Walker Books to publish picture book from Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness

Walker Books Australia are thrilled to announce they will publish Gorgeously Me! by Jonathan Van Ness with illustrations by Kamala M. Nair. The stunning picture book will be published mid 2024 across Australia and New Zealand. Walker Books Australia, in conjunction with Walker Books UK, won the book at auction against five other publishers.

Jonathan said of the acquisition, “I am beyond excited that my picture book, Gorgeously Me! will be published in Australia and New Zealand by Walker Books.” The book celebrates all the things that make each person extraordinary, unique …and gorgeous. With its themes of self-acceptance, community, and vividly painted art, it is a book that every child needs to read and assures young readers that they are loved and cherished, exactly as they are.

Jonathan Van Ness (he/she/they) is an Emmy-nominated television personality, 2x New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and hairstylist to the stars. He stars on Netflix’s Emmy-award winning reboot series Queer Eye, where he shines as the beauty expert and self-care advocate. In 2020, he released Peanut Goes for the Gold, a charming, funny, and heartfelt picture book that follows the adventures of Peanut, a guinea pig who does everything with their own personal flare. Van Ness is a fierce advocate for social justice and elevating queer voices and experiences. Gorgeously Me! is Van Ness’s second picture book that celebrates the uniqueness in everyone. You can visit Jonathan Van Ness at JonathanVanNess.com or follow them on Instagram @JVN and on TikTok @JVN_Official.

Kamala M. Nair grew up in Kerala, a small state on the southwestern coast of India surrounded by incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, lush green hills, and turquoise backwater. She is a professional architect and a children’s book author and illustrator. She recently illustrated The Way Champs Play, written by tennis champion Naomi Osaka. Kamala loves to travel and be immersed in the beauty of culture, architecture, and people around the world.

ANZ rights for Gorgeously Me! were acquired by Publisher Clare Hallifax from Assistant Rights Director Siaurui Goh at Penguin Young Readers Group in the States. It is scheduled to publish in Australia and New Zealand in mid-2024 and by Walker Books UK in their Spring/Summer 2024.

Category: Classifieds