Janeen Brian

Somewhere You Can Dream

From the smallest cubby to the highest hilltop, this heart-warming, read-aloud picture book is all about finding your own special place in the world. From award-winning creators Janeen Brian and Hilary Jean Tapper.

Do you love shadowy secret nooks or cosy hideaways?
Leafy, shady trees or sheltered, rocky bays?
Do you love comfy little cubbies or tree forts way up tall?
Or spaces behind places where you can curl up small?

A beautiful, lyrical story that asks readers to consider where in the world they feel most at home, exploring safe spaces and cosy feelings, self-awareness and belonging. Perfect for reading at bedtime, with glorious illustrations by award-winning illustrator Hilary Jean Tapper.

This book is perfect for:
– starting discussions with kids about belonging and exploring their place in the world
– kids with big imaginations
– cosy bedtime reading
– fans of All the Ways to be Smart and the World Needs Who You Were Made to Be

Are You The Easter Bunny?

From the author of the bestselling I’m a Dirty Dinosaur comes a delightful book that explores the many qualities of bilbies, one of Australia’s endangered species.

Deep in the hot Australian desert lives a cute little creature with long soft ears and a whiskery nose.

Could it be the Easter Bunny?

From award-winning duo Janeen Brian and Lucinda Gifford comes this celebration of the bilby, one of Australia’s most important and endangered animals.

The Fix-it Princess

A twisty-turny fantasy romp, with heart, humour, do-it-yourself projects and a singing dragon.

Two days ago, Mum-Queen and Dad-King happily flew off in the Wing-Thing that Princess Shona, the Fix-it Princess, had made them. Shona hasn’t sighted them since. And that’s a worry.

But Shona is a princess with a Can-Do attitude. After all, she isn’t called the Fix-it Princess for nothing. She is great at solving problems. Surely, the Fix-it Princess can work out a way to find a Wing-Thing and a pair of missing parents. Surely …

Eloise and the Bucket of Stars

Left in a pail at an orphanage as a baby, only something magical can save Eloise from a miserable life and give her the one she’s always dreamed of.

Orphaned as a baby, Eloise Pail yearns for a family. Instead, she lives a lonely life trapped in an orphanage and made miserable by the cruel Sister Hortense. Befriended by the village blacksmith, Eloise soon uncovers some strange secrets of yesteryear and learns that something terrible may be about to happen to the village. As troubles and dangers mount, she must learn who to trust and choose between saving the village or belonging to a family of her own. Unless something truly magical happens…

Hello to Me!

Joanne is bright and bubbly and loves being with her friends.

Joanne also has autism.

What does that mean for Joanne, her friends and her family?

Hello To Me! is about understanding children with disabilities, and how that awareness can lead to greater compassion, tolerance and friendship.

Aussie Kids: Meet Mia by the Jetty

Aussie Kids is an exciting new series for emerging readers 6-8 years.
From a NSW Zoo to a Victorian lighthouse, or an outback sheep farm in WA to a beach in QLD, this junior fiction series celebrates stories about children living in unique places in every state and territory in Australia.
8 characters, 8 stories, 8 authors and illustrators from all 8 states and territories!
Come on an adventure with Aussie Kids and meet Mia from South Australia.

Hi! I’m Mia
Jim is coming to stay with us soon.
I want to show him the jetty, beach and island.
But I don’t want my bossy sister Alice to take over.
So I have a plan . . .

Little Chicken Chickabee

Written by Janeen Brian and illustrated by Danny Snell

Finally, the day has arrived! Four beautiful eggs hatch and four delightfully fluffy chickens emerge. One little chicken quickly realises she’s different, but she is not sure why. In a quest to find answers, and hopefully a friend, she sets off to explore the farm.

CBCA Book of the Year Notable Book

I’m a Dirty Dinosaur

From award-winning author Janeen Brian and award-winning illustrator Ann James comes this gorgeous rhyming picture book about a naughty little dinosaur who loves to get dirty. Bright simple illustrations and rounded corners perfect for the very young.

From award-winning author Janeen Brian and award-winning illustrator Ann James, comes this gorgeous rhyming picture book about a naughty little dinosaur who loves to get dirty. Bright simple illustrations and rounded corners perfect for the very young.

Stomp, splash, slide, dive . . . .

This little dinosaur just loves mud!

I’m a Dirty Dinosaur: Hide and Seek

Everyone’s favourite muddy little dinosaur is back. Pre-schoolers will love to play hide and seek and look for Dirty Dinosaur and friends in this bright, fun lift-the-flap board book.

I’m a Dirty Dinosaur Hide and Seek is a delightful new board book featuring the bestselling pre-school character created by Janeen Brian and Ann James. With a ton of instant appeal and perfect energy for the pre-school age group, this joyous book for very young children has a wonderful interactive seek-and-find theme. Children will love helping Dirty Dinosaur find his friends under the flaps. There is also an opportunity to learn early counting skills with the insects found under the alternative flap. Painted with real mud from the illustrator’s dam, the artwork will inspire children’s own creative play.

I Am This Big

Written by Janeen Brian and illustrated by Jess Racklyeft. 

How does it feel when we can’t reach something?

But how does it feel when we CAN?

I am This Big gently explores a child’s fascination with growing bigger. The homely scenes and repetitive text will comfort children and spark discussions about what they can and can’t reach, and what they’re most excited about doing once they’re bigger.

There might always be things that we can’t reach, but the important thing is to keep trying … especially when we’re reaching for the stars.

Look, Baby!

Written by Janeen Brian and illustrated by Renée Treml 

Look, Baby! is perfect for parents to introduce and talk about the world with their baby. The clever cut-out design helps parents show their child how to look around them at all the different and exciting things there are to see. Work together to spot all the fun hidden items throughout the book.

Speech Pathology of Australia Book of the Year 2021 – WINNER

Yong: The Journey of an Unworthy Son

The journey of an unworthy son.

“Yong,” my father said one night as I sat on the earthen floor, stroking my pet cricket and determined to save it from being eaten. “You will come with me to Australia.”

Yong doesn’t want to leave Guangdong to travel to the goldfields of Ballarat. But as the firstborn son, he has no choice. On the long and treacherous journey, Yong strives to be an honourable son, while he and his father face many hardships and dangers. But in his heart he knows the shameful truth – that his honour is a lie. Can a journey change lives? Has Yong the courage to face what lies ahead?

That Boy, Jack

Will Jack have the courage to follow his heart or will he keep his promise to his best friend?

Best friends Jack and Gilbert made a pact when they were younger – work in the copper mines, just like their fathers and other Cornish immigrants. But the thought of working underground fills twelve-year-old Jack with panic. When Gilbert is forced to leave school to earn a wage, Jack wants to keep his promise – but that means facing his fear. And his heart is telling him to follow another path. That boy, Jack must find the courage to choose.

That Boy, Jack is the latest junior fiction novel from award-winning Australian author Janeen Brian. This historical adventure set in 1870s Australia is a story of bullying, friendship, courage and growing up.

Meet… Ned Kelly

The perfect book for kids learning about Ned Kelly and his gang.

Ned Kelly was a notorious bushranger.
He lived in Australia’s earliest days.
He was daring and clever and bold.
In a suit made of iron he battled police.
And his story is still being told.

This is the first book in a picture book series about the extraordinary men and women who have shaped Australia’s history.

Meet… Nellie Melba

A picture book series about the extraordinary men and women who have shaped Australia’s history, including opera star Dame Nellie Melba.

Dame Nellie Melba was Australia’s first classical music star. The beauty of her singing was celebrated around the globe. She was appointed Dame Commander, OBE for her enormous fundraising efforts during World War One and today she is commemorated on Australia’s hundred dollar banknote. This is the story of how she rose to fame, and how she brought opera to Australians in the city and in the bush.

From Ned Kelly to Banjo Paterson; Captain Cook to Sidney Nolan, the Meet … series of picture books tells the exciting stories of the men and women who have shaped Australia’s history.

Clara’s Better-than-Okay Day

Clara’s class is getting a new teacher. Tomorrow, the class is going on an excursion to a wildlife park Clara has never been to. Clara doesn’t like new things, and she doesn’t like it when things change! She’s worried. Will it be an okay day?

Wear Whatever!

Archie likes to try on his sister Daisy’s dresses. They make him feel good, but he’s worried about what his friends might think. His school’s Wear Whatever Day is only two weeks away. Will Archie have the courage to be himself?

Creek Street

Jackson and his family are visiting Creek Street, an old copper mining town. But when Jackson takes a photo, he travels back in time as Jack, a boy living in Creek Street during the 1800s. Life in a mining town isn’t easy, and Jack and his family have their own problems. But when the present starts to pull him back to Jackson’s life, will Jack have enough time to help his family?

Not a Country Kid

When Finn and his mum move to New Zealand, they have to leave behind Finn’s dog, Taco. Staying on his uncle’s farm, Finn offers to take care of a newborn lamb. He calls her Hero, and she helps him to not miss Taco so much. But then Hero escapes her yard, and Finn has to race to save her from danger.

Rosa Parks: Riding for Freedom

Rosa Parks helped change the lives of millions of African Americans and the history of her country. Life for African Americans like Rosa was very hard in the mid-20th century. Rosa’s brave actions helped to gain civil rights for black Americans. Your students can read about her remarkable achievements in this book.

Helen Keller: Living in Dark Silence

Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing when she was very young. After many challenges Helen’s teacher, Anne Sullivan, helped her to read and communicate with others. Although she could not see or hear, Helen graduated from college in 1904. She then spent much of her life working for people with disabilities. It’s an astounding story. Why not read it now?

Ferdinand and the Dance

The series comprises 250 full-colour engaging fiction and non-fiction books with captivating characters and stories designed to appeal to young Australians. All 250 texts have been carefully levelled for Years F–3 against Oxford Levels 1+ to 11 and Reading Levels 1 to 26*.

The series is organised into 10 popular themes: Fantasy, Animals, Family and Friends, Food, Places, Environment, Health and Sport, Australian Stories, Art, and History. Every text supports the teaching of one of the seven comprehension strategies from the Comprehension Skills Framework.

Ferdinand at the Fair

The series comprises 250 full-colour engaging fiction and non-fiction books with captivating characters and stories designed to appeal to young Australians. All 250 texts have been carefully levelled for Years F–3 against Oxford Levels 1+ to 11 and Reading Levels 1 to 26*.

The series is organised into 10 popular themes: Fantasy, Animals, Family and Friends, Food, Places, Environment, Health and Sport, Australian Stories, Art, and History. Every text supports the teaching of one of the seven comprehension strategies from the Comprehension Skills Framework.

Paint my Face

The series comprises 250 full-colour engaging fiction and non-fiction books with captivating characters and stories designed to appeal to young Australians. All 250 texts have been carefully levelled for Years F–3 against Oxford Levels 1+ to 11 and Reading Levels 1 to 26*.

The series is organised into 10 popular themes: Fantasy, Animals, Family and Friends, Food, Places, Environment, Health and Sport, Australian Stories, Art, and History. Every text supports the teaching of one of the seven comprehension strategies from the Comprehension Skills Framework.

My Broken Arm

The series comprises 250 full-colour engaging fiction and non-fiction books with captivating characters and stories designed to appeal to young Australians. All 250 texts have been carefully levelled for Years F–3 against Oxford Levels 1+ to 11 and Reading Levels 1 to 26*.

The series is organised into 10 popular themes: Fantasy, Animals, Family and Friends, Food, Places, Environment, Health and Sport, Australian Stories, Art, and History. Every text supports the teaching of one of the seven comprehension strategies from the Comprehension Skills Framework.

Cat-astrophe at the Opera

In this short chapter book, readers will discover operatic dreams of three wonderful French felines. Silhouette, Eugene, and Minuet are on a mission to fulfill their dreams of going to the Paris opera. First, they go and sing in front of the opera building to earn money for their tickets. When the cats realize that the tickets are sold out, they’ve got to find a more creative way to watch the show. Before they know it, they find themselves on the opera stage with a giant crowd cheering them on. Readers will love the silly illustrations and the inspiring story about loud-mouth Eugene finding a place where he fits in purrfectly.

Mia’s Chocolate Challenge

On the day of Ben’s birthday, Mia buys a horse-shaped mold so that she can make Ben a present–a chocolate horse. On the way to the party, she stops to see her favorite neighborhood horse. While showing the horse the gift she made, he tries to eat the chocolate and her creation breaks in half What will she give to Ben? With charming illustrations and large font, children will enjoy reading this fun story as they learn how things unexpectedly work out in the end.

The Adventures of Kingii the Frilled Lizard

Kingii is a frilled lizard who narrowly escapes danger throughout this intense reader. Children will learn about different predators and the lifestyles of frilled lizards in this exciting story. Kingii escapes fire, wins a territory battle, and eventually secures the love of his mate. Wonderful wildlife illustrations accompany this story of Kingii the frilled lizard and his search for a safe home in the savanna.

Maya Monkey

Maya Monkey is unhappy with her long tail. She goes through the jungle looking at the tails of all the other animals and finally realizes that her tail is actually very special indeed. Young readers can follow the large font and fantastic illustrations as they learn that our differences are what make us special!

Banding Together

When Joel and his family move from their city home to a small country town for Dad’s job, Joel isn’t happy. Everything is unfamiliar, and Nathan, the school bully, is making his life miserable. Joel doesn’t even feel like playing his guitar! Can he learn to love his music again and maybe even start to like his new home?

This is Home: Essential Australian Poems for Children

What do you feel like doing today? Sit beside a bush campfire with Oodgeroo Noonuccal, watch people going by with Henry Lawson, float away with Alison Lester, learn to read with Andy Griffiths or be brave with Shaun Tan.

Ideal for sharing with the whole family, this extensively illustrated edition brings together old favourites and sure-to-be new favourites in an indispensable addition to children’s bookshelves.

From poems that whisper to poems that roar, from words of tranquillity and heartbreak to those of the witty and absurd, there is something within these pages to make everyone feel at home.

Hoosh! Camels in Australia

This comprehensive book tracks the presence of camels in Australia, from the vital role they played, along with Afghan cameleers, in the early exploration and development of Central Australia, through to their continued use today in the tourism and export industries, and their important role in the natural environment.

Read abundant fascinating facts about the extraordinary workings of a camel’s body and its survival techniques. Learn about the Afghan cameleers, where they actually came from, and how they contributed to Australia’s progress as a nation.

From the role of camels in Australia’s modern history through to the use of camels in Australia today, and everything in between, this book is all you ever wanted to know about this humble humped mammal.

Autographed copies available from the Author.
See Contact page.