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News  •  1 December 2022

 

PRH acquires new books from beloved children’s entertainer, Emma Watkins

Penguin Random House Australia (Puffin) has acquired the rights to Australia’s next big pre-school brand, Emma Memma in an expansive publishing program, encompassing story, novelty and activity formats.

Launched in August 2022, the Emma Memma brand has already made its mark on the children’s entertainment space with the Emma Memma album debuting at #1 on iTunes, a TV series in development and many more songs and videos to come. With her love of dance, sign language and music, Emma Memma is empowering the next generation through movement, creativity, inclusiveness and friendship. 

Hello, Emma Memma, the first book in the program, is set to publish on 28 February 2023 with illustrations by talented Australian artist, Kerrie Hess. The hardback picture book is an introduction to the world of Emma Memma and an opportunity for readers to share in the adventure as she emerges into the world. There will also be a simultaneous eBook and audiobook release and all Emma Memma storybooks will be accompanied by an Auslan video translation.

Future books in the publishing program will explore Emma Memma’s wider world, songs and key characters. With more storybooks, novelty and activity books releasing over the next few years, there will be something for every Emma Memma fan. 

We are thrilled to be working with the Emma Memma brand on an exciting publishing program. Over the last few months we have been blown away by the joyful response from kids to Emma’s inclusive songs and videos. And this is just the beginning! The books will continue the magical adventures of Emma Memma and her friends, and encourage fans to sing, dance, sign and read with Emma Memma. – Jess Owen, Commissioning Editor, Penguin Random House Australia.
We are so excited to share the illustrated 'Emma Memma' with our audience as the first book of many, where we will be introducing our new characters and the joyous world around them. After many years of wanting to create together, dear friend and illustrator, Kerrie Hess and I are thrilled to showcase this collaboration of friendship and blossoming of the 'Emma Memma' character. Hello, Emma Memma launches us into a world of colourful scenes of a butterfly cocoon, with delicate details of curly hair and gum blossoms that burst into a vibrant energy that is - Emma Memma. – Emma Watkins

Dancer and filmmaker Emma Watkins began her performance career early from the age of three, nurturing her love of dance and movement by performing ballet, Irish, hip-hop, tap and contemporary dance.

Emma has been passionate about sign language and raising awareness of Australia’s Deaf community since she was young, growing up with her best friend having two Deaf brothers. Emma pursued studying sign language, completing her Diploma of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and is currently studying a Diploma in Interpreting at Deaf Connect and her PhD at Macquarie University in Sydney. Over the last two decades, Emma has developed a high level of skill using expressive effort in movement. Emma hopes to continue to improve access for the Deaf community and those who use sign language in her own personal research projects.

 

Hello, Emma Memma is available for pre-order here.

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