Because You Are You

Book Author and Illustrator Mark Sommerset & Dïne
Rights Available World, excl. NZ, Australia


Littlemouse’s imagination takes flight—from painting masterpieces and baking grand cakes to sailing the high seas and pondering life’s deepest thoughts—Mamamouse joins in with boundless encouragement. But when doubt creeps in and Littlemouse wonders, What if I’m just me?, Mamamouse’s love remains unwavering.

  • Because You Are You is popular children’s author Mark Sommerset’s first collaboration with Scholastic New Zealand.
  • This heartwarming, uplifting story supports children to dream, create and explore their own possibilities.
  • Illustrator Dïne’s warm and whimsical artwork enhances the story’s charm with beautiful watercolour style.
  • Gentle rhymes make for a soothing, lyrical read-aloud experience.
  • Sommerset’s Baa Baa Smart Sheep won the NZ Children’s Choice Award and has been published in 13 languages.

About the Author

Mark Sommerset is the author of a diverse range of best-loved picture books including the hilarious Baa Baa Smart Sheep series.

His books have been published in 13 languages across 16 countries, picking up a
number of literary and design awards along the way, including the Children’s Choice Award for Baa Baa Smart Sheep in the New Zealand Children’s Book Awards, and Book of the Year in the New Zealand Book Design Awards for Two Little Bugs.

Mark lives in Wānaka in the South Island of New Zealand. This is his first book with
Scholastic.

About the Illustrator

Dïne
‘Dïne the Fox’ is the artistic pseudonym of Amandine Riera, a French illustrator, tattoo artist and mother, based these days in Glenorchy in New Zealand’s South Island.

Her work is deeply inspired by nature, legends, and whimsical tales, reflecting her
passion for the natural world and storytelling. She specialises in children’s book illustrations, murals, and tattoos, often featuring themes of flora and fauna.

Description

Publisher
Scholastic New Zealand Ltd

Extent
32pp

Format
212 x 244mm

Binding
Hardback & Paperback

Category
Children’s

Genre
Picture Book

Age range
3-7 years

Publication Date
June 2025

Rights Available:
World, excl. NZ, Australia

Rights Agents:

World

Lynette Evans, Scholastic New Zealand Ltd
levans@scholastic.co.nz

Contact Scholastic New Zealand about this book

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