From Eurovision to Story Time: Courtney Act publishes new children’s book

Courtney Act pictured with their new children’s book Confetti and the Rainbow Garden

Australian Eurovision commentator and drag icon Courtney Act has released a joyful new children’s book titled Confetti and the Rainbow Garden — a celebration of curiosity, creativity, family, identity, and the wonders of nature.

Illustrated by award-winning artist Dylan Finney, the picture book is designed to inspire acceptance and independence in children aged 3 and up.

At the heart of the story is Confetti, a young anthropomorphic wattle spending the holidays with five cousins at their Nan’s house. There, they discover a magical backyard overflowing with native Australian plants and flowers. As Confetti explores, they wonder who they’ll grow up to be — a wistful waratah, a lorikeet-loving grevillea, or maybe a playful fern?

The release arrives at a time when Drag Queen Story Time events have faced criticism, despite their role in offering young audiences empowering representation of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Courtney has been at the centre of this conversation before — her appearance on ABC’s beloved children’s program Play School back in 2022 drew backlash from a conservative senator, who described the segment as “child grooming.”

In a passionate response published in The Sydney Morning Herald, Courtney wrote:

“Showing straight kids queer content won’t turn them queer. Your queer kids will be queer regardless of whether you show them examples or talk to them about it. It just depends on how much shame you want them to carry into their lives.”

Courtney Act doing Drag Queen Story Time on Play School

Alongside her advocacy, Courtney has become a beloved figure within Australia’s Eurovision world. She joined SBS’s broadcasting team in 2024 as backstage correspondent, bringing fans exclusive behind-the-scenes access with charisma and heart. In 2025, she stepped up to co-host the live Eurovision broadcasts from Basel, Switzerland, alongside Tony Armstrong, a duo quickly embraced by audiences.

Courtney’s Eurovision journey began earlier on stage. In 2019, she competed in the inaugural Eurovision – Australia Decides national final with the empowering track Fight for Love, earning a strong fourth-place result with her now-iconic red look and heart-shaped headpiece.

And she isn’t done yet — as recently as September, Courtney expressed her desire to represent Australia on the Eurovision stage in the near future.

Confetti and the Rainbow Garden is available now through inclusive bookstores and via Booktopia, which currently offers limited signed copies.

Book cover of Confetti and the Rainbow Garden by Courtney Act

Confetti and the Rainbow Garden is currently only available for purchase in Australia and New Zealand.

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