secret agent mole – Page 2

Upcoming events – Sept/Oct school holidays

I’ve got multiple workshops coming up, plus a very special live-comics reading event!

Details below.

Term 3 all wrapped up!

Between Book Week, the release of Secret Agent Mole Book 2: The Boar Identity, and a Sydney tour, Term 3 has been absolutely packed. Here’s everything I’ve been up to!

Book Week 2023

I visited a bunch of schools and libraries across WA for Book Week this year. It was great to meet so many readers and teachers! Thanks to everyone for having me.

It’s not every day you get to cuddle a Kindy class’ two pet mice, AND draw them as astronauts! ⁠Thanks to the Kindy students at Landsdale Christian for introducing me to Marlee and Lavender. ⁠(P.S. Those are little cashews floating inside their helmets).

Secret Agent Mole book 2 out now!

It’s official … Secret Agent Mole book 2: The Boar Identity is now in bookshops.

Freo book launch

We launched the book in secret agent style this past Saturday. Thanks to the incredible staff at Paper Bird Books in Fremantle for hosting; to the 99 to my 86, Renae Hayward, for prepping the snacks; and to all who braved the wild and wooly weather to come celebrate with me.

Hear me read Stellarphant on Nova with Nathan, Nat and Shaun

Yesterday I got to hang out with Nova Perth’s breakfast team and talk about my favourite part of the year, Children’s Book Week! I also got to chat a bit about the making of Secret Agent Mole, and read Stellarphant aloud on air (with running commentary from the team – you won’t find that in an audiobook).

Thanks heaps for having me in the studio, Nathan, Nat and Shaun! And huge thanks to Chasze the tradie for helping me out when I’d left my phone at home. Champion.

Click the link below to listen to the chat.

INTERVIEW
Book Week 2023 (mp3 file)
Nova 93.7 Perth Breakfast show
with Nathan, Nat and Shaun

I got to chat with Brenton McKenna for ALIA Graphics

Back in May I had the great privilege of yarning with my bud Brenton McKenna for ALIA Graphic Novels and Comics. ⁠
⁠
Brenton and I interviewed each other about our newest graphic novels (including Secret Agent Mole: Goldfish-Finger), our processes and our inspirations. Brenton is the creator of the Ubby’s Underdogs trilogy and has a new series out called Hairy Holes, all about some hairy creatures that live in the Australian outback. It’s hilarious! ⁠

You can catch our chat here on YouTube.

P.S. ALIA has a massive treasure trove of videos, all about graphic novels and comics. Make sure you check it out!

Book Week costume ideas – and free printable masks!

Stuck for a CBCA Book Week costume idea? Here’s how to dress up as Max Mole, Helena Hippo or Bug from my series, Secret Agent Mole.

And scroll down for free printable masks of Max, Helena and Bug!

Printable masks

You can download all three of these masks in one handy pdf.

Tips:

Each is designed to print out at A4 paper size; they’ll work best of printed or glued onto thick card.
Cut out the black eyeholes, and cut around the thin outline on the outside edge of the mask.
Add colour if you wish.
Don’t forget to add string or a paper loop so that you can attach the mask to your face.
And don’t forget some antennae for Bug – you could use thin strips of paper or card, or pipe cleaners.

Download the 3 masks

I’m running workshops at the 2023 Awesome Arts Festival

The Awesome Arts Festival is almost here again!

It’s a fantastic kids’ art festival right here in my hometown of Perth, featuring theatre, dance, visual arts and more. It’s a brilliant way to keep the kids occupied in the September/October school holidays.

As always, I’m presenting some cartooning and comics workshops for young’uns.

Details below!

SEPT 23, 26 – Super Secret Short Story Comic Strips (for kids)

Join me for hands-on writing and drawing workshops making comic strip stories. Your subject – secret agents!

I’ll show you how to draw Max Mole and other characters from my new graphic novel series Secret Agent Mole, and guide you in creating your own short story comics. Invent villains, devise gadgets, and draw dramatic battles. Who will win in your comic? You decide.

There will be three workshops in two different locations – details below.

KELMSCOTT WORKSHOPS (ARMADALE HUB)

DATE: Saturday 23 September
WHEN: 10am-10:45am OR 2pm-2:45pm
WHERE: Kelmscott Hall, Bilya (River Room), 60 River Road Kelmscott
AGES: 6yo +
TICKETS: On sale now!

STATE LIBRARY WORKSHOP (PERTH)

DATE: Tuesday 26 September
WHEN: 11:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: The Education Room, State Library of Western Australia
AGES: 8-12yo
TICKETS: On sale now!

Help me launch Secret Agent Mole, book 2!

It’s only four weeks until the release of Secret Agent Mole book 2: The Boar Identity – it’s out September 1st!

I’ve got events coming up in Sydney, Fremantle and online – details below.

Declassified: Secret Agent Mole, Book 2!

I can finally reveal the next instalment in my graphic novel series, Secret Agent Mole! Book 2: The Boar Identity, is scheduled for release September 1st, 2023.

When Star Division discovers a magical meteorite with anti-gravity powers, Dr Nude will stop at nothing to get his naked little hands on it – including brainwashing a Star employee! This important mission features a secret mountain base, an exploding rocket and a flying pig with no clothes on. Can Max Mole, Helena Hippo and June Bug stop Dr Nude’s evil plans? I hope so, otherwise we’re all doomed! It’s time to Rock and Mole!

Pre-order your copy today!

Written & illustrated by James Foley

🇦🇺🇳🇿 Australia/NZ edition:
Published by Scholastic Australia, 1st Sept 2023
ISBN: 9781761200168 (paperback)

🌏 *SIGNED COPIES* – PAPER BIRD

🇦🇺 🇳🇿 LOCAL INDIE BOOKSHOPS

Casa Del Libro (Catalan)

Psst… There are Book Launches coming up too!

Aug 19: Sydney
Aug 26: online
Sept 2: Freo

For more details on these events, head to the blog.

It’s (nearly) time to rock and mole! Make sure you dive into Secret Agent Mole, Book 1: Goldfish-Finger before the release!

Supanova Comic Con Perth

I’ve just finished up an awesome weekend at Perth Supanova Comic Con!

I got to see some incredible cosplay, chat with Kevin Eastman (co-creator of the Ninja Turtles!!), catch up with my bud Brenton McKenna, get a hand-delivered fan letter from Super Mario and hang out with the wonderful authors Meg Caddy and Renae Hayward (my gorgeous wife)!