2023 Rights Catalogue - Fremantle Press Children's Books - Fremantle Press Children's Books
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2023 Rights Catalogue Fremantle Press Children’s Books
SAY HOORAY
PICTURE BOOKS
NEW
RENAE HAYWARD AND REBECCA MILLS 2023
A celebration of baby achievements, Say Hooray is the perfect book
to engage the whole family in those special moments of a baby’s
early days. From rolling front to back to waving goodbye, the playful
rhymes and vibrant illustrations make this an amazing read-aloud
book for babies and older siblings alike.
AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR INFORMATION
• This is Renae Hayward’s second children’s book, her first was
Barking Mad (Walker Books Australia). Renae was the inaugural
recipient of the Ray Koppe Young Writers’ Residency (Australian
Society of Authors / Varuna).
• Fifteen years of working in perinatal and infant health taught
Renae Hayward how important family relationships are in the
social and emotional development of babies.
• Rebecca Mills is a graphic designer and illustrator, best known for
her bright, colourful, whimsical illustrations.
COMING
SOON
March 2023 • 0–5 yr olds • HB 235 x 235 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
STELLARPHANT
PICTURE BOOKS
JAMES FOLEY
Heroes come in all shapes, sizes and species. Stella wants to be an
astronaut. There is only one problem: Stella is an elephant. Every time
she applies to Space Command, they come up with a new reason
she can’t join. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and Stella is
determined to reach for the stars. She doesn’t take no for an answer.
She might be an elephant, and elephants have never been astronauts
before, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have the ‘right stuff’!
FEATURE INFORMATION
• James’s earlier books, My Dead Bunny, In the Lion, The Last
Viking and The Last Viking Returns, have all scored several
honours, including children’s choice awards, shortlistings in the
Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award and
selection to the International Youth Library’s White Ravens List.
• The book comes at a time when space exploration is back in the
news on a daily basis and the book’s key themes are science,
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN
invention and inclusivity.
PREMIER’S BOOK AWARDS
SHORTLIST • Stellarphant is on the 2022 White Ravens List. The book has
won multiple accolades including the Children’s Book Council of
Australia’s Children’s Choice Award.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Foley writes and illustrates picture books, middle-grade
novels and comics for kids. He’s the author–illustrator of the award-
winning S. Tinker Inc. graphic novel series for middle primary. Brobot,
Dungzilla, Gastronauts and Chickensaurus star Sally Tinker, the
world’s foremost inventor under the age of 12, and Joe Tinker, her
stinky baby brother. James is an ambassador for Books in Homes and
Room to Read Australia. He is a massive Marvel movie nerd.
November 2021 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 295 x 235 mm • 40 pages
Rights available: World
Rights sold: North America – Kane Miller, Turkey – Penguen Kitap
CHICKENSAURUS
YOUNG READERS
JAMES FOLEY
Sally Tinker, the world’s foremost inventor under the age of 12, is
back with a new adventure in invention. This time, Sally’s archenemy
Dexter Maelstrom invites her to a demonstration of his De-Evolving
Ray, which turns chickens into dinosaurs! But when Dexter’s
chickensaurs break free and go on the hunt, there’s no room for the
lily-livered. Sally – along with her friend Charli and her baby brother
Joe – will need all their pluck to avoid becoming chicken feed. Is
Dexter behind this fowl and poultry plot – or is somebody else the
bad egg? Will Sally ever return the world to its rightful pecking
order? Find out in the fourth instalment of the S.Tinker Inc series.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Promotes creative thinking and an interest in science and
technology (eszzpecially for girls) through the medium of laughter.
• Award-winning author–illustrator: International White Ravens list,
the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, and the Children’s Book Council of
Australia Junior Judges Award.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOKS
‘Kids will love the attitude, the action, the vivid cartoon-style
illustration; and adults will love the zany, over the top humour, and
the happy ending that will bring smiles all round.’ Reading Time
‘James Foley spins a yarn about a girl inventor and her robotic sibling
… a hilarious take on domestic dystopia.’ West Australian
‘Perfect for junior readers, both boys and girls.’ Lamont Books
All books • 6–10 yr olds • PB • 112/120 pages
Rights available: World
Rights sold: All four books China – Love Reading Information Consultancy, Gastronauts Turkey –
Penguen Kitap, Brobot and Dungzilla The Netherlands – De Eenhoorn, Turkey – Penguen Kitap,
Korea – Booknbean Publishing Co., Brobot and Chickensaurus Russia – Labirint Press
TIMELESS
PICTURE BOOKS
KELLY CANBY
Emit (whose parents turned back time to name him) is surrounded
by busyness. Dad is too busy to read stories, Mum is too busy to
play games and Emit’s brother and sister are simply too busy doing
nothing to do anything at all. Emit tries everything he can think of to
get more time, he tries to catch it, wait for it, but it’s not until Emit
tries to buy some time that he learns the secret, which is if you want
time, you have to make it.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Kelly has published over a dozen books that are available widely
in the UK, US and Australia. She runs an active blog and has over
MEET KELLY 5,000 followers on Instagram.
CANBY AT THE
AUSTRALIAN • Her award-winning book The Hole Story has already sold into
COLLECTIVE seven territories and received the following awards: Children’s
One day there was simply no time
STAND Book Council of Australia, Book of the Year, Picture Book
Pad. 25 Category (Notable Book 2019) and the WA Premier’s Prize for
Stand A/87 Writing for Children (Winner, 2018), while another of her books,
Littlelight, has sold into four territories and was shortlisted for
the WA Premier’s Award.
... or lying around
PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR
letting it slip through their
‘Teachers and parents will appreciate the themes of family, quality
time and community, which make Timeless ideal for all libraries and
bookshelves at home.’ Books + Publishing
2023 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 280 x 240 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
PICTURE BOOKS MORE FROM KELLY CANBY
LITTLELIGHT
When bricks start to go missing from the town of Littlelight, the mayor whips his citizens
into a frenzy of aggravation. But when the townspeople find the thief, and her motive, they WESTERN AUSTRALIAN
PREMIER’S BOOK AWARDS
discover perhaps it is the mayor who is the problem. Illustrated in moody black and white SHORTLIST
with dynamic neon highlights, this is a timely and thought-provoking tale of tolerance and
acceptance.
PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR
‘With this work, author–illustrator Canby further confirms her reputation as an innovative
and thought-provoking storyteller.’ Books+Publishing
2020 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 295 x 225 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
Rights sold: Taiwan – Wordfield Publishing Ltd; Korea – Urikyuyuk co.,Ltd.;
Greece – Klidarithmos Publishing, Turkey – Aras
THE HOLE STORY The WA
Premier’s Prize
Charlie is excited when he finds a hole. He picks it up and puts it in his pocket, but soon
for Writing for
realises that having a hole in your pocket is not a good thing. A hole in your backpack is
Children
even worse. So Charlie sets out through town to find a new owner for the hole. WINNER 2018
March 2018 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 234 x 274 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
Rights sold: Belgium & The Netherlands – Clavis Books; Italy – Terre di Mezzo, Spain – Tramunta-
na Editorial; Korea – Sowannamu Publishing; China– Shanghai Juvenile & Children’s Publishing
House; Slovenia – Miš Publishing; Greece – Klidarithmos Publishing
RODNEY Children’s
Book Council
Rodney spent most of his days looking up. Imagining, for hours, what a life high among of Australia
the treetops would be like and how it would feel to be so … tall. Rodney is a small tortoise Notable Book
with a BIG dream. All he wants is to be larger. Then one day, Rodney’s dream comes true – 2019
or does it? It’s all a matter of perspective!
March 2019 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 305 x 210 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
Rights sold: Turkey – Is Kultur
WHEN I CAN FLY
PICTURE BOOKS
NEW
KATIE STEWART 2023
Little Boobook is obsessed with the idea of going to the city. He
promises himself that as soon as he learns to fly, he’ll set off on his
adventure. The city, however, is not what he imagined at all, and he
finds himself missing his mum and ready for a new adventure back at
home. This is a delightful picture book about taking a chance, working
hard to achieve your dreams and the comfort of a loving family.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Katie Stewart is an author and illustrator. Born in the north of
England, she came to Australia at the age of nine. She started
her working life as an archaeologist and ethnohistorian, and then
became a teacher. She is married to a farmer, has three children,
and her love of animals means she has a lot of pets and takes lots
of nature photos.
PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR
‘This is great book to encourage young children’s curiosity about
their natural environment and to pose their own questions about the
world around them.’ ReadPlus
‘The full-page beautifully textured illustrations of iconic Australian
fauna and flora make the book worth simply looking at before even
beginning to read.’ Reading Time
August 2023 • 2–5 yr olds • HB 235 x 235 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
PICTURE BOOKS MORE FROM KATIE STEWART
WOMBAT CAN’T SING
Wombat loves to listen to Fantail sing, especially when Fantail says that her songs make
everyone happy. Wombat wants to make others happy, too. But his attempts at singing
– even with lots of advice and assistance from friends – fall woefully short. Then Wombat
discovers his own unique way to make others just as happy.
2022 • 2–5 yr olds • HB 235 x 235 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
WHERE DO THE STARS GO?
Possum wakes unexpectedly one day and wants to know where the stars go in the
morning. His friends, such as Bungarra, Rakali, Numbat and Galah, all have ideas and he
spends a wonderful day discovering ‘stars’ in his environment. So wonderful, in fact, that
even when his mother helps him to discover the true answer, he still plans to look for more
stars the next day.
2021 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 235 x 235 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
WHAT COLOUR IS THE SEA?
Koala has a question for her friends – what colour is the sea? But they all give her
Shortlisted Speech
different answers, and Koala doesn’t know who to believe. Owl suggests she finds
Pathology Australia
out for herself. Koala sets off for the sea, only to discover that all her friends are Book of the Year
right – the sea is no colour and many colours. A beautiful tale of discovery and Award 2020 & 2021
perception.
2020 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 235 x 235 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
Rights sold: Turkey – Is Kultur
OWL AND STAR
YOUNG READERS
HELEN MILROY
Owl loved the sparkle of the stars. He would sit out on his tree at
dusk and wait for them to appear. One evening, Owl became worried.
His favourite little star had not shown herself. Owl searched far and
wide. Where could Little Star be?
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘What makes this book outstanding is the quality of the rich and
detailed illustrations.’ ReadPlus
‘This enchanting First Nations story is a perfect night-time read,
gazing up at the starry sky and listening out for the hoot of an owl.’
Indigenous Literacy Foundation
‘Owl and Star is a gentle story told in the style of a traditional tale –
perfect for sharing with little stars at bedtime.’ Writing WA
‘Striking and bold illustrations enhance this heart-warming tale.’
Abbey’s Bookshop
‘This picture book is lyrically told with incredible imagery … Young
readers will adore this magnificent tale of friendship.’ Reading Time
COMING
s long as the universe cou
For a ld r
em
was a special time bet e This was the time Owl
there wee mbe
nd r, loved the most.
ay
SOON
an
dn He knew every star in the universe, and
igh He would sit out on his
t, sleep watched and waited patiently as they
and wake. tree at dusk and wait for
the stars to show greeted him with their sparkle.
themselves.
At dawn, he would bask in the cool mist and
gentle light, and drif of into his dreamtime.
Owl landed gently next to Little
Star and scooped her up with his large
This was the time when wings onto his warm brown feathers.
anything was possible, ‘Oh, Owl,’ cried Little Star, ‘I was playing in the river and
both good and bad: missed the call of the breeze. What am I going to do? My
a time of change, of magic. light is fading and I am not strong enough to make it
back on my own.’
2022 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 237 x 190 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
BUSH BIRDS
YOUNG READERS
HELEN MILROY
From curious blue wrens to booming emus, and from feasting lorikeets
to eagles soaring, Bush Birds by Helen Milroy is a fun and lively read
with bold illustrations designed to celebrate the birds in our bush.
AUTHOR INFORMATION
• Dr Helen Milroy is a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara
region of Western Australia but was born and educated in Perth.
Australia’s first Indigenous doctor, Helen studied medicine at the
University of Western Australia, is currently Professor of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry at UWA and is a Commissioner with the
National Mental Health Commission.
PRAISE FOR THE ‘BACKYARD’ SERIES OF BOOKS
Shortlisted
Speech Pathology ‘It’s the bold-patterned and beautifully colourful illustrations that
Australia Book of strikingly bring the book together, from the detailed endpapers to
the Year Award each inviting spread.’ Books+Publishing
2020 & 2021
MORE IN THE SERIES
‘A vibrant cacophony of birdsong practically rings out from this
colourful picture book populated by the wondrous native birds living
in our backyards.’ Readings
‘The joy of this book is in the illustrations. They are full-page, richly
Shortlisted coloured, and each one is a unique design carrying strong influences
Readings from the contemporary art of the peoples of the Pilbara region of
Children’s Book Western Australia.’ Reading Time
Prize
‘The detailed endpapers are immediately appealing and are a place
where children can spy all the insects, while the compact size of the
book complements that familiar, child-friendly premise of looking for INDIGENOUS
backyard bugs.’ Magpies STORIES FOR
CHILDREN
February 2023 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 195 x 195 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: WorldONE WRONG TURN
MIDDLE READERS
CHENÉE MARRAPODI
Amelia is a ballerina on the rise – she’s talented, dedicated and set
to star in the lead role of the annual production. But when Valentina
arrives from Italy and joins the ballet academy, the competition
gets fierce. Can Amelia outshine Valentina and keep her place in the
spotlight?
FEATURE INFORMATION
• A contemporary Ballet Shoes set in an elite dance academy, this
compelling coming-of-age novel is all about overcoming pressure,
standing up for yourself and the joy of ballet. The perfect gift for
all young dancers.
• Chenée Marrapodi is a writer and podcaster, based in Perth,
Western Australia. She has a background in journalism and has
worked as a reporter for Channel Seven’s Today Tonight, as well as
online news and radio.
• Chenée’s love of words is rivalled only by her love of dance.
• The book is inspired by the author’s Italian family and by her time
dancing at a small ballet school in Calabria.
July 2023 • 8–11 yr olds • PB B Format • 288 pages
Rights available: WorldSTARS IN THEIR EYES
MIDDLE READERS – YA
WRITTEN BY JESSICA WALTON, ILLUSTRATED BY AŚKA
Jess Walton is a Set at a fantasy fiction convention featuring disabled, queer characters.
queer, disabled Maisie and her mum are going on a road trip to Maisie’s first ever fan
writer and convention. Maisie has always dreamed of meeting her hero and role
teacher. She is model, an amputee actor who plays a kick-arse amputee character in
the author of a Maisie’s favourite TV show.
picture book as
Fancon is exciting and exhausting – Maisie has never met so many of
well as a range
her own people and finding a whole community of queer disabled
of short stories
people is awesome. Then she meets Ollie, and they have an instant
published in
connection. They share poffertjes and life stories and a love of fan
anthologies for
fiction. Everything would be perfect, if only they didn’t live so far apart.
kids and teens.
FEATURE INFORMATION
Aśka is an • This is an important work for the early teenage years, addressing
energetic issues of difference, diversity and inclusion through a medium
illustrator, perfectly suited to this type of personal and emotional story – the
storyteller graphic novel.
and science
communicator. PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
October 2021 • 12+ yr olds • PB • 216 pages
Rights available: World
Rights sold: World English language except ANZ – Scholastic Inc.I AM THE MAU AND OTHER STORIES
MIDDLE READERS
CHEMUTAI GLASHEEN
This enticing collection of contemporary fiction is a celebration of our
ubuntu: the invisible ties that bind us all together. From ancient forest
guardians to modern cultural warriors, from grappling with age-
old traditions to championing hair identity, these evocative stories
explore the duality of Kenyan life and how to find a way between two
cultures, both of which are yours. Chemutai Glasheen’s unforgettable
characters are drawn from her early life in Africa, with all its richness,
diversity and complexity.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Chemutai Glasheen is a Kenyan-born writer who lives in Western
Australia.
• Her work has been published in Unlimited Futures: Speculative,
Visionary Blak+Black Fiction and ACE: Arresting, Contemporary
stories by Emerging writers and has featured in the Museum of
Freedom and Tolerance.
• This strong contemporary short fiction anthology meets the
ongoing demand for diverse voices in YA literature.
August 2023 • Ages 12+• PB B Format • 256 pages
Rights available: WorldUNLIMITED FUTURES
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
EDITED BY RAFEIF ISMAIL, ELLEN VAN NEERVEN AND HELLA IBRAHIM
The works of First Nations writers, Black writers and Writers of
Colour have often been regulated to the margins or to certain types
of literature. Focusing on new speculative fiction, this book reflects
upon visionary pasts, hopeful futures and the invisible ties between
First Nations people and People of Colour. The editors hope this
anthology will be an avenue for individual and community change.
FEATURE INFORMATION
ABOUT THE EDITORS
Rafeif Ismail, who identifies as a third-culture youth of the Sudanese
diaspora, is an award-winning emerging author committed
to creating accessible spaces in the Arts for young people of
marginalised backgrounds.
Ellen van Neerven is an award-winning writer, editor and educator of
Mununjali Yugambeh and Dutch heritage with strong ancestral ties to
south-east Queensland. COMING
Hella Ibrahim is the founder and editorial director of Djed Press, SOON
an online publication that provides a paid platform for Creators of AN
Colour, and is an editor with a passion for activism through writing UNEXPECTED
and publishing. PARTY:
LGBTIQA+ MAGIC
CONTRIBUTORS: Tuesday Atzinger, Flora Chol, Claire G. Coleman,
Zena Cumpston, Lisa Fuller, Meleika Gesa-Fatafehi, Yirga Gelaw EDITED BY
Woldeyes, Chemutai Glasheen, Genevieve Grieves, Rafeif Ismail, Ambelin SETH MALACARI
Kwaymullina, Laniyuk, Maree McCarthy Yoelu, Jasmin McGaughey,
SJ Minniecon, Sisonke Msimang, Merryana Salem, Mykaela Saunders,
Aïsha Trambas, Alison Whittaker and Jasper Wyld.
March 2022 • 12+ yr olds • PB • 312 pages
Rights available: World October 2023 • Ages 14+ • PB B format • 288 pagesINVISIBLE BOYS
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
HOLDEN SHEPPARD
On the surface, nerd Zeke, punk Charlie and footy wannabe Hammer
look like they have nothing in common. But scratch that surface and
you’d find three boys in the throes of coming to terms with their
homosexuality in a town where it is invisible. Invisible Boys is a raw,
confronting YA novel that explores the complexities and trauma of
rural gay identity with painful honesty, devastating consequence and,
ultimately, hope.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Invisible Boys won the City of Fremantle Hungerford Award,
the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award, the Ray Koppe
Residency Award and the Kathleen Mitchell Prize. It was
a Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book, was
shortlisted for the Readings Young Adult Book Prize and the
Victorian Premier’s Literary Award, and longlisted for the Indie
Book Award.
• Audiso and Film and television rights have been optioned.
• In 2021 the book was voted sixteenth in the top Australian Kids
Books of all time.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘This book feels somewhat unmoored from time, with a raw edginess
... which brings to mind books like Puberty Blues and the work of Tim
Winton.’ Junior Books + Publishing
‘Full of genuine, authentic voices ... This is an important book for all
young people, as it shows one size does not fit all.’ Magpies
‘Sheppard will win himself a vast number of fans with this impressive
debut.’ DNA magazine
2019 • 15+ yr olds • PB • 344 pages
Rights available: WorldTHE HISTORY OF MISCHIEF
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
REBECCA HIGGIE
Following the death of their parents, Jessie and her older sister Kay
move to their grandmother’s abandoned house. One night they
discover The History of Mischief hidden beneath the floor: it is like no
book they have ever seen. From Ancient Greece to war-torn China,
from the Ethiopian Empire to Victorian England, the pages reveal
a world of mischief and mystery, adventure and adversity. But not
everything is as it seems, in the book or in her life, and the History
has a history of its own. Unravelling its secrets might be the biggest
mischief of all.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• An academic at Curtin University and Brunel University London,
Rebecca Higgie has published research on satire and politics.
Her stories and poems have appeared in publications such as
Westerly Magazine, Stories of Perth and Visible Ink.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘An impressive debut.’ Jan Nicholls, President, CBCA WA
‘Absorbing and enjoyable.’ PaperbarkWords
‘Rebecca Higgie’s young adult novel The History of Mischief is an
excellent debut from a new Australian author.’ Read Plus
‘A wonderful ambassador for the value of using libraries in the thrill of
research about real events and characters.’ Magpies
2020 • 12+ yr olds • PB • 376 pages
Rights available: WorldMY PLACE FOR YOUNGER READERS
CHILDREN’S NON-FICTION / INDIGENOUS
SALLY MORGAN
Since its publication in 1987, Sally Morgan’s My Place has sold more
than half a million copies in Australia, been translated and read all
over the world, and been reprinted dozens of times. Sally’s rich, zesty
and moving work is perhaps the best loved biography of Aboriginal
Australia ever written. My Place for Younger Readers is an abridged
edition that retains all the charm and power of the original.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• The adult version of the book won the Order of Australia Book
Prize, the Human Rights Award for Literature and the New South
Wales Premier’s Literary Award. Morgan has since gone on to win
many awards for her children’s books including the Australian
Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Sister Heart and the Silver
Nautilus Award for I Love Me.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘A book for everyone. It is wonderfully entertaining.’ New York Times
Book Review
‘A triumphant story that makes you glad it’s been told.’ Times on
Sunday
‘Sad and wise and funny … unbelievably and unexpectedly moving. A
book with heart.’ Alice Walker, author of The Colour Purple
‘I highly recommend this wonderful biography for both adults and
younger readers.’ Buzz Words
2020 • 12+ yrs • PB • 360 pages
Rights available: WorldLION IS THAT YOU?
PICTURE BOOKS
MOIRA COURT
Rumours abound of ex-circus cats roaming wild in the hills. But are
the stories true? Join in the search, and discover lots of different
animals along the way.
Written by award-winning author–illustrator Moira Court, in this
picture book readers get to search amongst the native flora for
hidden animals including a feral Big cat, a Bobtail lizard, a Dugite, a
Redcap parrot, a Kangaroo, an Echidna, a Goanna and a Quenda.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Moira Court’s work has been shortlisted for the Western
Australian Premier’s Book Award and made the CBCA Picture
Book of the Year Notables list. She was also a finalist in CBCA
Crichton Award for New Illustrators in 2009.
• Moira’s distinctive illustrations are created by hand using layered
woodblock prints, screen-prints and collage.
March 2022 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 235 x 200 mm • 40 pages
Rights available: WorldAT THE DOG PARK
PICTURE BOOKS
MOIRA COURT
This dog is noisy and that one is quiet. This dog is tiny and that one is
giant.
In lively rhyming prose, Moira Court captures all the joy of the dog
park, with each canine created in clever paper collage and screen-
print. At the Dog Park features real-life hounds of Western Australia,
including those of local authors Dianne Wolfer and James Foley.
Children will love identifying their favourite dog breeds and what
dogs they have seen at the park while learning about opposites.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Moira Court’s work has been shortlisted for the Western
Australian Premier’s Book Award and made the CBCA Picture
Book of the Year Notables list. She was also a finalist in CBCA
Crichton Award for New Illustrators in 2009.
• Moira’s distinctive illustrations are created by hand using layered
woodblock prints, screen-prints and collage.
PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR
‘This beautiful picture book will engage young readers through shape
and colour, movement, sound and text in a most satisfying whole.
Recommended to share with little ones.’ Magpies
‘... the wonderful thing is that these doggies are so beautifully drawn
with the artist using layered woodblock prints, screen-printing and
collage, that they all come alive for us.’ Good Reading
2020 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 185 x 250 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: WorldPICTURE BOOKS MORE FROM MOIRA COURT
ANTARCTICA
Antarctica – an icy desert with mountain ranges and sleeping
volcanoes, home to the spinning end of the earth and to a diverse
array of quirky creatures.
From the artist who brought us My Superhero (on the International
Youth Library White Raven List 2014) and Colour Me, Moira
Court brings Antarctica to life in this gorgeous new picture book,
combining clever counting with lyrical prose and stunning artwork.
PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR
‘This picture book by artist and author Moira Court has a distinctive
visual style that makes it stand out from other books for readers
aged three to five ... each double page spread features stunning
collage, block print and woodcut artworks.’ Junior Books+Publishing
‘The text is perfect for reading aloud with delicious words and a
wonderful rhythm that is beautifully complemented by lively paper
collage illustrations.’ Good Reading
‘Court’s illustrations are as gorgeous as her words, using texture,
tone and simple repetitive shapes ... to depict the Antarctic’s “quirky”
creatures and to keep little fingers turning the pages.’
South Sydney Herald
‘Colour Me closes with a rainbow and the strong message of diversity
and inclusion that the rainbow has come to represent.’ SBS Life
‘Court’s dynamic illustrations and the fold-out pages are guaranteed to
engage youngsters … Verdict: super.’ Herald Sun
2019 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 235 x 230 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
Rights sold: North America – Charlesbridge, Turkey – Is KulturEVERYTHING YOU WANT TO SEE
PICTURE BOOKS
KYLE HUGHES-ODGERS
From a tiger in a car to an electric guitar, from a horse to a monster (of
course!) this dynamic board book shows a whole range of fun things that
kids love to look at and talk about.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Hughes-Odgers is an award-winning Australian artist. He has held
exhibitions throughout Australia and internationally in New York, Los
Angeles, Singapore and Berlin. He has also been involved in large-scale
international public art projects.
• Hughes-Odgers has an international following, with an Instagram
account of 17,000+ followers.
PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR
‘… unique and distinctive.’ Magpies
‘The illustrations make this book irresistible.’ Herald Sun
‘Quiet. Powerful. Stunning to explore in both a visual and thoughtful sense,
this one deserves a sticker or three.’ Kids’ Book Review
‘This is a captivating picture book full of questions, both practical and
philosophical, which is sure to get readers’ imaginations working overtime.
A fantastic book. I loved it!’ YARR-A
‘… a wonderful exploration of the idea “build it and they will come”.’
Mornings with Fiona Parker, ABC Local Radio
April 2022 • 0–3 yr olds • Board Book 150 x 150 mm • 30 pages
Rights available: WorldMORE FROM KYLE HUGHES-ODGERS
PICTURE BOOKS
ONE THOUSAND TREES
KEY THEMES
A journey of imagination and discovery, exploring the nature ENVIRONMENT
of art and the art of nature. The book opens with a stark grey
city scene and the words, ‘Deep in the heart of the city, Frankie
dreams of a thousand trees’. It then shifts to a forest depicted in
translucent watercolour as Frankie moves over, under, between
and above the trees, before finally returning to the city.
2017 • 2–8 yr olds • HB, PB 305 x 210 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World Rights sold: Turkey – A7 Kitap
TEN TINY THINGS
WITH MEG McKINLAY
Tessa and Zachary are forced to walk to school after their ‘swift and comfortable
machine’ breaks down. What they discover each day outside those metal walls is a
wondrous place of secret somethings and hidden happenings. WINNER
SCBWI
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK CRYSTAL KIT
AWARD
‘I loved everything about this book and just read it at a story time session for under
5s. They loved it.’ Weekend Courier
‘The children’s journey from insulated car dwellers to open-hearted explorers of the
world around them is rendered with sympathy and insight. Very highly recommended
for ages 3 to 8 years.’ Child Magazines
2012 • 3–6 yr olds • HB, PB 230 x 238 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World Rights sold: Turkey – Nar PublishingPICTURE BOOKS MORE FROM KYLE HUGHES-ODGERS
CAN A SKELETON HAVE AN X-RAY? LONGLISTED
FRANKFURT
What spins the Earth? Do colours smell? Why is water wet? Where do dreams go? BOOK FAIR’S
Award-winning author and illustrator Kyle Hughes-Odgers brings his own unique GLOBAL
ILLUSTRATION
vision to these and many other questions, from the practical to the philosophical. AWARD
A book guaranteed to fire young imaginations!
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘Quiet. Powerful. Stunning to explore in both a visual and thoughtful sense, this one
deserves a sticker or three.’ Kids’ Book Review
2015 • 4–10 yr olds • HB 240 x 230 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
Rights sold: Spain – MTM Editores, Turkey – A7 Kitap
ON A SMALL ISLAND
On a small island, in a gigantic sea, lives Ari. Ari longs for the large ships to stop at his island, he
longs to see remarkable things and to have interesting friends. On a small island, in a gigantic sea,
Ari has an idea. A dazzling idea. An irresistible idea … If he can’t go where it’s great, he’ll make
where he is a great place to be.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘… a wonderful exploration of the idea “build it and
they will come”.’ ABC Local Radio
2014 • 4–10 yr olds • HB 240 x 240 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: World
Rights sold: China – United Sky (Beijing) New Media Co.VEXATIOUS HAUNTING OF LILY
MIDDLE READERS
PAULA HAYES
When Lily Griffin finds a girl trapped inside a magic mirror, she
uncovers a long-forgotten family secret and sets in motion a
remarkable chain of events. Lily is a singular character, hilariously
funny, sweetly poignant and deeply daggy. Plagued by social doubts
and her own pecularities, she is the perfect person to investigate the
many secrets of her grandfather’s house and, along the way, mend
some family relationships, discover enduring friendships and learn to
play netball.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Packed full of adventure, magic and a little bit of history, The
Vexatious Haunting of Lily Griffin will entertain and engage
children from start to finish. Paula Hayes’ playful language and
hearty humour will make children laugh out loud. Her approach
to life’s challenges, such as sibling bullying, social anxiety and
adoption, is moving and handled with sensitivity. Plus the
addition of a dash of history, a main character with a vocabulary
like a thesaurus and a spate of ironically unspooky supernatural
occurrences makes for a highly entertaining read.
• The book features three novels in one large omnibus. They can
be published separately or as one large book. The first novel in
the series was a Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable
book in 2017.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘Complemented by vivid illustrations, The Vexatious Haunting of Lily
Griffin is a funny, heartfelt tale that pre-teens will gobble up.’ Writing
WA
‘If you are looking for a fun and easy ghost series, then this is the
perfect book.’ StoryLinks
2022 • 8–11 yr olds • PB B format • 448 pages
Rights available: WorldBENEATH THE TREES
YOUNG READERS
CRISTY BURNE
Cam and Sophie feel like they’ve been travelling forever to get to
the rainforest and the river and their cousins. They just want to see
a platypus in the wild, but with the rain tipping down and the river
turning wild they can’t see a thing. Until suddenly, they can. A platypus
is just below them, and it needs help! But when their rescue attempt
goes horribly wrong, it’s not just the platypus that needs saving ...
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Cristy is a children’s author and science writer with degrees in
biotechnology and science communication. She has also worked as
a science circus performer, garbage analyst, Santa’s pixie, and atom-
smashing reporter.
• Her previous title Off the Track was shortlisted for an Environment
Award for Children’s Literature.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOKS
‘Cristy Burne has an easy-to-read writing style and students will enjoy
her touches of humour interspersed throughout the novel ... Highly
recommended.’ Magpies
‘A funny and informative story about getting away from it all.’
Kids’ Reading Guide
‘I liked this book because it has lots of twists and turns. It’s about
making friends and being adventurous ... 4 out of 5 stars!’
Thandie, age 8, Kookie Magazine
2021 • 7–8 yr olds • PB • 104 pages
To the Lighthouse: 2017 • 7–8 yr olds • PB • 112 pages
Off the Track: 2018 • 7–8 yr olds • PB • 128 pages
Rights available all books: WorldALEX AND THE ALPACAS RIDE AGAIN
MIDDLE READERS
KATHRYN LEFROY
In this thrilling conclusion to the adventure begun in Alex and the
Alpacas Save the World, Alex discovers that she didn’t complete the
mission and this time around it’s not one, but two evil spirits she will
need to defeat. Combining humour with high energy action and an
exciting plot full of twists and turns, this is a great read for lovers of
page-turning adventure.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Kathryn writes novels, screenplays and articles. She has a PhD
in marketing, several screenwriting credits, and her stories have
appeared in magazines, journals and online.
PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR
‘Readers will easily relate to strong and courageous Alex ... Both
highly entertaining and surprisingly endearing, Alex and the Alpacas
Save the World is also about the importance of family and respecting
the land around us.’ Books+Publishing
‘This is a fast-paced book with plenty of action, suspense and scary
moments ... overall the story is entertaining and engaging and the
alpacas make very appealing characters.’ Magpies
‘Alex and the Alpacas Save the World ... skilfully draws from literature
and myth – the duality of nature’s power, creation and destruction –
to weave a story that is fresh and compelling.’ Readings
2022 • 9–13 yr olds • PB • 263 pages
Rights available: WorldSHINE
PICTURE BOOKS
DANNY PARKER AND RUTH DE VOS
Shine is a love song between a parent and a child. Starting in the
early morning with the abrupt waking of the parents, Shine follows
a large family through their day. Shine is a story that seeks to find
the beauty in ordinary things and the joy of being together. It is an
attempt to put words to that spark of connection that we have with
each other.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Shine was inspired by Danny’s daughter when she told him he
‘was the shine in her shiny’. Danny was absorbed by the structure
of that phrase – and the beauty of its meaning.
• Ruth took Danny’s words and gave them her own twist: as a
mother of a large family (six children!), she treasures the beauty
in that chaos, and loves to share with others the joys and
blessings of having multiple children.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘It will warm your heart and is sure to become a family favourite.’
Kids’ Book Review
‘A beautiful homage to family love, Shine is sure to become a family
favourite.’ Magpies
2021 • 0-5 yr olds • HB 245 x 245 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: WorldPANDAMONIA BEST
PICTURE BOOKS
SELLER
CHRIS OWEN AND CHRIS NIXON
When visiting the zoo, whatever you do, DON’T WAKE THE PANDA!
Join in the fantastic fun as one grumpy panda sets off a frenzy
of wild partying: there’s grunting and growling and prancing
and prowling, skipping and scowling and squealing and yowling,
squeaking and squawking, snarling and snorting, hysterical howling
and chaotic cavorting.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Award-winning author and illustrator.
• Selected for the national independent booksellers’ Spring
Catalogue.
• Reprinted before release.
• Support materials available – bookmarks, posters, DND door
hangers, book trailer.
• This perfect read-aloud book was made into an interactive
musical performance at the Perth Writers Festival.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘With words and artwork in happy harmony, Pandamonia is highly
recommended for all ages (including adults!). [5 out of 5 stars]’
LONGLISTED Junior Books+Publishing
FRANKFURT
‘Nixon’s work brings a sense of playfulness and energy to
BOOK FAIR’S
GLOBAL Pandamonia ... a rollicking children’s story.’ Artist’s Chronicle
ILLUSTRATION ‘Lively rhyming text that grows and grows with action and noise
AWARD
words begging to be read aloud.’ 4MBS Classic FM Radio
LONGLISTED
SHORTLISTED
2016 • 4–6 yr olds • HB, PB 238 x 288 mm • 32 pages CHILDREN’S
WA YOUNG
BOOK COUNCIL
READERS’ BOOK
OF AUSTRALIA
Rights available: World AWARD 2017
AWARD 2016
Rights sold: Italy – Gallucci Editore, North America – Kane Miller, Germany – Carlsen Verlag,
China – United Sky (Beijing) New Media Co, Taiwan – Abula Press, Spain – Triqueta Editions,
Turkey – Karavan CocukVIOLET AND NOTHING
PICTURE BOOKS
FIONA BURROWS
Violet is a girl with big ideas. She is always thinking. One day she
starts thinking about nothing. What is nothing? Where is nothing? Is
it real? And if nothing is real, is anything real? A thought-provoking
picture book for curious kids.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Fiona Burrows is a writer and illustrator who currently works as
an academic adviser at a university, where she teaches writing,
designs learning materials and creates digital content for YouTube
and social media.
• This picture book is about the big philosophical questions that
children have. It celebrates intelligence, creativity and imagination,
and shows children, especially little girls, that these traits are
powerful ones to nurture.
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN
PREMIER’S BOOK AWARDS
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
SHORTLIST
‘The highlight of this book is the incredible illustrations. The pages
are bursting with colour, life and imagination and perfectly capture
the inquisitive and thoughtful young Violet.’ Reading Time
‘The illustrations of ‘nothing’ are abstract and filled with interesting
trivia while the illustrations of Violet and the people in her life are
eye-grabbing. This is a picture book about the big questions that
children have and that adults often can’t answer.’
Buzz Words Magazine
2019 • 3–5 yr olds • HB 230 x 235 mm • 32 pages
Rights available: WorldPICTURE BOOKS MORE FROM SALLY MORGAN
I LOVE ME
Acclaimed creators Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina celebrate
individuality and joyous self-esteem, in bouncy, rhythmic prose and
riotous colour.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘A beautifully written and illustrated book ... about loving yourself
for being you. It is a lovely book to read with small children to
teach them that we should all love ourselves just the way we are.’
Read Plus
‘The book aims to build self-esteem in children and the bright
illustrations and bouncy, prose, which uses rhyme, rhythm and
Silver Winner repetition will engage youngsters and encourage them to join in the
2019 Nautilus reading.’ Aussie Reviews
Book Award ‘I Love Me is a wonderful reminder not just to children but to the
for Children’s parents and teachers reading the book with them that the best thing
Picture Books –
we can do for ourselves is embrace who we are.’ West Australian
Non-Fiction
‘A superb little book of rhyming reasons you might love yourself.’
Reading Time
‘... highly recommended with its simple text and uplifting message
Longlisted about embracing individuality.’ Little Reading Room
2017 ABIA Small
Publishers’
Children’s Book
of the Year
2016 • 4–8 yr olds • Board Book, PB and HB • 32 pages
Rights available: World
Rights sold: North America – Andrews McMeel UniversalWOMBAT, MUDLARK AND OTHER STORIES
YOUNG READERS
HELEN MILROY
From a falling star to a lonely whale, an entertaining lizard to an
enterprising penguin, these Indigenous stories are full of wonder,
adventure and enduring friendships. Told in the style of traditional
O M B A T ,
teaching stories, these animal tales take young readers on adventures
of self-discovery and fulfilment.
W UDLARK
AUTHOR INFORMATION
• Dr Helen Milroy is a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara
region of Western Australia, but was born and educated in Perth.
M& OTHER STORIES
Australia’s first Indigenous doctor, Helen studied medicine at the
University of Western Australia and is currently Professor of Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry at UWA and a Commissioner with the
National Mental Health Commission.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN
PREMIER’S BOOK AWARDS
‘The themes of the book are universal for kids anywhere, encouraging
them to feel proud of their imagination, energy, optimism, emotional
SHORTLIST
intelligence and family connections.’ Fremantle Herald
‘This is a story that can help children to find their hidden strengths –
and to feel proud of them.’ Mums at the Table HELEN MILROY
‘These simple and direct stories demonstrate huge amounts of
INDIGENOUS emotional intelligence.’ Readings
STORIES FOR ‘Wombat, Mudlark and Other Stories is a book of eight stories about
CHILDREN love, friendship and nature. Reading them feels like a warm hug on a
cold day.’ Magpies
2019 • 6–10yr olds • PB • 96 pages
Shortlisted
Rights available: World Readings Prize
2019BELLA AND THE VOYAGING HOUSE
YOUNG READERS
MEG MACKINLAY
Bella’s house has a secret. It has legs and likes to travel at night.
Bella’s parents have come to grips with this oddity and don’t mind
as long as the house is back home by daylight. One night, Bella has
a wonderful idea for her grandfather’s birthday. She wants to find
a figurine Grandpa made of her grandmother, lost overboard in an
accident when Bella was distracted by a frolicking seal.
Bella and the house find the right spot, but not the figurine. Then the
seal reappears and directs them to where the figurine has moved to
on the currents. Bella is overjoyed. She directs the house to head for
home but when she wakes in the morning, Bella discovers the house
is still in the middle of the ocean, and her parents are not happy.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• Award-winning children’s author.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘This is an excellent addition to the ‘Bella’ series, and a great
introduction to longer storytelling for readers just starting out on
reading bigger books.’ Reading Time
2021 • 6-10 yr olds • PB • 112 pages
BELLA AND THE WANDERING HOUSE
Bella is very surprised one morning to discover her house has moved in the night – not a SHORTLISTED
lot, just a little. Night after night the house moves and the family wakes to a new location. AUREALIS
Each time it stops, it stops near water. When Bella realises that her room at the top of the AWARD 2015
house is built from Grandad’s old boat, she finally knows what the house is searching for.
2015 • 6–10 yr olds • PB • 80 pages
Rights available: WorldLITTLE JIANG
YOUNG READERS
SHIRLEY MARR
Mei Ling Pang was born at an inauspicious time on an inauspicious
day, so bad luck liked to follow her around. Strange things did too,
especially in Hungry Ghost Month. When Little Jiang arrives in
Honeywood, Mei’s luck goes from bad to worse. But in trying to help
Little Jiang, Mei changes her own luck forever.
AUTHOR INFORMATION
• Shirley Marr is a first generation Chinese-Australian. While working
on a very dry accounting PhD she realised she’d much rather be
writing stories instead. Her passion is to distil her cultural heritage
in unusual ways. She is the author of the internationally best-
selling A Glasshouse Full of Stars.
FEATURE INFORMATION
• A fresh and funny take on the old Chinese folk legend of the
jiangshi, this a fast-paced, page-turning adventure for middle
readers that is full of heart.
• Includes twelve line illustrations
PRAISE FOR THE BOOKS
‘It’s impossible to adequately sum up the untameable punk spirit that
thrums between the lines of Little Jiang; simply put, this book slaps.
It barrels ahead with the same knockabout energy of the Hong Kong
horror comedies it shares tropes with but goes so much further –
author Shirley Marr’s imagination is boundless.’ Books+Publishing
‘… Little Jiang cleverly combined vampires and ghosts with just
enough soul to pull at the heart strings.’ West Australian
2020 • 8–12 yr olds • PB • 200 pages
Rights available: WorldMEL AND SHELL
YOUNG READERS
JULIA LAWRINSON
It’s 1979. Swedish pop group ABBA rules the airwaves, rollerskating
is cool and Mel and Shell are best friends. There’s nothing they like
more than making up dances to ABBA songs, and there’s nothing
they like less than Scary Sharon and Stinky Simon. But things are
changing, fast.
As they start grade 5, the girls find themselves separated. Sharon
sets her sights on being friends with Shell, and tries to muscle out
Mel. Then Mel starts acting strangely, because, even though Shell
doesn’t know it, Mel’s parents are divorcing. Shell has a lot to learn
about the importance of loyalty and honesty – which she discovers
as she opens her heart to a pen pal from 1829.
AUTHOR INFORMATION
• Julia Lawrinson is a renowned and award-winning children’s
writer who has presented at schools and conferences in
Australia, Singapore, Indonesia and the United States.
PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR
‘Maddie in the Middle also raises the problems that many teens face –
how to fit in, how to be a good friend and how to find independence
but also follow the rules. This is a coming-of-age book for
tweens and would be a great conversation-starter for parents.’
Reading Time
2021 • 9–14 yr olds • PB • 208 pages
Maddie in the Middle: 2019 • 10–14 yr olds • PB • 232
Rights available (both books): WorldFremantle Press is an Australian independent publishing house renowned for books
of high quality. Our publications include works by new and established authors in the
fields of fiction, non-fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry and children’s literature.
We create book club notes and teachers notes, and these are freely available for use.
For our complete catalogue please see fremantlepress.com.au
Alex Allan
CEO, Rights and Sales
E: aallan@fremantlepress.com.au
T: +61 (0)8 9430 6331
25 Quarry Street, Fremantle
Western Australia 6160
www.fremantlepress.com.auYou can also read
