50 Years of Fremantle Press

Nearly a decade later, Kelly has gone on to publish six picture books with Fremantle Press and won the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award for Children’s Book of the Year, the 2024 CBCA Picture Book of the Year, and been shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award (2025). Kelly has been a wonderful asset to Fremantle Press, a feeling that is mutual: ‘Having Fremantle Press with me every step of the way made the experience a lot less overwhelming,’ said Kelly. ‘I felt supported. It was a reminder of how fortunate I am to work with a publisher that genuinely looks after their authors and illustrators.’

It made sense to ask Kelly to create the artwork for Fremantle Press’s 50^th anniversary tote bag, and what she’s achieved is a delightful reflection of the years-long partnership between Kelly and the Press: a joyful, leaping girl and a quieter girl reading beside her.

‘That combination felt right straight away,’ said Kelly. ‘The movement balanced the stillness. Because while our minds might be leaping around when we read, our bodies are often completely still.’

The leaping girl is from Kelly’s next book, Fearless. Kelly brings her own signature style that is loose, playful and bright, and the hand-lettered design comes from the key words of the design: Fun, energy and movement.

‘That’s where the hand lettering came in, it’s human and slightly imperfect,’ says Kelly. ‘Part of the illustration rather than sitting beside it. The way the words ‘STORIES MOVE’ read on their own felt important too, reinforcing the idea that stories don’t just sit quietly on the page. I followed my hand and the paintbrush and went where they led me, knowing that if it felt alive to me, it would feel alive to others, too.’

In her design, Kelly also wanted to reflect the sense of possibility that comes with Fremantle Press championing stories that are thoughtful and curious. ‘The idea that books can move us, open doors and spark imagination,’ Kelly explained. ‘That’s something Fremantle Press has been doing for children and families for fifty years.’

By purchasing a tote bag or pin, your support goes directly to helping Fremantle Press secure a permanent home for the future of Western Australian stories. A place Kelly hopes ‘becomes a place of connection and belonging. A visible, welcoming space that says stories matter here, and that WA voices are worth investing in. For authors and illustrators, having a permanent home like that feels very affirming.’

Be a part of the stories that move us and bring home a piece of art you’ll feel proud to own. As Kelly said, ‘You’re not just buying a tote bag; you’re supporting the future of stories in Western Australia.’