Jean’s qualifications are a Science Degree and Diploma of Education. Over the years she has been a teacher, illustrator, book reviewer, author, and blogger.
She aims to give her readers life-changing stories and content for a better life. She enjoys being with friends and family, reading fantastic stories, furbabies and the beach.
She has taught for over 35 years, including drug education for 9 years, and was a teacher-librarian for over 29 years. She was a book reviewer for the magazine SCAN, (now online), which is published by the NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre (CLIC). The reviews explore the use of curriculum resources in learning environments.
She is a long-term member of the Australian Society of Authors, Omega Writers and the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Northern Sydney Sub-branch, (Minutes’ Secretary), and a recent member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI).
Latest books:
Her novel The Craving, written under the author name of J F Saxby, has won the 2020 CALEB Award for unpublished YA fiction and a bronze medal in the 2022 Global Book Awards. It’s a split time inspirational YA romance, with the themes of addiction, brokenness, and transformation.
Other books: Jean is a co-author with best-selling author Ray Brehm for The Happiness Code: How Small Habits Will Change Your Life Starting Today (this book is a #1 Best Seller in Parenting Reference and other categories on Amazon), The Wealth Code: Small Habits to Prosperity is also a #1 Amazon Best-Seller and The Entrepreneur Code: The Habits of Creators.
Jean is also the author of THE FANGS series which is about the hilarious exploits of a Risky Rat, Cunning Cat, and Tricky Dog. The first Fang story has been published in an anthology. ‘The Fangs Visit the Dentist’ will be released later in 2022.
Previous publications:
Jean has also illustrated three cookbooks which were published in Australia and internationally: The Breakfast Book, The Lunch Book and The Supper Book. (Editor: Lisa Highton – now in the UK).
Her play, The Girl with No Voice, was performed at the Seymour Centre, Sydney, in 2016 at the Arts’ North Festival.