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Ellie and the Marriage List Written by Tricia Seabolt Illustrated by Lucy Rogers Translated by About this story After Ellie’s brother Ben abandons her for a giggly girlfriend, Ellie and her best friend Ling devise a plan to transform Ben from full-time boyfriend back into full-time brother, and protect her favorite tree all at the same time. See Buying Options ↓ Featured in: ← Back to all books Book Details Ellie is ready to have the best summer ever. She’s especially excited to draw under her favourite tree and hang out with her big brother, Ben. But all Ben seems to care about is impressing the new lip-glossy neighbour, Sara. And all Sara seems to care about is turning Ellie’s brother into a Hawaii husband! Luckily, Ellie's best friend, Ling, has the marriage list—a top-secret tool to track the lovebirds and stop a wedding before it starts. But nothing goes to plan, and while trying to rescue Ben, Ellie ends up putting the weeping willow in her garden in danger. Faced with losing everything she loves most, can Ellie find a way to win back her brother and save her beloved tree? An utterly charming story about a lovable 10-year-old with Down's syndrome whose extra sparkle never fails to shine bright. “Artistic, mischievous, and empathetic, Ellie is delightfully nuanced; Rogers’ illustrations readily convey her many emotions. Seabolt matter-of-factly portrays Ellie’s challenges, such as speech difficulties and “spaghetti noodle” muscles, and readers will root for her as she discovers her strengths and faces her fears. Ellie’s supportive family is heartening. A warm tale of family and friendship.” —Kirkus Reviews "Packed with humour and heart, this a story of a determined 10 year old, learning about the inevitability of change and the unconditional love of family. The ‘extra sparkle’ of the title refers to the fact that Ellie has Down syndrome and the book is infused with convincing references without disability becoming a focus or plot feature. An accessible and light-hearted chapter book with engaging black and white illustrations." – BookTrust’s Best New Books Awards & Accolades: BookTrust’s Books We Love, August 2024 A Just Imagine Book Breeze Pick, June 2024 Endorsed by GiGi’s Playhouse, Detroit (a Down’s syndrome achievement centre) Waterstones Children’s Book Prize Longlist 2025 Book Specifications: Age Range: 5-9 Page Count: 224pp Country: N/A Region: Sold in: UK; US & Canada HB ISBN: 9781915244727 (US) PB ISBN: 9781915244796 (UK) Themes: Disability & Neurodiversity, Family, Friends, Community Buy this Book: UK: B ookshop.org US: L ernerbooks Resources: If you want to see resources for this book, please send us an inquiry. buying options You May Also Like: Funcles Mama’s Wedding Xirsi and the Final Battle What Makes a Family Explore All Books

Nimesh the Adventurer Written by Ranjit Singh Illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini Translated by About this story Nimesh is walking home from school. Except…there happens to be a shark in the corridor. And a dragon in the library! See Buying Options ↓ Featured in: ← Back to all books Book Details Nimesh is walking home from school. Except…there happens to be a shark in the corridor. And a dragon in the library! And why would crossing the road lead to the North Pole? A little boy with a BIG imagination, Nimesh makes even the dullest journey a dazzling adventure! “The perfect picture book example of how to celebrate inclusion in modern Britain.” -The Independent Awards & Accolades: Derby Children's Picture Book Award 2019 shortlist BookTrust Books We Love April 2019 Book Specifications: Age Range: 2-5 Page Count: 32pp Country: N/A Region: Global Sold in: UK HB ISBN: 9781911373247 (UK & US) PB ISBN: 9781911373384 (UK) Themes: Cultures & Immigration, Race & Ethnicity, Learning & Creativity, Family, Friends, Community Buy this Book: UK: Bookshop.org Resources: Guides & Activities buying options You May Also Like: Funcles Mama’s Wedding What Makes a Family Shadow Explore All Books

The Queen on our Corner Written by Lucy Christopher Illustrated by Nia Tudor Translated by About this story Nobody notices the queen on the corner. Nobody, that is... except one young girl. Through her eyes, the woman who dwells in the abandoned plot is a warrior queen, with many battles fought and won. See Buying Options ↓ Featured in: ← Back to all books Book Details Nobody notices the queen on the corner. Nobody, that is... except one young girl. Through her eyes, the woman who dwells in the abandoned plot is a warrior queen, with many battles fought and won. When, one day, danger comes to the street and the queen on the corner sounds the alarm, the little girl must find a way to thank her. Can she bring the community together to turn the Queen's corner into a home? “This hopeful tale uses a youthful view of the world to imagine what our society could be like if all people and their experiences were valued and respected. Sweet and thought-provoking” -Kirkus Reviews "This marvellous picture book with stunning artwork from Nia Tudor will quite possibly provide an introduction to young children about the concept of homelessness, and it does so in a gentle but still realistic way.” - BookTrust Awards & Accolades: Yoto Carnegie Medal Longlist 2023 A Love Reading for Schools Book of the Month 2021 Klaus Flugge Prize Longlist 2022 Ezra Jack Keats Illustration Award Nomination 2022 BookTrust Books We Love Book Specifications: Age Range: 2-5 Page Count: 32pp Country: N/A Region: Global Sold in: UK; US & Canada HB ISBN: 9781911373889 (UK & US) PB ISBN: 9781915244703 (UK) Themes: Empathy & Emotion, Family, Friends, Community, Social Justice, Learning & Creativity Buy this Book: UK: Bookshop.org US: Lerner Books Resources: Guides & Activities buying options You May Also Like: Funcles Mama’s Wedding Xirsi and the Final Battle What Makes a Family Explore All Books

Find submission guidelines for authors and illustrators interested in sharing inclusive children’s stories with Lantana Publishing. Share Your Story With Us Manuscript & Portfolio Submissions We are looking for manuscripts and book dummies by authors and illustrators from under-represented groups. We particularly love stories that make us laugh, cry or move us in some way and that open our hearts and minds to the lived experiences of minority groups. We almost exclusively publish stories with child protagonists (including poetry, graphic novels and non-fiction) and are not looking for stories only featuring animal characters. We are not exclusively after fiction across all age ranges, but are also looking for other genres including poetry, graphic novels and non-fiction. What we’re looking for Picture Books for 2-5 Year Olds Short narratives usually between 100 and 800 words, that work with pictures to tell a story across 12 double-page spreads. The text should flow well enough to read out loud, but the full meaning of the story should only be revealed in the interplay of text and illustrations. We do NOT require authors to provide illustrations or source their own illustrator if they are submitting a picture book manuscript. Fiction for 5-7 Year Olds Narratives usually between 4,000-6,000 words, that make up an 80+pp chapter book ready for plenty of two-tone or coloured illustrations. Fiction for 7-9 Year Olds Narratives usually between 10,000-15,000 words, that make up a 128+pp chapter book ready for several two-tone or black & white illustrations. Fiction for 9-12 Year Olds Narratives of 30,000+ words ready for a few black & white illustrations at significant points in the narrative, such as chapter headings. Submission Guidelines How to Submit Your Manuscript or Portfolio Before submitting, please read the guidelines below to ensure your work aligns with our list. We are currently accepting: For writers Please submit one file only - a Word document or PDF of your manuscript Avoid submitting image-heavy PDFs Middle Grade and Young Adult book authors: please include, a chapter-by-chapter synopsis For illustrators Please include a link to your online portfolio We do not accept illustration files via the form When you’re ready, please submit your work using the button at the bottom of the page. What happens next We receive a high volume of submissions each month and are unable to respond to everyone individually. If your manuscript has caught our attention, we will be in touch (within 12 weeks for Picture books / within 24 weeks for chapter books) to let you know the good news. If you haven’t heard from us by then, please assume we’re not able to take your story forward at this time. We truly value every submission. Thank you - and good luck! Lantana Publishing Submissions Form To give your submission the best chance of success, please read our post: Our Submission Mailbox: Most Common Mistakes to Avoid Submit Your Work

Sleep Well, Siba and Saba Written by Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl Illustrated by Sandra Van Doorn Translated by About this story Forgetful sisters Siba and Saba are always losing something. Sandals, slippers, sweaters – you name it, they lose it. When the two sisters fall asleep each night, they dream about the things they have lost that day. See Buying Options ↓ Featured in: ← Back to all books Book Details Forgetful sisters Siba and Saba are always losing something. Sandals, slippers, sweaters – you name it, they lose it. When the two sisters fall asleep each night, they dream about the things they have lost that day. Until, one night, their dreams begin to reveal something entirely unexpected... With playful illustrations and a lullaby-like rhythm, this heart-warming story set in Uganda is truly one to be treasured. “A picture book that will transport readers to another place and time…where dreams come to life. Will delight readers of all ages.” -Kirkus Reviews, A Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year “Both story and illustrations are full of references to Ugandan folklore, and combine to create a wonderful bedtime book that is sure to help your child drift off to sleep.” -BookTrust Awards & Accolades: A Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year 2017 Children's Africana Book Awards Honour Book 2018 Georgia Children’s Picture Book Award finalist 2018 Book Specifications: Age Range: 2-5 Page Count: 32pp Country: Uganda Region: Eastern Africa Sold in: Out of Print HB ISBN: 9781911373094 (US) PB ISBN: 9781911373926 (UK) Themes: Cultures & Immigration, Race & Ethnicity, Empathy & Emotion, Family, Friends, Community Buy this Book: UK: Bookshop.org Resources: Guides & Activities buying options You May Also Like: Funcles Mama’s Wedding Xirsi and the Final Battle What Makes a Family Explore All Books

Shadow Written by Lucy Christopher Illustrated by Anastasia Suvorova Translated by About this story In our old house, Ma told me there was nothing to be scared of. She said there were no dark places at all. But, in the new house, under my new bed, THAT’s where I found Shadow. See Buying Options ↓ Featured in: ← Back to all books Book Details In our old house, Ma told me there was nothing to be scared of. No monsters hiding behind doors, or in wardrobes, or under beds. She said there were no dark places at all. But, in the new house, under my new bed, THAT’s where I found Shadow. “This soft-spoken story can be anything from a simple, lovely, modern fairy tale to a stunning allegory about overcoming fear & how a parent’s depression can affect a child”—ALA Booklist “Helpful to any family going through a challenging situation yet hoping for a brighter future”—Youth Services Book Reviews, 5 STARS Awards & Accolades: Book Specifications: Age Range: 2-5 Page Count: 40pp Country: N/A Region: Global Sold in: US & Canada HB ISBN: 9781911373834 (UK & US) PB ISBN: N/A Themes: Illness, Death & Grief, Family, Friends, Community, Empathy & Emotion Buy this Book: US: Lerner Books Resources: If you want to see resources for this book, please send us an inquiry. buying options You May Also Like: Funcles Mama’s Wedding Xirsi and the Final Battle What Makes a Family Explore All Books

Science and Me Inspired by the Discoveries of Nobel Prize Laureates in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine Written by Illustrated by Mickaël El Fathi Translated by About this story Discover some of the inspirational people who have received Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine from 1901 to the present day, among them Marie Curie, Albert Einstein and Sir Alexander Fleming. See Buying Options ↓ Featured in: ← Back to all books Book Details Discover some of the inspirational men and women who have received Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine from 1901 to the present day, among them Marie Curie, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin and Donna Strickland. A glimpse into the often surprising lives and sometimes accidental discoveries of a group of extraordinary scientists, this fascinating collection shows that the science you learn at school really can change the world. “Winter and El Fathi give a satisfying flavor of the work that guided scientific and moral compasses, while highlighting aspects of the scientists’ personal histories” -The New York Times “Rich material for readers seeking scientific role models who made differences both in and beyond the lab” -Kirkus Reviews Awards & Accolades: A BookTrust Book of the Month 2021 Featured in The New York Times 2021 Book Specifications: Age Range: 5-9 Page Count: 40pp Country: N/A Region: Global Sold in: UK; US & Canada HB ISBN: 9781911373711 (UK & US) PB ISBN: N/A Themes: Learning & Creativity Buy this Book: UK: Bookshop.org US: Lernerbooks Resources: Guides & Activities buying options You May Also Like: Funcles Mama’s Wedding Xirsi and the Final Battle What Makes a Family Explore All Books

Melody Queen Bollywood Academy Book Two Written by Puneet Bhandal Illustrated by Jen Khatun Translated by About this story The stars are aligned for Simi to pursue a future career as a lead actor in Bollywood. But her heart is set on becoming a music producer…and it’s a profession dominated by men. See Buying Options ↓ Featured in: ← Back to all books Book Details Twelve-year-old Simi’s life is set. First: graduate from the Bollywood Academy, school to future stars. Second: become a mega-famous actor, just like her showbiz parents. There’s only one problem: Simi would rather make music than act, and music is a profession dominated by men. Can Simi navigate the gender barriers of the industry to prove she has what it takes to become Bollywood’s next big music composer? A story of passion for music and courage in the face of overwhelming odds, this second book in the dazzling world of Bollywood is sure to get your toes tapping and head bopping to Simi’s beat. “When the new school year starts, Simi finds herself caught between her own hopes and aspirations and the realities of her parents’ wishes. Even worse, she confronts the gender inequality that exists in the music industry. There’s also the virality of social media, the ardent friendships that are formed in boarding schools, and the petty jealousies and rivalries that manifest in this highly competitive field even if you’re a tweenager—not to mention the razzle-dazzle of stardom—all rolled up in one book. Much ado about Bollywood in this glamour-filled story featuring strong characterization.” — Kirkus Reviews Awards & Accolades: Book Specifications: Age Range: 9-12 Page Count: 264pp Country: India Region: Southern Asia Sold in: UK; US & Canada HB ISBN: 9781915244284 (US) PB ISBN: 9781915244321 (UK) Themes: Cultures & Immigration, Learning & Creativity, Family, Friends, Community, LQBTQ+ & Gender Equality Buy this Book: UK: B ookshop.org US: L ernerbooks Resources: If you want to see resources for this book, please send us an inquiry. buying options You May Also Like: Funcles Mama’s Wedding Xirsi and the Final Battle What Makes a Family Explore All Books

My Momo-La is a Museum Written by Mamta Nainy Illustrated by Violet Kim Translated by About this story A child and their Tibetan grandmother take a trip around the museums of the city, only to find that the further they walk, the closer to home their journey seems to take them... See Buying Options ↓ Featured in: ← Back to all books Book Details A child and their Tibetan grandmother take a trip around the museums of the city, only to find that the further they walk, the closer to home their journey seems to take them... Momo-la is a collector of unusual things. She rummages through her collection of stories whenever she comes to visit. When her grandchild asks where her stories come from, she takes them on a trip around the museums of the city, pointing out that there are stories behind every work of art, every sculpture, every invention. But as the child sees exhibit after exhibit, they realise that each one reminds them of their Momo-la – the clothes she wears, the keepsakes she carries, and the memories she shares of her Tibetan home. Could the museum the child knows the best and loves the most be right on their doorstep all along? A gorgeously-written story about the love of a grandmother for her grandchild, the precious memories we carry and the treasures we keep in the hope of passing them down to the next generation. “This charming story features a clever premise and delicately tender illustrations. The lyrical language, child-friendly examples, and relevant message about the importance of honoring family bonds and history make for a meaningful read.” —Kirkus Reviews Awards & Accolades: Inclusive Books for Children Top Pick50 Best Books for Year 2 by Books For Topics 2025 Book Specifications: Age Range: 2-5 Page Count: 32pp Country: N/A Region: Eastern Asia Sold in: UK; US & Canada HB ISBN: 9781915244635 (UK & US) PB ISBN: N/A Themes: Cultures & Immigration, Race & Ethnicity, Social Justice, Family, Friends, Community Buy this Book: UK: Bookshop.org US: Lerner Books Resources: If you want to see resources for this book, please send us an inquiry. buying options You May Also Like: Funcles Mama’s Wedding Xirsi and the Final Battle What Makes a Family Explore All Books

The Brighter I Shine Written by Kamee Abrahamian Illustrated by Lusine Ghukasyan Translated by About this story Mama always tells me stories on my birthday. She tells me the story of how I arrived in this world. They say I first came to them in a quiet dream and that I was a gift from our ancestors. See Buying Options ↓ Featured in: ← Back to all books Book Details Mama always tells me stories on my birthday. She tells me the story of how I arrived in this world. They say I first came to them in a quiet dream and that I was a gift from our ancestors. For one Armenian child, birthdays are a time for decorating the house with bunches of rose and mint and sumac, for eating beef dumplings with garlic yoghurt, and for baking cakes with family and friends. But birthdays are also a time for telling stories – stories of ancestors and homelands, of births and new beginnings, and of the land their family now calls home. For stories make up who we are, and the more stories that are told, the brighter this little child shines. A magical tale about finding yourself in the stories of your ancestors and keeping their memories alive. “On her birthday, an Armenian child decorates her home with rose, mint and sumac, smells dumplings cooking, and remembers her ancestors’ journeys, taken “so that I could be born / very far from home / in a room full of their spirits”. A colourful, poignant picture book about treasuring the stories of those who came before.” - The Guardian, Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels “An Armenian child of refugees muses on ancestral stories as vehicles of connection and identity in this moving picture book.” - Foreword Reviews, STARRED Awards & Accolades: Amnesty International endorses this book as it shows how the treasures of ancestors can live on for a child of refugees. The Guardian, Best Children’s Books of the Month October 2024 Inclusive Books for Children Awards Longlist 2025 Children’s Book Council Hot Off the Press October 2024 Book Specifications: Age Range: 2-5 Page Count: 32pp Country: Armenia Region: Western Asia Sold in: UK; US & Canada HB ISBN: 9781915244833 (UK & US) PB ISBN: N/A Themes: Cultures & Immigration, Empathy & Emotion, Family, Friends, Community, Race & Ethnicity Buy this Book: UK: Bookshop.org US: Lerner Books Resources: Guides & Activities buying options You May Also Like: Funcles Mama’s Wedding Xirsi and the Final Battle What Makes a Family Explore All Books

Submit your manuscript or portfolio to Lantana Publishing using our online submissions form. Submit Your Work Share your manuscript or portfolio with our editorial team. Please read the submission guidelines carefully before sending your work. Submission Form First name Last name Your email address Phone Do you identify as someone who is under-represented in books? * Yes No Prefer not to say Your Work Book / Manuscript Title Does your book have a child protagonist? * Yes No Type of story * Required Picturebook (2-5) Fiction (5-7) Fiction (7-12) YA Fiction Poetry, Non-fiction, Graphic novel I have read the submission guidelines Subscribe to our newsletter Upload your file Upload File Submit An error occurred. Try again later

Sing to the Moon Written by Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl Illustrated by Sandra Van Doorn Translated by About this story For one little Ugandan boy, no wish is too big. But on a rainy day at his grandfather’s house, he is brought down to earth with a bump. See Buying Options ↓ Featured in: ← Back to all books Book Details For one little Ugandan boy, no wish is too big. But on a rainy day at his grandfather’s house, he is brought down to earth with a bump. Do adventures only happen in galaxies far away or can he find magic a little closer to home? A touching story of a grandfather’s love for his grandson and the quiet pleasures of a rainy day. “This gentle bedtime story is rich in Ugandan culture as it celebrates a boy’s great love for his grandfather” -Kirkus Reviews “A most beautiful story about the most magical of relationships, a child and their grandparent. A true celebration of love” -Wanuri Kahiu, award-winning filmmaker Awards & Accolades: Winner Children’s Africana Best Book Award 2019 Book Specifications: Age Range: 2-5 Page Count: 32pp Country: Uganda Region: Eastern Africa Sold in: UK HB ISBN: 9781911373391 (US) PB ISBN: 9781911373407 (UK & US) Themes: Cultures & Immigration, Family, Friends, Community Buy this Book: UK: Bookshop.org Resources: If you want to see resources for this book, please send us an inquiry. buying options You May Also Like: Funcles Mama’s Wedding Xirsi and the Final Battle What Makes a Family Explore All Books