Overview

Jackie French (born 29 November 1953) is an Australian writer best known for a large and varied body of work for children and adults. Her output includes picture books, novels for young readers, historical fiction, and practical books on gardening and the Australian bush. Often described as both prolific and accessible, her writing engages young readers with vivid characters, strong settings and an interest in natural history.

Life and background

French was born in Sydney and spent her childhood in Brisbane. In her early twenties she moved to the bush, embracing rural life and bush gardening. Her experiences living in remote and semi-remote settings have shaped much of her subject matter and practical writing. She has spoken and worked on television, including appearances on programs such as Burke's Backyard, and is a familiar voice on public radio and other broadcast media.

Career and themes

French began writing in her thirties. Her catalogue now runs to more than a hundred titles, spanning both fiction and non-fiction. She writes picture books that introduce young children to Australian animals and everyday humour, longer novels for middle readers that often revisit historical moments, and practical guides about gardening and living with native species. Recurring themes include Australian flora and fauna, environmental awareness, resilience, and humane treatment of animals.

Genres, notable examples and approach

Her work crosses several publishing categories and formats. Typical strands include:

  • Picture books that draw on local wildlife and domestic humour.
  • Historical novels and stories for older children that combine research with narrative.
  • Practical gardening and bushcraft titles aimed at readers interested in low-water, native planting and sustainable practices.

One of her picture books featuring Australian fauna became especially well known internationally; she also wrote novels that use historical settings to explore moral choices and ordinary lives. Her non-fiction draws on hands-on experience with bush gardens and small-scale land management.

Recognition, influence and notable facts

French is widely described as an award-winning author whose books have been read in schools and libraries across Australia and beyond. Her storytelling has been used to introduce children to historical topics and to encourage reading for pleasure. She has lived for many years in rural New South Wales, at Araluen (Araluen, New South Wales), and has sometimes written about the animals she kept: she once lived in a tin shed with a black snake she named "Gladys" and a wombat she called "Smudge". She continues to make media appearances on radio and television (radio and broadcast), speaks to school groups and participates in literary and environmental events.

Where to learn more

Further information about her books, current projects and events can be found through general literary resources and the author's own published biographies and interviews. For publisher pages, interviews and program listings, search using the author name or visit reputable library and book promotion sites for up-to-date bibliographies and event schedules.