Larrikan acquires Galatola picture book
Larrikan has acquired world rights to Jess Galatola’s The Witch Who Couldn’t Spell, illustrated by Lu Baker.
The book follows the adventures of Wanda Spelled, “a little witch with a BIG problem”, said the publisher. “At Spell Bright Academy, her magic is marvellous … until her spelling slips. Her disastrous spells cause a polar bear at the zoo to bare it all and creates a whale of a time in the classroom!” More slip-ups follow, creating mayhem.
“Can working on her spelling teach Wanda that mistakes can lead to greater confidence?” asks the publisher. “Full of fun, wordplay, and heart, The Witch Who Couldn’t Spell celebrates the joy of learning, the fun of phonics, homophones, homonyms and the power of perseverance.”
Based on Quandamooka land, Galatola is a children’s author, teacher and curriculum specialist. She is author of Some Families Change (illus by Jenni Barrand, Exisle) and Seasons of Clementine (illus by Jasmine Berry, Perentie Press).
Galatola said, “Our language is full of peculiar rules, and spelling can be tricky. It’s no wonder we get mixed up sometimes! I was inspired by the idea of a little witch who tangles her spells the way we sometimes tangle our words and homophones. The Witch Who Couldn’t Spell reminds us that learning, kindness, and acceptance are always worth practising!”
Publisher Dani Vee said, “We’re so excited for this beautifully illustrated book that is not only fun, but gives young readers confidence about letting them know that it’s okay to make mistakes.”
Larrikan has scheduled The Witch Who Couldn’t Spell for July 2026.
Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions
