A graphic/designer/illustrator and professional writer for many years, Jeanette Woolerton has created a series of tales based on a community of woollen bears and their intrepid adventures in the Australian bush.

These tales are designed to unlock the creative spirit in every child, encouraging them to marvel at the wonders of nature through the age old tradition of storytelling.

At the end of each tale, a craft activity is introduced. Children are invited to make an element from that story to take home and treasure, using only natural materials.

On completion of the series of tales, all these crafty creations come together to form the ‘big picture’- a scene revealing a tale interwoven with the individual stories of previous lessons.

Children are required to pick elements, create a scene and tell their own story. This process invites the child to experience the wonderful complexities of nature in simple, creative ways, while encouraging the individual to find his/her own voice.

Jeanette has worked in Africa, Europe and Australia and currently illustrates from her home in the Australian bush, where she draws inspiration from the local wildlife, a menagerie of domestic animals and her beloved daughters, Emma-Jane and Tiana.