ABOUT

ABOUT JO

Hi, I’m Jo - a writer, reader, yoga teacher, coach, and happy Book Dragon.

I’m passionate about books and wellbeing, and am excited to have created a cosy space where I can combine my love of both.

I’ve always been a reader. 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 tween self would be VERY unhappy about that! She might be more excited about the collection of Jilly Cooper novels, though… which sit on a shelf above Philippa Gregory and below classics such as Pride and Prejudice, Anna Karenina, Rebecca, and Vanity Fair. 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.

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.

On this site, you’ll find:

  • Little Book Dragons - a space to support parents in raising readers. You’ll find reading lists, tips, information, and free printables.

  • Read & Restore - as a qualified Yoga Teacher, I love combining the power of yoga, meditation and reading to create the ultimate self-care rituals. This is where you’ll find my signature ‘Read & Restore’ programme, PLUS you can get personalised reading lists created by me for you.

  • The Writer’s Room - If you’re a writer who’s lost their mojo, is struggling with procrastination or writer’s block, then my 1-1 coaching will help ignite your creative spirit. You’ll also find yoga tips to support your physical and mental wellbeing, writing tips, plus lots more to support your writing journey - from someone in the trenches with you.

  • AND I share behind-the-scenes updates on my own writing journey and more…

Whether you're here to find new books for your child, to find your creative spark or discover ways to take your love of reading to the next level, you’re so welcome here.

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’m a happy introvert who loves dreaming of dragons and magical adventures whilst drinking herbal tea… a LOT of herbal tea!

  • 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, Creative Writing, Journalism, Bibliotherapy and Shakespeare

  • I am also a qualified Yoga Teacher, Life Coach, and Baby Massage & Story Massage Instructor

  • 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!

  • I love fantasy books (whether children’s, YA, or adult), but also love reading historical fiction, romance, and classics such as Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Anna Karenina and anything by Jane Austen. The only genre I’m not a 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!