This one is part of Walker Books’ Paw Prints series – junior fiction books by funny authors and illustrators. Fuzzball is written by Nathan Luff, illustrated by me! Out in April.
I don’t have a cover to share with you yet, but I can tell you it’s a non-fiction follow up to my most popular book, Stellarphant. It will be my very first non-fiction book! More news on that soon.
I ran some improv storytelling sessions at the Awesome Arts Festival this week – where the kids came up with the ideas, and I illustrated them live! Huge thanks to all the amazing young storytellers who came along and offered up madcap characters, preposterous plot points and epic endings.
Session 1: ‘Luca the Heartbroken Toaster’
Wednesday October 1, 11:15am-12:15pm
In which Rosita, the sea star-girlfriend of Luca the Toaster is kidnapped by the evil Captain Bob, the intergalactic Butter Pirate. Captain Bob is called a Butter Pirate not because he steals butter, but because his body is a chunk of butter. Captain Bob flies off into space in his ship, the Blendar 1, with Rosita in a cage beside him.
I love working with StoryBox Library – they’re a wonderful company that creates video read-aloud of Australian children’s books, often read out by the creators themselves. I’ve recorded a few videos with them in the past! I also helped out with their fantastic classroom lesson program, Story Tools.
So when StoryBox Library asked me if I wanted to be part of a competition for Australian schools, how could I say no?
I’ve got a couple of workshops and book launches coming up – details below!
Feb 10 – free virtual school session
Join me for a digital event on Feb 10. I’ll read Stellarphant and Happy Barry Capybara, as well as lead a quick draw session and engage in a live Q&A.
DATE: Monday February 10th WHEN: 10:00 – 10:45am AEDT WHERE: online AGES: early stage 1, stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 COST: free BOOKING:log in to book your place
March 15 – Bigfoot Vs Yeti book launch (WA)
Get ready for a fun-filled celebration of imagination, rivalry and unexpected friendship! Join us on Saturday 15 March at The Literature Centre for the highly anticipated launch of Bigfoot vs Yeti: A Love Story.
From participating in a fun tug-of-war or ‘snowball’ fight (no risk, all fun!), this event is packed with exciting, hands-on activities for all ages.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of James’s work or new to his world, this event is a perfect opportunity to dive into the adventure and joy of Bigfoot vs Yeti. Bring your family, friends and love for reading – there’s something for everyone!
DATE: Saturday March 15 TIME: 11am-1pm AWST WHERE: The Literature Centre, Cnr Knutsford St & Hampton Rd, Fremantle WA REGISTRATION:essential, via Humanitix
March 17 – Harmony Week with James Foley (Free virtual session)
I’ve got a FREE virtual primary schools session coming up in March!
NB: If you can’t make it to the live session, you can still register and get access to a recording for two weeks afterwards.
March 29 – Bigfoot vs Yeti + Dungzilla double book launch (NSW)
I’ll be in Sydney at the end of March to celebrate the release of Bigfoot vs Yeti and the new colour edition of Dungzilla! Join me at Gleebooks in Glebe for a ridiculously fun double book launch.
DATE: Saturday March 29 TIME: 10:30am WHERE: Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW REGISTRATION:rachel@gleebooks.com.au
April 9 – The Art of Illustrating Books (workshop)
Learn how to break into the arts as an illustrator with some practical advice from a professional writer, illustrator and cartoonist – me! Join me for this evening workshop.
DATE: Wednesday April 9th WHEN: 6 – 7:30pm WHERE: Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre, 3 Rocca Way, Wanneroo TICKETS:essential. $10 per person
Check out this 15min video I made, commissioned by the good people at Awesome Arts Festival! It’s full of tips and tricks for teaching Comics in the Classroom.
No drawing skill is required, because comics aren’t about being the best at drawing; they’re about effectively communicating ideas, and you can do that with stick figures if need be!
James Foley 