Jane Godwin

Anna Walker and Jane have created nine 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, Don't Forget and A Life Song. They are currently working on their tenth collaboration.

Several of Jane’s upper middle-grade novels are set texts in secondary schools (year 7 and 8 level). These include Falling from Grace, When Rain Turns to Snow and A Walk in the Dark.

Jane is currently working on several picture books and a novel set in the Victorian Mallee.

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

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/