MEDIA RELEASE

THE BOOK NINJA SLATED FOR THE BIG SCREEN 

The Book Ninja by Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus has been optioned to be developed into a feature film by the award-winning producer Chris Brown of Pictures in Paradise (The Railway Man, The Proposition and Daybreakers) and Veronica Fury of Fury Film Co (Boar).

Published by Simon & Schuster Australia, publishing rights to the debut novel have already been sold in nine international territories. Berg and Kalus are also the authors of another book-themed novel, While You Were Reading, also published by S&S. Together they founded Books on the Rail, an Australia-wide community initiative that leaves free books on public transport. 

The Book Ninja follows the hilarious adventures of quirky-book-lover Frankie Rose who sets out on a mission to meet someone who shares her love of literature by using nothing but books and public transport.

Producer Chris Brown said: ‘I am very excited about joining forces with Veronica to develop and make this film, it’s a hysterical female buddy movie that feels like Jane Austen collided with Notting Hill!’

Veronica Fury added: ‘The Book Ninja made me laugh out loud – it has so much heart. I am really excited to invest in this female-led project and to work with Chris Brown.’

Announcing the news, Berg and Kalus said: ‘We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Veronica and Chris. We believe in their vision and are excited about having the opportunity to be involved in this female-led team bringing to life this female-driven story.’

Simon & Schuster Australia Publishing Director Fiona Henderson said: ‘We’re delighted that our favourite romantic comedy is destined for the big screen, and can’t wait for the world to fall in love with The Book Ninja all over again.’

Ali Berg & Michelle Kalus

Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus are the authors of The Book Ninja, which has sold in 9 territories and been optioned for a film. Together they began Books on the Rail in Melbourne and their network is now Australia-wide. Ali is Creative Director for the Hedgehog Agency, Melbourne, and Michelle is a primary school teacher. Their second book, While You Were Reading, was published in 2019.