Publishers’ picks: Australian children’s graphic novels and picture books
Thursday, 2 April 2026 Books+Publishing @booksandpublishing
Australian publishers nominate the graphic novels and picture books they have high hopes for at Bologna.
| Anders and the Mountain Gregory Mackay Allen & Unwin Children’s April 2026 Graphic novel Rights contact: Carey Schroeter Rights held: World |
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| Allen & Unwin rights and international sales manager Carey Schroeter said, “Anders and the Mountain by Gregory Mackay is the fourth full-colour graphic novel standalone in our Anders series. Great for reluctant or new readers, these stories are packed with warm, charming adventure stories that spark the imagination. Featuring Anders and his band of intrepid friends (including their flying bug friends) they’re perfectly pitched at kids 6 to 11 years old.” |
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Terrible Tails: The Last Sipper Adin Milo Berbay February 2026 Graphic novel Rights contact: Alexandra Yatomi-Clarke |
| Berbay managing director Alexandra Yatomi-Clarke said, “Terrible Tails: The Last Sipper by Adin Milo taps into the strong global demand for humorous fantasy graphic novels for young readers. This category continues to perform exceptionally well across many territories, with readers looking for fast-paced, highly illustrated stories that combine adventure and comedy. Terrible Tails feels fresh and distinctive, with retro-inspired artwork and quirky characters. It has exactly the right balance of fun, humour and just the right amount of grossness that young readers love.” | |
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Casa Mia Josie Montano Illustrated by Kristen Willis IP Kidz November 2025 Picture book Rights contact: David Reiter |
| Interactive Publications CEO David Reiter said, “Casa Mia is the latest IP Kidz picture book from author Josie Montano, who will be attending the Book Fair, and rising star illustrator Kristen Willis, who was Highly Commended in the 2025 Emerging Illustrator in the SCBWI Awards. Casa Mia is a heartwarming story about family, memory and the power of home. Young Carlo’s Nonno (grandpa) longs to return to his beloved home in Italy, but age and circumstance prevent him from travelling. Determined to bring a piece of Italy to his grandfather, Carlo embarks on a touching journey, exploring treasured keepsakes and mementos stored in the attic. With its Italian content and multi-generational focus, we expect Casa Mia will generate much interest at the Fair.” | |
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Dresses Are for Messes Elizabeth Pulsford Illustrated by Janet Samuel Five Mile June 2026 Picture book Rights contact: Kate Chisholm |
| Five Mile publishing director Kate Chisholm said, “This title has strong international appeal thanks to its highly marketable, relatable theme of self-expression and confidence in young children. The story challenges traditional expectations in a playful, empowering way that resonates across cultures and parenting styles. Paired with vibrant, engaging illustrations, the book delivers both visual impact and a meaningful message, making it an attractive acquisition for global publishers seeking contemporary, values-driven picture books.”
According to the publisher, “Dresses Are for Messes is a bold and joyful celebration of individuality. With a spirited main character and a message that encourages children to embrace who they are without limitation, this book speaks directly to modern families. It aligns perfectly with growing demand for empowering, confidence-building stories, while remaining fun, energetic, and highly commercial.” |
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Fearless Kelly Canby Fremantle Press April 2026 Picture book Rights contact: Alex Allan |
| Fremantle Press CEO Alex Allan said, “Kelly Canby has been a visiting author-illustrator at Bologna Book Fair. Her illustrations have proven to have cross-cultural appeal. Her stories deal with the human condition in a way that is both empathetic and comedic, and Kelly has worked with international publishing houses to go the extra mile – even hand drawing text into another language.” The publisher said, “Fearless is an example of how stories can help children make sense of feelings they don’t yet have words for. Kelly’s playful, joyful text and illustrations always work together to create space for multiple interpretations. Kelly is an award-winner in Australia and known for combining sophisticated concepts with playful, comedic stories.” | |
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In the Kelp Forest Aunty Patsy Cameron and Reena Balding Illustrated by Belinda Casey Magabala Books April 2026 Picture book Rights contact: Melena Cole-Manolis |
| The publisher described In the Kelp Forest as “a stunning picture book that explores the beauty and strength of Country beneath the waves and celebrates the living kelp forests, their creatures, and deep Cultural knowledge of Tasmania’s First Nations people. Kelp forests have intricate lives and play a key role in the balance of our oceans and seas. Myerlee, the giant kelp, sways beneath the waves, her forests alive with creatures that make her their home. Myerlee lives with the elements, shelters life, provides sustenance to those on the land and in the ocean and whispers her secrets to those who will listen.” | |
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The Mushroom and the Flower Sally Soweol Han Thames & Hudson Picture book Rights contact: Annabel Barker |
| Literary agent Annabel Barker described The Mushroom and the Flower as “a heartwarming tale of empathy, tolerance and unexpected friendship from award-winning author-illustrator Sally Soweol Han.”
The publisher writes: “I am the mushroom with the coolest hat. No one else has a hat like mine. In a peaceful forest, a bright pink mushroom loves being the centre of attention. Can she learn how to share the spotlight when a flower begins to grow beside her?” |
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Maggie Makes a Move Laura Motherway and Karen Erasmus Five Mile July 2026 Picture book Rights contact: Kate Chisholm |
| Five Mile publishing director Kate Chisholm said, “From the author of This Mum Loves You and This Dad Loves You comes Maggie Makes a Move – a heartwarming and empowering story about facing fears and stepping outside your comfort zone. When cautious Maggie learns to push past her worries, she discovers a world full of adventure, connection, and confidence.” | |
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This Moment Now Davina Bell Illustrated by Allison Colpoys Scribble March 2026 Picture book Rights contact: Miriam Rosenbloom |
| Scribble publisher Miriam Rosenbloom said, “We’re delighted to have a long-awaited new title from the award-winning partnership behind All the Ways to Be Smart. This Moment Now is a spectacular picture book that celebrates the joy of present moments between parent and child and the beauty of the natural world. In this time of significant global uncertainty and climate emergency, the book is a tender reminder of wonder, hope and connection.” | |
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Tiny Laura Stitzel Walker Books Australia Picture book Rights contact: Annabel Barker |
| Literary agent Annabel Barker said, “Tiny is the story of a little girl and her desire to be big! A colourful, joyful celebration of looking at things differently and finding perspective. Come on a magical adventure when a little girl longing to be big shrinks instead, and discovers that the world for tiny creatures is perfect … and perfectly wonderful.” | |
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Yeah, Bear! John Corrie HarperCollins Australia Children’s Books October 2026 Picture book Rights contact: Airlie Lawson |
| HarperCollins head of rights Airlie Lawson said, “Fresh, playful and clever, Yeah, Bear! – a book that celebrates all kinds of bears – is a rhyming romp made to be read aloud again and again and again. Playful language and imaginative artwork bring this hilarious picture book to life, and will be certain to delight readers everywhere, both young and not-so-young. We believe it’s a future classic!” | |
Read about the middle-grade and YA book titles Australian publishers have high hopes for at Bologna.
Category: Think Australian feature
