Meet Jess Purnell - Australian Children's Author
AS FEATURED ON
Hi, I’m Jess Purnell- a mum of two wild little kiddos, a primary school teacher and the Australian children’s author behind Books from the Bush.
I’m lucky to call a family property near Roma, Queensland, home. Our family has lived in the region for six generations (and yes, my grandmother’s name was Roma). Growing up surrounded by wide-open paddocks, Australian wildlife and country life inspired my dream of creating children’s books that capture the heart, humour and language of the Aussie bush.
As a mum, I understand the beautiful chaos of family life. Between the school runs, bedtime routines, sporting commitments and the never-ending mental load, finding meaningful moments together can feel harder than ever. That’s why I believe story time matters.
A great children’s book isn’t just another bedtime story, it’s a chance to cuddle up, share a laugh, spark imagination and create memories your little ones will carry long after they’ve grown. My books are written to help families swap screen time for story time while celebrating Australian wildlife, country life and the uniquely Aussie sayings we all know and love.
As a primary school teacher, I’ve spent years helping children discover the joy of reading and writing. There’s nothing quite like watching a child burst into laughter during a funny story or proudly read a favourite book for the hundredth time. That passion inspired me to write engaging Australian children’s books that parents love reading just as much as their kids.
Every Books from the Bush story is filled with authentic Australian humour, playful rhyming text, lovable bush characters and gentle life lessons that encourage resilience, imagination and kindness. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher or searching for a unique Australian children’s book gift, my hope is that these stories become treasured favourites in your home or classroom.
From paddocks to pages, my mission is simple: to inspire a lifelong love of reading while celebrating the magic, laughter and spirit of growing up in the Australian bush—one story at a time
Discover the Magic of the Australian Bush
Shop the collection today and discover why families, teachers and grandparents across Australia are falling in love with Books from the Bush.
Welcome to Books from the Bush
Authentic Australian Children's Books That Celebrate the Heart of the Bush
Childhood should be filled with belly laughs, bedtime stories, muddy boots and memories that last a lifetime.
At Books from the Bush, I create authentic Australian children's books that celebrate the humour, language and lifestyle of country Australia. Inspired by my life on the land, my beautifully illustrated Australian picture books invite children to explore the rich traditions of the bush through storytelling, laughter and imagination.
In a world filled with screens and busy schedules, I believe every family deserves time to slow down, snuggle up and reconnect through the simple joy of reading together.
Whether you live on a cattle station, in a country town or the suburbs, every child deserves to know the unique stories, sayings and characters that make Australia unlike anywhere else in the world.
