ABOUT

ABOUT JO

Hi, I’m Jo - a reader, writer, and happy introverted lover of all things cosy.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved books. I was lucky to have parents who read to me daily, and as soon as I could read by myself, I always had my nose in one book or another. Dog-eared copies of The Faraway Tree, The Bogwoppit, and The Black Cauldron still sit on my bookshelf, although my much-loved copies of Sweet Valley High are long gone! My bookshelves are crowded with everything from Shakespeare, Jane Austen and Tolstoy to Philippa Gregory, Sarah J Maas and Jilly Cooper. What can I say? I love a lot of different genres.

Books have been a constant in my life and have helped me through many challenges over the years. I’ve studied Children’s Literature and Shakespeare, and have worked as a writer, editor, ghostwriter and coach. Now that my three children are fully grown, I’m finally making time to write my first novel and share my love of books with others.

I’ve always believed in the power of stories to help us navigate the world and our place in it, and I’m passionate about the benefits and importance of reading for all ages.

Jo xox

P.S. Below you’ll find some quick facts about me so we can get to know each other better, and more about Little Book Dragons

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ME?

Here are some quick facts to help us get to know each other better…

  • I have a herbal tea obsession… and when I say obsession, I mean I have a drawer that is dedicated purely to herbal teas!

  • I’m English, married to a lovely New Zealander I met in Hong Kong, and have 3 grown children

  • I have lived in 7 different countries (so far) and too many houses to count!

  • I’ve studied Children’s Literature, Shakespeare, Journalism, Creative Writing, and Bibliotherapy

  • I am also a qualified Yoga Teacher, Life Coach, and Baby Massage Instructor (I love learning!)

  • When I was in early labour with my second child, I paced the floor for several hours while reading The Pelican Brief; both to keep contractions going and to make sure I finished it before she was born!

  • I was once the singer Enya’s hand double in a music video

  • I have chronic headaches, which can make life challenging, and also have a bunch of food allergies - thankfully, not chocolate! Or herbal tea!

  • I love fantasy books (whether children’s, YA, or adult), historical fiction, romance, and classics such as Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Anna Karenina and anything by Jane Austen (Persuasion is my favourite though). The only genre I’m not a big fan of is horror… I don’t like anything scary or too dark.

  • My favourite books growing up were The Black Cauldron series, The Faraway Tree, The Worst Witch, and The Bogwoppit. As a ‘tween, I devoured the Sweet Valley High books, Nancy Drew, and Willard Price’s Adventure books. In my teens, it was all about Jilly Cooper, Sydney Sheldon, Danielle Steele, and Judith Krantz, plus Jane Austen’s books and Little Women… Yes, I had some unrealistic (and slightly confused) expectations about romance!!

  • If I’m at a party, you’ll find me nosing around the host’s bookshelf or cuddling their dog/cat

  • I think bookshops and libraries are the greatest places on earth

  • I also love Autumn, Christmas, the smell of rain, cosy socks, oversized jumpers, welly walks, tea, hot chocolate, snuggling under a blanket, and books, books, and more books!

About ‘Little Book Dragons’

As well as writing my own books and sharing my love of reading and writing, I’m also on a (gentle) mission to help parents raise the next generation of Book Dragons.

Why Book Dragons? Because Book Worms sound way less fun! I like to think of kids growing up to see books as their own special treasure and fiercely protecting them and their right to read.

In the Little Book Dragons section of the website, you’ll find sections for different ages (from 0-12+), plenty of resources to help you start reading to your kids, encourage them to keep reading as they get older and understand how reading can give your child a headstart in life. I truly believe all children can benefit from reading more and that books have magical ways of helping them navigate almost any situation in life.

You can join my FREE Little Book Dragon Library to access even more support and connect with me over on Instagram - I’d love you to say Hi!