Australian CYA at Frankfurt
A picture book, a graphic novel, younger readers, middle grade and YA. Whatever age bracket you’re looking for, Australian publishers have something for you at Frankfurt.
Amazing Astro Animals
James Foley
Fremantle Press
October 2026
(Picture book)
Fremantle Press rights manager Claire Miller said: “Amazing Astro Animals is the nonfiction spin-off of Stellarphant, a bestselling award-winning title that has been licensed by Korean, Dutch, Turkish, Italian and Chinese publishers. The space race, which began in the 60s, is still running and continues to be of interest to children around the world.”
Fremantle CEO Alex Allan said: “This is the first book to document all the amazing animals which unwittingly went where no man had boldly gone before. James took five years to create it, combing through NASA’s records, scientific journals, digitised museum pieces and Russian google to come up with 60 true tales of animals in space. His illustrations blend photorealism with structural plans and humorous mini graphic novels, while the text is a blend of factual information, fun tidbits and pathos. It’s a winner!”
Death by Adventure: The Dark Forest School
Bradley Trevor Greive
Scholastic Australia
October 2026
(Middle grade)
Scholastic Australia rights manager Claire Pretyman said: “Death by Adventure is a wholly unique new adventure series for middle-grade readers by New York Times bestselling author Bradley Trevor Greive, whose The Blue Day Book has sold more than 30 million copies in 115 countries.
“When legendary wildlife adventurer Lord Greive advertises for a junior field trainee, thousands of children apply. After all, who wouldn’t want to risk being torn apart by wild animals just for the chance to work with their hero? Only six finalists make it, but before they can attempt the dangerous wilderness challenges the beastly Lord Greive has set for them, they must escape the vicious Tasmanian devil trying to hunt them down inside the manor. Who will make it? And if they do, what are their chances of surviving a week in the terrifying forest … ALONE? This is the Crocodile Hunter meets Bear Grylls meets Squid Game!”
Protector of Beyond 1
Shara Curlett
Penguin
1 September 2026
(Middle grade)
Penguin Random House Australia rights manager Talia Moodley said: “Protector of Beyond is the new, stand-out fantasy series for readers aged 9+, perfect for fans of Nevermoor, Wings of Fire and Skandar. Filled with action-packed adventure, epic magic, powerful flying creatures and treacherous trials, this is the book that every kid will be asking for this September (and beyond)!
“This is our biggest children’s launch of 2026, and early young reader reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the fast pace and intense scenes that recapture those shortening attention spans.”
Publisher Rebecca McRitchie says: “From the very first chapters, we knew Protector of Beyond had the makings of a major new middle-grade adventure. Bursting with extraordinary magic, deadly trials, unforgettable creatures and edge-of-your-seat action, it delivers everything young readers love – with the scale, heart and excitement to become a firm favourite with readers everywhere.”
Super Ghoul
Jack Henseleit
Chris Kennett
Figment
August 2027
(Younger readers)
Hardie Grant rights manager Evie Green said: “Super Ghoul has everything international publishers are asking for right now – it’s a spooky, funny mystery series about the secret world of ghosts, and it’s illustrated by Chris Kennett, the co-creator of our internationally bestselling ‘School of Monsters’ series. At 144 pages, Super Ghoul hits the sweet spot between ‘accessible’ and ‘good value’ and is the ideal series to get reluctant younger readers excited about books and literature! I cannot wait to share this hilarious graphic novel with international publishers at Frankfurt!”
Publishing director Marisa Pintado said: “Jack Henseleit and Chris Kennett’s first graphic novel together is nothing short of perfection for spooky-silly mystery fans! It’s outrageously funny, whip-smart, and jam-packed with surprises right up until the end. Eat your heart out, Scooby Doo – Super Ghoul is here!”
Ten Thousand Pitches
Amy Martin
A&U Children’s
April 2027
(YA)
Allen & Unwin rights manager Carey Schroeter said: “This is a powerful coming-of-age novel that tackles cancer, sport, first love, friendship, bullying and blended families with warmth, authenticity and hope.”
Acquiring publisher Jenny Hellen said: “Winner of the Storylines Tessa Duder YA Award 2025, this is page-turning, clean teen romance for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han and I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang.”
Category: Think Australian feature
