Bloomsbury acquires world rights to Melbourne duo’s picture book

Bloomsbury USA has acquired world rights to Melbourne-based author and illustrator team Jessica Walton and Dougal MacPherson’s Introducing Teddy, to be published globally in June 2016.

In a statement the publisher said the picture book introduces ‘very young readers to understanding gender identity and transition in an accessible and heart-warming story’, and is inspired Walton’s father’s transition from male to female.

‘When Walton’s son was born, she wasn’t able to find books featuring transgender and gender-fluid characters that could help her explain her father’s transition to him,’ said the publisher. ‘So instead, she decided to write the book she wanted to be able to read to her son.’

Bloomsbury USA children’s senior editor Sarah Shumway said the book is a ‘timely, beautiful, accessible, and very important book’. ‘We’re thrilled to partner with Jess and Dougal to bring this book’s message of acceptance and understanding to the youngest readers,’ said Shumway.

The book began as a Kickstarter project in August, raising $20,161 from 435 backers in 37 days.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions