Beck, Jennifer
IN BRIEF
A former teacher and psychologist, Jennifer Beck is the author of more than 45 children’s books, many of which are still in print. She is the recipient of numerous prizes. Her picture book The Bantam and the Soldier won the Picture Book Category and the Book of the Year Award in the 1997 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards, and in 2006 she won the Children's Choice Award, voted for by more than 30,000 children throughout New Zealand.
ProfilePlace of residence: Auckland, New Zealand |
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Beck, Jennifer (1939 –) is a children's writer whose picture book The Bantam and the Soldier (1996), illustrated by Robyn Belton, won the Picture Book Category and the Book of the Year Award in the 1997 New Zealand Post Childrens Book Awards.
A former teacher and psychologist, Beck is the author of more than 45 childrens books, many of which are still in print. Titles include The Special Visitors (1987); The Choosing Day (1988); B.M.X. Billy (1989); Mrs Bold (1989); No Bullies at Our School (1996); Wolf! Wolf! (1997); Welcome (2002); and Snowboards - Inventing the Sport (2008).
Crash! The Search for the Stinson won an Honour Award in the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards in 2000.
One reviewer writes 'It is very significant that Jennifer Beck has written that "the adults in my stories tend to contribute to the magic and fun of childhood"... It is one of the great attractions of her books that adults and children enjoy life together.'
New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards Judges described The Bantam and the Soldier, in which a World War I soldier finds and keeps a bantam hen, as 'a touching and heartfelt idea portrayed with startling authenticity.'
Learning Media journal stories include No More Cats (2008). Other titles include Nothing to be scared about (1997), The Circle Shell (2000) and Taking Turns (2006), published by Wendy Pye (Sunshine Books).
The Christmas Caravan (2002) was shortlisted for the 2003 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
John Britten: The boy who did do better (Scholastic, 2004). A Ducati motorcycle wins the Battle of the Twins race but the second placing is a surprise - an almost unknown motorcycle called a Britten. Aimed at 6-14 year olds, this book is an inspirational story for students who are struggling at school.
John Britten: The boy who did do better was a finalist in the Non Fiction Category of the New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2005. It was also a finalist for The Elsie Locke Award at the LIANZA Children's Book Awards 2005.
Her book, Nobody's Dog (2005), illustrated by Lindy Fisher, was nominated in the Picture Book category of the 2006 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and won the Children's Choice Award, voted for by more than 30,000 children throughout New Zealand.
Working again with Lindy Fisher, Beck wrote A Present from the Past, which won an Honour Award in the Picture Book Category of the 2007 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Stefania's Dancing Slippers (Scholastic, 2007) is the third collaboration between Beck and Fisher. It is a story about the Polish orphans who reached New Zealand's shores in the spring of 1944. Thie multi-level picture book received a Silver medal in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards 2008 (USA). The original art work is featured in the Polish Heritage Trust Museum in Howick, Auckland.
writers in schools information
Beck is available to talk to primary school students. She is prepared to discuss the writing process, where to look for ideas, and how to improve stories and the relationship between art and words in picture books. Jennifer would prefer to speak to groups of 25–50 students. She is prepared to travel out of town for Writers in Schools visits.
Media links and clips
- The Choosing Day features in the Summer 2003 Issue of BRAT: Books for Readers and Teachers.
- John Britten: The boy who did do better features in the Winter 2004 Issue of BRAT.
- The original artwork for Stefania's Dancing Slippers can be viewed at the Polish Heritage Trust Museum.
- Christchurch City Libraries - Interviews with New Zealand Children's Authors.
- Storylines profile for Jennifer Beck
