Jackie French facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jackie French
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| Born | Anne French 29 November 1953 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation | Author |
| Alma mater | Brisbane State High School |
| Genre | Juvenile fiction, historical fiction, gardening books |
| Notable works | 'Hitler's Daughter' |
| Spouse | Bryan Sullivan |
| Partner | None |
| Children | None |
Jackie French, born on November 29, 1953, is a famous Australian author. She writes many different types of books. These include stories for kids and adults. Some of her most well-known books are Rain Stones, Diary of a Wombat, and Hitler's Daughter. Many of her books are used in schools across Australia. Jackie French lives in Braidwood, Australia. She lives there with her husband, Bryan Sullivan.
Contents
Jackie French's Early Life and Family
Jackie French was born in Sydney in 1953. She grew up in Brisbane, another big city in Australia. She went to Brisbane State High School. When she was young, her family changed their last name to French.
Jackie French's Amazing Writing Career
Jackie French started writing her first children's book, Rain Stones, when she was 30 years old. She needed money to register her car. So, she wrote a book while living in a shed. This was the start of her amazing career.
Books About Australian History
Jackie French has written many books about Australian history. Some of these stories are true, and some are made up. They help readers learn about the past. Her books include Nanberry: Black Brother White and The Girl from Snowy River. She also wrote Let the Land Speak, which tells how Australia's land shaped the nation.
Books for Wombat Lovers
Jackie French also writes books about animals. One very popular book is The Hairy-Nosed Wombats Find a New Home. She donates the money she earns from this book. This money helps protect and research wombats.
Books Adapted for the Stage
Some of Jackie French's books have been turned into plays. Hitler's Daughter and Pete the Sheep were both adapted for the stage. These plays toured around Australia and even in the United States.
Other Contributions
Besides writing books, Jackie French also writes for magazines. She is a regular writer for the Australian Women's Weekly. She also used to talk about gardening on the TV show Burke's Backyard.
Awards and Recognition for Jackie French
Jackie French has won many awards for her books. She has received over 60 awards in Australia and other countries. Many of her books have also been nominated for top awards.
Major Book Awards
Her book Hitler's Daughter won the Children's Book of the Year Award in 2000. To the Moon and Back won the same award in 2005. Pennies for Hitler won a history award in 2013. Diary of a Wombat is a very special book. It has been translated into 23 languages. It is also the only picture book to win the Australian Book Industry Award. This book was even on The New York Times bestseller list!
Special Recognitions
Jackie French was the Australian Children's Laureate from 2014 to 2015. This is a special role where she encouraged kids to read. In 2015, she was named Senior Australian of the Year. This award recognized her great work. In 2016, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This was for her important work as an author and for helping kids learn to read.
Jackie French's Personal Life and Interests
Jackie French lives near Braidwood with her husband, Bryan Sullivan. They have turned their property into a safe place for rare animals.
Helping Wombats
Jackie French has studied wombats for 40 years. She is an ambassador for The Wombat Foundation. This group raises money to protect wombats.
Helping Kids with Dyslexia
Jackie French has dyslexia. This means her brain works differently when reading and writing. She wrote a book called I Spy a Great Reader. This book helps teachers and parents teach children with dyslexia to read. She also supports many groups that help kids learn.
