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Jean Bennett

writer, profile published in BRAT, Winter 2000

Jean's love of language began with hearing her father tell stories by the fireside and weekly visits to the library. This fascination with words influenced her working life as a proofreader, journalist, editor, librarian, and writer for adults and young people.
Her recent novel for 8-12yr olds, Call of the Selkie, was listed as one of ten notable junior fiction books by the NZ Children's Book Foundation. A Creative New Zealand grant has helped her complete another junior novel.
Visits to school are a particular pleasure. "I love working with young people and encouraging them to write from their own experiences." The Writing Book, one of Jean's ten published books, helps students develop their creative skills.
Originally from Invercargill, she now lives in Tauranga and works part-time at a school library, which keeps her in touch with young readers. "There's a vibrant children's literature community in the Bay of Plenty.