles Cheryl and I believe in, and to bring them to more readers through more outlets than ever before.” The couple will also be producing three of Marimba’s first six illustrated books, including From Where I Stand and It’s Church Going Time.