We believe that every child deserves to see themselves - and others - in the books they read. Our stories celebrate diversity, empathy, and connection.
Exceptional Storytelling
Beautifully written and illustrated books that nurture empathy and imagination.
Environmental Care
Sustainable publishing for a greener future.
Equity & Representation
Amplifying under-represented voices and perspectives.
Community & Collaboration
Working together for a more inclusive world.
Why Lantana?
Alice Curry founded Lantana in 2014 when only one per cent of the children’s books published in the UK featured a character of colour as a protagonist. She wanted her mixed-race niece and nephews, and others like them, to be able to grow up seeing themselves in the books they read.
Alice chose to name her new small press ‘Lantana’ after the lantana flower which has petals of different colours on a single stem. It reflects her belief in a world where children of all races, ethnicities, genders, abilities and orientations get to read happily together on one Earth.
Meet the Team
Alice Curry
Founder & CEO
Alice founded Lantana in 2014 with the belief that books can build bridges between cultures. A former academic and advocate for inclusive publishing, she leads Lantana’s creative vision, partnerships, and commissioning of new titles.
Christofere Fila
Associate Publisher
Christofere brings a rich background in publishing, education, and creative writing, with a passion for stories that explore identity, belonging, and social change. She oversees Lantana’s growing list across fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels.
Katrina Gutierrez
Communications Manager & Editor
Katrina is a communications specialist and editor who champions inclusive narratives and authors from under-represented backgrounds. She leads Lantana’s outreach and ensures every story reaches the readers who need it most.
Cindy Xintong Liu
Publishing Trainee
Cindy loves exploring the art of storytelling in a diverse range of media, from books to films and TV to video games. She will support the team across editorial, production, marketing and publicity.
Kristel Buckley
Social Media Strategist
Kristel curates Lantana’s online presence and community, combining her love of stories and storytelling with a focus on representation, visibility, and connection.
Judith Wilkinson
Finance Manager
Judith, a Chartered Accountant and former Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Book Publishers Association, loves using her financial knowledge to help Lantana fulfil its mission.
Partners & Collaborators
We’re proud to collaborate with schools, libraries, literacy organisations, and publishing partners who share our commitment to inclusion.
Interested in partnering with us? Get in touch here.
