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April 15 -May 29: Stellarphant, the show!
The amazing team at Barking Gecko Arts have adapted my picture book Stelllarphant for the stage. I am so excited for everyone to see this … I’ve been checking out the rehearsals and it’s going to be epic!
From the official blurb:
Join Stella, an elephant who dreams of becoming an astronaut, as she builds her own spaceship and proves that anyone can reach for the stars … this uplifting 55-minute production for children aged 6-12 and their families is packed with heart, humour, and imagination. Perfect for the April school holidays.
The run opens with general public shows at Subiaco Arts Centre, followed by school group shows around the metro area and regional WA. Full dates below.
TOUR SCHEDULE
- 15–18 April 2026 | GENERAL PUBLIC SHOWS | Subiaco
- 21-24 April 2026 | SCHOOL SHOWS | Subiaco
- 29 April – 1 May 2026 | SCHOOL SHOWS | Kwinana
- 5-8 May 2026 | SCHOOL SHOWS | Thornlie
- 12-15 May 2026 | SCHOOL SHOWS | Kalamunda
- 20-21 May 2026 | SCHOOL SHOWS | Karratha
- 22 May 2026 | GENERAL PUBLIC SHOW | Port Hedland
- 29 May 2026 | SCHOOL SHOW | Esperance
Huge thanks to the cast and crew at Barking Gecko – you’re absolute superstars!
APRIL 24th: Fremantle Press Open Day
Freo Press have got fresh new digs at the old SEC substation in Parry St – check it out at their Open Day! It’s on April 24th from 9:30am-2pm, and includes panel sessions about publishing, as well as tours of the new building.
I’ll be chairing a panel called ‘From Page to Stage and Screen’, talking about film and theatre adaptations of books.
April 26th: FREMANTLE launch for Oh No!
Oh No! is a very silly picture book about ‘onomatopoeia’ (sound effects) – although in this book they are more appropriately called ‘oh-no-matopoiea’ (the sound of things going very badly).
It’s a super fun read-aloud that is sure to get kids giggling!
Join me in my hometown to launch my new picture book! We’ll be joined by author/illustrator extraordinaire Sean E Avery – get set for an epic illustrator duel.
DATE: Sunday April 26th
WHEN: 10:30am
WHERE: Paper Bird Books, 42 Henry St, Fremantle
TICKETS: Free!
RSVP: essential, via humanitix
April 30: panel session with author Lachlann Carter, QLD
Join myself and Cairns local Lachlann Carter for this FREE live literacy event!
Perfect for educators, parents, and children, this lively session celebrates reading, storytelling, and a love of books for all ages.
DATE: Thursday April 30th
WHEN: 4:00pm
WHERE: MacKillop Catholic College, 1 MacKillop Drive, Mt Peter QLD
TICKETS: free
REGISTRATION: essential, via trybooking.
May 2: Spontaneous Storytime @ Cairns City Library, QLD
Step into the world of storytelling with award-winning author and illustrator James Foley!
LIVE and on the spot, James will draw a brand-new illustrated story right in front of you, based entirely on suggestions from the audience.
From quirky characters and unexpected plot twists, all the ideas come directly from YOU!
Don’t miss this funny and creative storytelling session, proudly supported by Australia Reads’ Lit Up Initiative.
DATE: Saturday May 2nd
WHEN: 9:30-10:30am
WHERE: City Library, 151 Abbott Street, Cairns, QLD
TICKETS: FREE – registration not required
ENQUIRIES: call the library on (07) 4044 3720
May 9-23: Paper Bird illustration exhibition
The Paper Bird Illustration Exhibition and Thames & Hudson Illustration Award celebrate stories in art, recognising the growing interest in illustration and the significance of visual literacy. Our 2026 theme is flight.
Visit the inaugural Paper Bird Illustration Exhibition and wander hundreds of storied artworks from over fifty local, national and international Illustrators, both emerging and established – including me!
The Exhibition:
Saturday 9 May – Saturday 23 May
9 AM – 3 PM
Moores Building Art Space,
46 Henry St, Fremantle / Walyalup, Western Australia
Click here for more information on the exhibition, the award, the catalogue, art workshops etc.
May 23: MELBOURNE launch for Oh No!
Melbourne, it feels like it’s been ages and I’ve missed you. We’ve got the hilarious Adrian Beck joining us for this one – and another epic illustrator duel (provided I survived the one with Sean back in Freo).
DATE: Saturday May 23rd
WHEN: 2:00pm
WHERE: The Little Bookroom, 8 Village Ave, Brunswick East
TICKETS: Free!
RSVP: essential, via humanitix
May 31: BRISBANE launch for Oh No!
Brizzy, you get a launch too! My bud Pete Carnavas will be joining us for the illustrator duel – but don’t let his calm, wise visage fool you. He is truly a lethal opponent. His pen is mightier than the sword, but that doesn’t change the fact he has a sword (who needs a sword?).
DATE: Sunday May 31st
WHEN: 2:00pm
WHERE: Where The Wild Things Are, 191 Boundary Street, West End, Brisbane
TICKETS: a family pass including the book is $25
RSVP: essential, via trybooking
James Foley 
i really think that james has really inspired many young writers and readers to strive at their best!
Cheers Bob!
Looking forward to meeting you this Saturday at the MRRWF, James :o).
See you then, Jodie 🙂
We attended a workshop for homeschoolers today and it was awesome!! My 5 year old loves to create his own storybooks and now he wants to make a book and give it to his new hero – James Foley!! Thanks for your inspiration!
Also in addition to my comment above, my 5 year old has now told me instead of being Iron Man or Spiderman when he grows up, he now wants to “work at the library and make books – like James Foley.” How amazing is that!
That’s so nice to hear! Maybe he doesn’t have to give up being Iron Man or Spider-man though (maybe he could be a writer/illustrator as well as a superhero??)
Thanks for the feedback Hayley!
I’ll be meeting you soon James! I’m one the Curating Kids from Perth Festival! Can’t wait to meet you! 😀
Hi Anna, see you at the Festival soon! Speaking of which, I’d better add the details to this page …
Dear James Foley,
I’d love to read your new book on stellarphant!
Hi Charisse! I can’t wait to have it out in the world. It’s available from Nov 2nd. Cheers!
HI again Charisse! Just letting you know that Stellarphant is now available in bookshops! https://jamesfoley.com.au/books/stellarphant/
Im a teacher educator as well as the director of a company that provides writing retreats and literacy support for writers of all ages and backgrounds. I loved finding out more about James’ work by attending the Kids Book Fest Illustrator Extravaganza! Looking forward to finding ways to inspire struggling students using James’ wonderful books as well as his amazing approach to being an author and illustrator. Thanks for the session. It was awesome!
No worries, Sue! Thanks for being part of it.
My pleasure!
You are so inspiring to young readers
Thanks Scarlett!