About Us

Barefoot Banana Publishing is an independent publishing house based in Bangkok, Thailand. We craft beautiful picture books with meaningful stories designed to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Our Philosophy: Crafting with Respect

Every book we publish is created with deep respect for a child’s intelligence, insight, and emotional complexity. We believe that great picture books inspire curiosity, invite humour, and encourage meaningful conversations between generations.

Our Mission

To craft high-quality picture books with a powerful interplay of texts and images that leaves a lasting impression, fueling the imagination, humour, and curiosity for readers of all ages.

Beyond the Pages: Bringing Stories to Life

Our commitment to literature extends far past the printing press. We are passionate about turning stories into tangible, shared, real-world experiences.

• The Children’s Picture Book Festival: Driven by this vision, we founded Thailand’s very first festival dedicated entirely to children’s picture books—creating a vibrant space where families, creators, and stories can connect in real life.

Global Recognition & Milestones

Our dedication to high quality and artistic storytelling has proudly placed Thai children’s literature on the global stage.

• Bologna Prize Nomination: In 2025, Barefoot Banana achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Thai publisher ever to be nominated for the prestigious Bologna Prize for the Best Children’s Publishers of the Year in the Asia category.

• The White Ravens Selection: In 2025, our beloved title, “The Owl Who Never Ever Flies,” was selected for the prestigious international White Ravens catalogue, recognising its exceptional quality and contribution to children’s literature.

International Partnerships & New Horizons

We believe that great stories transcend borders. We operate in close partnership with our UK sister publisher, Book Island, allowing us to exchange cross-cultural insights and continuously raise the standards of visual storytelling.

• Naked Publishing: As our community of readers has grown, so has our vision. Under our dedicated imprint, Naked Publishing, we publish complex, deeply resonant picture books tailored for more mature and experienced young readers.

Internships