AustLit

Jessica Walton is a picture book author, and Introducing Teddy is her first book. Jess is also a cancer survivor, amputee, queer, daughter of a trans parent, feminist and teacher. As well as picture books, Jess writes about disability, LGBTI issues, and the intersections between her disabled and queer experiences. She is a sensitivity reader for manuscripts featuring amputee and queer characters, and reviews published books with amputee characters.

Jess lost her leg to cancer aged 9, and has worn a prosthetic leg ever since. Sick of legs that tried to mimic real skin, she started wearing patterned prosthetic legs. She hopes to design a snow globe-style prosthetic leg one day, with glittery snow swirling every time she takes a step.

Jess completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Deakin University (Arabic/Children’s Literature) and a Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education (English/Humanities) at La Trobe University. She worked as a teacher, and is passionate about education. Jess hopes one day to develop educational resources aimed at improving the lives of LGBTI and disabled students.

Jessica is also a vocalist, ukulele player, and songwriter. In 2012, Jess made it to the finals of the Darebin Songwriters Competition with her song ‘Your Own Real Face’.

(Source: author's website)