Author and Educator Olly Pike Brings Beloved Inclusive Fairytale Back to Life

Children’s author, illustrator and LGBTQ+ educator Olly Pike, founder of Pop’n’Olly, has officially reclaimed the publishing rights to one of his earliest inclusive fairytales, The Prince and the Frog. The move marks an important moment in Pike’s mission to make inclusive stories more affordable and accessible. As Pike describes it, it is “a bit of a Taylor Swift moment.”

Originally published in 2018 by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, The Prince and the Frog tells a warm and inclusive story about love, friendship and staying true to who you are. The book received praise for its gentle approach to LGBTQ+ representation, with reviewers celebrating the twist on the classic tale where, instead of a princess kissing the frog, a prince steps into the spotlight.

As years passed and the retail price rose from £10.99 to £14.99, Pike became increasingly concerned that the story was slipping out of reach for the very children it was created for.

“It broke my heart to think that cost might stop kids from reading a story that could help them feel seen,” Pike explains. “I realised that to truly share The Prince and the Frog the way I wanted, I needed to take back control, creatively and financially.”

In early 2025, Pike approached JKP to request the rights to return to him. The response was supportive and straightforward.

“They were incredibly gracious,” Pike says. “No fees, no complications, just a mutual agreement that the book deserved a new life.”

Pop’n’Olly’s Version: A Fresh Start

The newly released independent edition, titled The Prince and the Frog: Pop’n’Olly’s Version, has been refreshed in collaboration with Mel Lane, Pop’n’Olly’s Head of Education and a primary school teacher. After years of using the book in classrooms, Lane helped refine the pacing and dialogue to make it even more engaging for young readers.

“It is such a joyful, meaningful story and now it is more accessible and affordable than ever,” Lane says.

A Modern Inclusive Fairytale

At its heart, The Prince and the Frog features a same-sex love story, offering young readers positive LGBTQ+ representation in a format rarely seen in traditional fairytales. It also includes Princess Caroline, a character who does not seek romance. Readers have praised this portrayal, noting how relatable it is for those who identify as aromantic or asexual.

“It was incredibly easy to read Caroline as asexual, which was amazing,” wrote one reviewer on Goodreads.

Another commented that “it is beautifully told, and the illustrations are perfect for young readers, bright and colourful.”

The Power of Independent Publishing

This re-release reflects a wider shift in the publishing world. More than 2.6 million independently published books were released last year, giving creators greater freedom to craft and distribute their work on their own terms.

Through Pop’n’Olly, Pike has already sold more than 40,000 inclusive children’s books, with many used in schools across the UK to support LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity.

“Independent publishing has given me the freedom to create books that are affordable, authentic and accessible,” Pike says. “Reclaiming The Prince and the Frog is about more than one story. It is about taking ownership of my voice and making sure every child can see themselves in a fairytale.”

Availability

The Prince and the Frog: Pop’n’Olly’s Version is available now at PopnOlly.com and through major online retailers.