Walker Books partners with Messy Press

Walker Books Australia has announced a new partnership with Aotearoa New Zealand children’s publishing studio Messy Press.

Walker Books will “look after sales, distribution and marketing” for the independent children’s publisher, said the Australian publisher.

Messy Press is run by husband-and-wife team Adam Thompson and Erica Harrison. They work “with local and international authors and illustrators, they’ll specialise in creating playful, illustrated nonfiction, gift and activity books to inspire young, creative minds around the world”.

Harrison said, “As well as being one of our children’s publishing heroes, Walker Books shares our same passion, creative vision and taste in books. We can’t wait to get started.”

Thompson said, “Getting our local sales and distribution right was really important to help us launch Messy Press into Australia and New Zealand. Walker Books Australia are the best team to help us do this.”

Discussing Messy Press, Walker Books Australia managing director Angela Van Den Belt said, “Their fun, playful, and dynamic publishing vision is one our team is proud to represent across Australia and New Zealand. There is something truly special about supporting a new publisher at the beginning of their journey and contributing to their growth.”

Walker Books Australia and Messy Press plan to begin launching new titles from 2026.

Category: Local news