Jane Buxton

I was born in Otaki in 1947 and grew up in Wanganui. I began writing stories at the age of six and my parents and my teachers were always very encouraging. They told me that when I grew up I’d be a writer, and I believed them.

My first children’s book was published in 1976 and I’ve been writing for children ever since. For many years I was a primary school teacher and wrote part-time.

I now earn my living as a writer and have had more than 200 stories, plays, poems and articles published both in New Zealand and overseas, mainly by Learning Media and Wendy Pye for the education market.

I live on a small farm in North Canterbury with a herd llamas and alpacas, two donkeys, two dogs and one cat. I write in the mornings and work with my animals in the afternoons.

Selected bibliography:

• The Red Overalls illustrated by Kath Algie (Kidsaurus 1976, republished by Concept 1985).
• Down to the Shop illustrated by Claire Bowes (Reed 1994).
• The Fleas: Four Tales from the Dog's Back illustrated by Dick Frizzell (Spring Books 1994).
• Donkey Dust illustrated by Penelope Newman (Mallinson Rendel 1997).
• The Littlest Llama illustrated by Jennifer Cooper (Mallinson Rendel 2006).
• The Little Penguin Who Wouldn't Eat His Dinner illustrated by Philip Webb (Reed 2006).
• Ria the Reckless Wrybill illustrated by Jennifer Cooper (Penguin 2010).

Awards:

• Storylines Notable Books List 2011 Picture Books list for Ria the Reckless Wrybill.

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