UQP acquires a picture book for adults from Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt, illustrated by Molly Hunt
UQP is delighted to announce that we’ve acquired Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt’s satirical picture book for adults, If Queers Weren’t Meant to Have Kids which showcases Jacobs and Natt’s fun, warm-hearted and cheeky sense of humour, along with their deep compassion and commitment to human rights. The book will be illustrated by award-winning Balanggarra and Yolngu artist Molly Hunt. If Queers Weren’t Meant to Have Kids contains a series of double-page spreads that all open with the question: ‘If queers weren’t meant to have kids, why …’ The answers are depicted on the following page and include: ‘… why do lesbians nest after one week?’ and ‘… why are hot gays called daddies?’
UQP has acquired world rights and will publish in October 2025.
Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt say:
Like all expectant queer parents we are prepared for homophobic backlash but there’s no way the naysayers are going to ruin our baby joy. So we’ve hatched a plan to show just how natural it is for queers to have kids. Our adult picture book is a celebration of love and chosen family. We’re thrilled to be working with First Nations artist Molly Hunt to create this queer kaleidoscope. Molly’s interpretation takes the story well beyond the words.
Molly Hunt:
I am honoured to be brought on this journey with Narelda and Karina and to be able to bring this story to life. It is beautifully heartwarming and moving. This personal commentary on love, parenthood and family will warm your chest while making you laugh.
Publisher Aviva Tuffield says:
I’ve long admired Narelda Jacobs’ career as a superb, empathetic and principled journalist, and more recently have become a fan of her immensely talented wife, Karina Natt. So it’s very exciting to be working on a book with the two of them, made even more special by the fact that artist Molly Hunt is involved as illustrator. If Queers Weren’t Meant to Have Kids … is a satirical picture book that uses humour and art to make powerful statements about the need for tolerance, acceptance and equality.
About the authors and artist:
Narelda Jacobs OAM is a Whadjuk Noongar journalist, presenter, commentator and keynote speaker. Her career at Network 10 has spanned more than two decades, starting in the Perth newsroom in 2000. Narelda currently presents the one-hour national news bulletin 10 News First: Lunchtime and 10 News First: Afternoon. In 2023 Narelda was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (General Division) for her services to the media and to the community.
Karina Natt is a former lawyer and journalist who spent almost a decade working as a senior adviser in federal politics. Karina is now working in media talent, production and advisory together with Narelda, to elevate First Nations and queer voices across platforms from screen to international stages.
Molly Hunt is a multitalented Balanggarra and Yolngu artist from Wyndham, Kimberley, Western Australia. Her blend of digital illustrations, animations and mural art has resulted in collaborations with major brands, such as Body Shop, Google, TikTok and FIFA. In 2023 with Deadly Science Founder Corey Tutt, Molly published This Book Thinks Ya Deadly, an illustrated compendium that celebrates the diversity and success of First Nations people. Molly has made it her mission to use her platforms to celebrate and empower Blak women.