Larrikin House acquires Hayward’s picture book

Larrikin House has acquired world rights to What Can I Get For Mother’s Day?, a picture book written by Renae Hayward and illustrated by Susan Joy Lu.

According to the publisher, the book responds to the difficulties in choosing a Mother’s Day gift: ‘Will it be hot air ballooning or a close encounter with a moose? No boring gifts allowed – Mum deserves an AWESOME day.’

Based in Fremantle, Hayward is the author of four books for children, Barking Mad, Say Goodnight, Say Hooray and Say Hello, and was the inaugural recipient of the Ray Koppe Young Writers Residency. Her poetry has appeared in The School Magazine (NSW Department of Education) and in the anthology Right Way Down. Lu is an author, artist, and illustrator. She was born in Belfast and now lives in Perth.

Hayward said, ‘A lot of effort goes into choosing – or making – the perfect gift. In my house this has resulted in some unintentionally hilarious presents. My favourite? A bag of dirt. It had been a pot plant, but it didn’t survive the journey home from kindy, nor being shoved into a secret storage place until the big day. What Can I Get for Mother’s Day? is an ode to all the kids who go the extra mile to make their mum feel special – and the mums who get to enjoy (or endure!) the results.’

The publisher said, ‘This is a unique and original book especially for Mother’s Day. Kids will love reading this with their mums, and it might inspire some interesting gifts!’

Larrikin House plans to release What Can I Get For Mother’s Day? in March 2026.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions