- Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
Hi I’m Janine and I grew up in England and moved to Australia at the age of 15.
I have always loved reading and writing since I was a child, writing little poems and stories for fun.
I was also a single mother for 13 years to two children, one of whom has Autism and had a lot of trouble learning to read; he is now a bookworm and is writing a young adults fiction book.
I was a social worker for over 20 years working with parents and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. During this time, I developed many programmes aimed at developing the skills of children, parents and educators. For seven years, I managed State Government-funded Child and Parent Centres, where I led allied health teams and worked closely with the Department of Education, and the State Library’s Better Beginnings Programme. During this time, I developed pre-kindy programmes, which have been used within both the state and private school systems. It is through insight gained during this time that I have developed the Read and Grow series, of which Jungle Party is the first to be released.
- What is your inspiration behind your book “Jungle Party”?
I think I would have to say that my inspiration is all the children I have worked with and told stories to. I love a child’s imagination and I try and hold onto that when I am writing.
- When did you realize you want to be an author?
I’ve always wanted to write a book but have been too busy with my children and work. I’m fortunate that I can now spend time writing and illustrating
- Please tell us something about your book “Jungle Party”?
It starts off with different animals in their habitat doing their thing until they all get a sudden invite to a party. That’s when the animals take on human like characteristics as they head off for some jungle fun, doing the conga and eating “squirming worm sundaes”.
I’ve used rhythm and rhyme and kept the story short so that children do not get restless making it easier for story time.
What makes this book different to others is that I have included tips for parents to assist with reluctant readers and to expand their child’s developmental skills. At the end of the book is an activity. This is to make reading the book again more fun, but also to develop speech, language and fine motor skills.
- For which age group is your book “Jungle Party” suitable for?
It is for 2-5 year olds, but to be honest I’ve had children up to 8 years old asking me for a copy.
- What is your favorite Quote?
“When we are working with children today we are sowing seeds into their lives for the future. We may not always see these seeds grow and bloom ourselves as sometimes it takes others to water these seeds and time for them to grow. The important thing is to keep on sowing.”
This is my original quote I used with my staff and social work students. They found it very inspirational
- What do you like the most about your country?
I live in the Great Southern of Western Australia on a small farm. I love the mountains and large open spaces all around us
- What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Share a book with your child every day. You don’t need to read all the words. If your child doesn’t like to sit still for long, start with one page or just flip through the book until something catches your child’s eye; then ask your child a question about what he/she has seen. Remember to make reading time fun not a chore.
- What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success for me would be to create a love of sharing books between parents and children. If I can influence more parents to share a book with their child in a wait room instead of handing them an electronic device, I feel I would have achieved my goal.
- Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
In regards to children’s literature Mem Fox is someone I have admired for a long time. For her great story telling, however
without wanting to sound “religious “, Jesus is my inspiration in life. He showed love and compassion to the outcasts of society and that is how I try to live my life- showing compassion and love in practical ways for those who otherwise wouldn’t receive it.
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