Jane Godwin

Author, Online - Virtual Visits

Jane Godwin is a highly acclaimed author of over twenty-five books for young people, across all styles and ages. Her work is published internationally and she has received many commendations, the most recent being shortlistings in the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year Award with her picture book Tilly (illustrated by Anna Walker) and in the 2021 Book of the Year Award with her novel When Rain Turns to Snow, which has also been shortlisted for the 2021 Prime Minister’s Literary Award.

Anna Walker and Jane have created eight bestselling children’s picture books together – Little Cat and the Big Red Bus, All Through the Year, Today we have no Plans, Starting School, What Do You Wish For?, Go Go and the Silver Shoes, Tilly and Don’t Forget. They are currently working on their ninth collaboration.

Jane’s upper-middle grade novels include As Happy as Here and When Rain Turns to Snow, both published by Hachette, and Falling from Grace, published by Penguin.

For many years, Jane worked as the Children’s Publisher at Penguin Books Australia.

Jane is currently working on several picture books and a new upper-middle grade novel, set in the Otway Ranges. A Walk in the Dark will be published by Hachette in September 2022.

Jane often works in schools and the community, running literature and writing programs, making books and encouraging students in their own creative ventures. She is dedicated to pursuing quality and enriching reading and writing experiences for young people, whether it’s as a writer, a publisher or a speaker/facilitator in schools.

What other jobs have you had?

Until recently, my other job was the publisher of books for young people at Penguin Books.  Now I divide my time between writing, speaking in schools, and still doing some publishing work but not full-time!

What themes are recurring in your work?

Themes of loss, renewal, yearning, redemption. But they could be the themes of 99% of people’s work – we all just explore these big ideas in very different and personal ways.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Observing a child who is totally engaged in a book. That’s when it makes me feel that what I do both as a writer and a publisher is worthwhile.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about bringing a rewarding and memorable and lasting reading experience to children.

Where have your works been published?

In UK, US, Japan, France, Korea, Spain, Italy, China.

http://www.janegodwin.com.au/

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