James Foley

Summary

James Foley makes children’s books for children who read books. If you’re a child and you’re eating his books, you’re doing it wrong. James writes and draws; he gives talks and runs workshops. He tells dad jokes. Legend says James can grow a beard in an afternoon. He lives in Perth with his wife Renae, their 2 kids, and a labrador called Frankie. He is a massive Marvel movie nerd and comes from a long line of queuing enthusiasts.

Biography

James Foley makes picture books, middle grade novels and graphic novels for kids. His newest picture book Happy Barry Capybara will be released in Australia and New Zealand on November 1st, 2024.

His picture book Stellarphant is available around the world. It was voted Picture Book of the Year in the 2022 Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Shadowers’ Choice Awards; it was named an Honour Book in the 2022 CBCA Picture Book of the Year category; it was voted into Australia’s Top 50 Kids Books; and it was selected for the International Youth Library’s prestigious White Ravens List. It has been shortlisted for a further eight awards.

His latest graphic novel series Secret Agent Mole follows agents Max Mole, Helena Hippo and June Bug, for whom no mission is too dangerous or ridiculous. Book 1: Goldfish-Finger, Book 2: The Boar Identity and Book 3: Dr Nude are out now.

James is the author/illustrator of the S.Tinker Inc graphic novel series for middle primary: Brobot, Dungzilla, Gastronauts and Chickensaurus. The series stars Sally Tinker (the world’s foremost inventor under the age of twelve) and Joe Tinker (full-time baby) on their adventures in invention. New full-colour editions of Brobot and Gastronauts are out now, with new colour editions of Dungzilla and Chickensaurus out in early 2025.

Relevant qualifications

AWARDS
- Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) awards: 1 Honour Book, 2 Shortlistings, 2 Notables
- International Youth Library's White Raven's List: 2 listings
- Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Crystal Kite (members' choice) award: 1 win, 1 shortlisting
- Aurealis Awards: 5 shortlistings
- multiple Australian children's choice awards

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
2010 – : member of the Children’s Book Council of Australia.
2009 – : member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
2009 – : member of the Australian Society of Authors.
2003 – 2014: member of the Australian Cartoonists’ Association.

VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
2017 – : Treasurer for SCBWI Australia West
2015 – 2017: Regional Advisor for SCBWI Australia West
2012 – 2015: Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Australia West
2014 – : Ambassador for Room To Read
2013 – : Ambassador for Books in Homes Australia
2013 – 2016, 2018 – : Judge for the Shaun Tan Awards for Young Artists

Recent experience

2024 Awesome Festival, Perth, WA
2024 Whitsunday Youth Voices Literature Festival, QLD
2024 Somerset Storyfest, QLD
2024 Perth Festival Writers Weekend, WA
2023 Supanova Comic Con & Gaming, Perth, WA
2023 Sydney Writers Festival, NSW