Fremantle Press presents a stunningly diverse list of children’s books for Bologna 2023

Bologna 2023 Children’s Highlights

Whether it’s first books for babies and toddlers, stunningly original picture books and graphic novels, or challenging and thought-provoking stories for young adults, Fremantle Press works with a rich and diverse range of authors to bring important stories to life for readers of all ages.

Stellarphant, our multi-award-winning White Ravens book of 2022, has an inspiring message for young readers: is there any reason why an elephant shouldn’t go to space? Well, no, of course not! If you have ambition and drive, and put in the hard work, then like Stella the Elephant, you too can reach for the stars!  

Author James Foley has been entertaining children and inspiring them to push the boundaries of science with his previous STEM series of graphic novels. His hilarious four-book series (S. Tinker Inc.) is not to be missed – check out Brobot and see more from James Foley here.

We are also pleased to be highlighting an important graphic novel for older readers, Stars in their Eyes, by Jessica Walton and Aśka, that explores the challenges and experiences of a teenager with a disability in this moving coming-of-age story. World English language rights have been sold to Scholastic imprint GRAPHIX and we are seeking foreign language partners for this title.  

Young adult readers will also be inspired by Fremantle Press’s recent collections of original writing from under-represented and diverse voices. Our first anthologies, Meet Me at the Intersection and Unlimited Futures, will be joined by a third title – An Unexpected Party, curated by trans editor Seth Malacari – later this year.

And hot off the press, we are delighted to announce that our award-winning YA title, Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard, is in development for TV with a release date in late 2024. Foreign language rights are available.  

We have also signed a new title with the amazing Kelly Canby and we are presenting Timeless, a stunning and thought-provoking picture book that follows her other successful books: Littlelight, The Hole Story and Rodney.

We believe it is important for every child to recognise themselves in the books they enjoy, and our latest picture book for the very young, Say Hooray!, is a joyful celebration of all the wonderful experiences demonstrated by a diverse cast of adorable babies.

For Fremantle Press’s complete Children’s Catalogue, including Aboriginal works, classic picture books from Australian authors as well as select junior, middle fiction and YA, go to our rights and permissions page here: fremantlepress.com.au/rights-and-permissions/.