Jessica Young grew up in Ontario, Canada. The same things make her happy now as when she was a kid: dancing, painting, music, digging in the dirt, picnics, reading, and writing. When she was little, she wanted to be a tap-dancing flight attendant/veterinarian, but she became a teacher and writer instead. She loves visiting schools and sharing the creative process with students.

Jessica is the author of award-winning books for young readers, including: I’LL MEET YOU IN YOUR DREAMS; MY BLUE IS HAPPY; PLAY THIS BOOK and PET THIS BOOK; TWO HOMES, ONE HEART; BABY’S HERE!; the HAGGIS AND TANK UNLEASHED early chapter book series; the FAIRYLIGHT FRIENDS early reader series; A WISH IS A SEED; the FINLEY FLOWERS chapter book series; SPY GUY THE NOT-SO-SECRET AGENT; and her latest picture book, TODAY AT SCHOOL with Yesterday and Tomorrow. She’s represented by Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

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FAQs

  • I didn’t plan on being an author. It wasn’t until after my kids were born and we started reading picture books that I was inspired to write one. Before that I was:

    • an elementary/middle school art teacher

    • a tree planter

    • an art therapist

    • a museum outreach coordinator

    • a lifeguard

    • a wilderness program canoe trip guide, and

    • a camp counselor

  • I’m inspired by things people—especially kids—say and do, and by random facts and experiences. Also, memories, music, art, books, and the sounds of words. My ideas are like wild animals. They come around when they want to, and usually that’s when I least expect it.

  • Some stories feel like they write themselves. Others can be a struggle. I usually revise a lot before my critique partners read my story and give me feedback. Then I revise again and repeat the process after letting the story sit. This can take months, or even years!

  • Here are some things that have helped me:

    Read for fun, but also as a writer. Ask yourself why you like the books you like. What is it about the characters, plot, language, and illustrations that grabs you—or doesn’t?

    Find people who love to write and read. Writing can be solitary, but having friends to share the journey can bolster your perseverance, maximize your ability to brainstorm and revise, and make things a lot more fun! My critique partners are my teammates. We help each other through the creative process and the publishing process, sharing frustrations and celebrating successes along the way.

    Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). They offer helpful online resources, conferences, and workshops. My first SCBWI retreat changed my life and put me on the path to publication.

    Be curious and enthusiastic. Ask questions. Not just: Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How? But also: What if? Why not? Would you care to dance? and Got any chocolate?  Follow your story and blaze your path!