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. Legends say James can grow a beard in an afternoon. He lives in Perth with his wife, 2 kids, and a labrador. 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 comics for kids.

His latest picture book, Stellarphant, is shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s 2022 Picture Book of the Year, the 2022 SCBWI Crystal Kite, the 2021 Aurealis Awards and the 2021 WA Premier’s Book Awards. Stellarphant is out now in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and Turkey.

James is also the author/illustrator of the S.Tinker Inc graphic novel series for middle primary: Brobot (2016), Dungzilla (2017), Gastronauts (2018) and Chickensaurus (2020). The series stars Sally Tinker, the world’s foremost inventor under the age of twelve, and Joe Tinker, full-time baby. James also illustrated the Toffle Towers series written by Tim Harris; the cult-favourite and CBCA-shortlisted My Dead Bunny (2015); and its follow-up, There’s Something Weird About Lena (2020). James contributed to Total Quack Up (2018) and Funny Bones (2019), both anthologies of funny stories with proceeds going to charity. His earlier books In The Lion (2012), The Last Viking (2011) and The Last Viking Returns (2014) have all scored several honours, including children’s choice awards, shortlistings in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year awards, and selection to the International Youth Library’s White Raven list.

James is an ambassador for Books In Homes and Room To Read.

Relevant qualifications

Bachelor of Behavioural Science (with Distinction), Notre Dame University, 2006

Member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Member of the Australian Society of Authors (ASA)
Member of the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)

Treasurer for SCBWI Australia West chapter, 2017-
Regional Advisor for SCBWI Australia West chapter, 2015-2017
Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Australia West chapter, 2012-2015

Recent experience

2019-2022: Perth Writers Festival
2017, 2020: Sydney Writers Festival / Russ the Bus
2020, 2021: Littlescribe Mini-Writing Festival
2018, 2020, 2021: Scribblers Festival
2014-2021: Awesome Arts Festival