Wombat Books acquires Loveridge & Goodwin middle-grade novel

Wombat Books has acquired world rights to Josie Mack and the MEGA Division (Josie Mack #1), written by Bethany Loveridge and illustrated by Jade Goodwin.

The first in a trilogy, Josie Mack and the MEGA Division is about nine-year-old Josie who becomes friends with Ursula the wombat. The pair ‘complete environmental missions for the FUN (Fellowship of Underground Nocturnals),’ said the publisher. ‘When they prove their mettle, Josie and Ursula are invited to join the exceptional MEGA department. But will turning supersized create more problems than it solves?’

Loveridge (Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer, Wombat) is an educator and children’s author. She has worked as a youth worker, visual art teacher, curriculum specialist and ‘museum nerd (not the official title)’. Loveridge is currently the Queensland state director of SCBWI Australia East.

Based on Wonnarua Country in the Hunter Valley, Goodwin (Yarn Question: The Search for the Story Realm, Penguin) is a First Nations illustrator. Goodwin has worked on over 23 books – ‘Her vibrant, heartfelt illustrations celebrate culture, nature and connection, with warmth and playful detail woven into every page’, said the publisher.

Discussing Josie Mack, Loveridge said, ‘Josie is living out my childhood dreams – talking to animals, planning and scheming, exploring the bush, discovering (and joining) secret societies – it’s been a joy to write her story. At its heart, Josie Mack is about being a good friend and celebrating Australia’s special plant and animal life.’

The publisher said, ‘Wombat Books is passionate about books that explore Australian wildlife with conservation angles. Josie Mack is a clever junior fiction that ticks the boxes of fun, adventure and conservation. With Jade’s illustrations, this book will be a fabulous read!’

Wombat Books plans to release Josie Mack and the MEGA Division in July 2026.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions