Owlet Press to publish children's series addressing familial colourism

Owlet Press has acquired a new picture book series adressing familial colourism from debut author Monika Singh Gangotra. The series will be illustrated by Michaela Dias-Hayes.

Sam Langley-Swain, founder of Owlet Press, acquired world rights to two books direct from the author. Illustration rights were acquired through Plum Pudding Illustration. 

Having experienced colourism, to varying degrees, all her life, the series will combine Gangotra's professional and personal experiences and aim to contribute to a positive social movement tackling colourism across black and brown communities everywhere, says the publisher. 

The series will launch in July 2021 with Sunflower Sisters, which will follow best friends Amrita and Kiki. The publisher explains: "While the story offers a window into the lived experiences of those affected by colourism, it also celebrates the joy of the two girls experiencing each other's South Asian and Nigerian communities and traditions, in this case weddings. With the protection of and empowerment from their mothers, the ‘sunflower sisters’ grow into strong independent young women who embrace and celebrate the colour of their dark brown skin and empower other women to do the same."

The second title in the series will follow in autumn 2022. 

Langley-Swain said: "The partnership between two creators with lived experiences and our investment in seeking advice from the right voices in and around our industry has helped us tackle this important issue in a sensitive and authentic way. The result is one of the first picture books to address colourism in a direct and uplifting way."

The author commented: "Sunflower Sisters sheds light on the issue of colourism, and how we can lovingly help change mindsets about beauty within our community and empower our children to carry this through to future generations. It starts with our children and it comes from us as grownups to recognise these harmful conversations and to try and reshape the way we speak. We are all beautiful, and the colour of our skin does not change that one bit."

Gangotra won "The Big Family Cooking Showdown" in 2017 (BBC2 and Netflix).