The 12 Days of Startups: Cool books for kids

When the publishing industry rejected children’s book authors Stu French and Teigan Margetts and their idea for books about the world’s big issues that inspire kids to create positive change, they decided to go it alone and launch their own publishing house, Ethicool books.

The Melbourne-based husband and wife team produce illustrated children’s books for kids aged 0-6, tackling the world’s big issues to make storytime both special and meaningful.

They’re stories about social issues such as environmental responsibility and recycling, embracing nature with messages about making the planet more equitable and sustainable.

Ethicool books are environmentally friendly too, printed with a soy-based ink on recycled or sustainably sourced paper. The books are then shipped out in compostable packaging.

As part of 1% for the Planet, the publishing house donates 1% of their annual revenue to sustainability not-for-profits.

The pair were already dissatisfied with local book distribution options with the global pandemic hit, so they moved to an ecommerce model, turning to Amazon Australia for help. They received an extra boost when they won an Amazon Launchpad SMB Innovation Grant, which is helping as they expand globally in 2021.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for books for children with stories that matter, Ethicool has a wide range of beautiful books available, just in time for Christmas, from Amazon Australia.

Over 12 days in the lead up to Christmas, we’ll be sharing the stories of great Australians startups selling on Amazon Australia, told by their founders.

Here is Stu and Teigan’s story. Happy holidays to all.