Jess Racklyeft Jess Racklyeft i(7269323 works by)
Gender: Female
The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.

Works By

Preview all
1 y separately published work icon Our World of Wild Wonders Jevita Nilson , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2025 29165438 2025 single work information book children's

'Earth’s wildlife is nothing short of extraordinary. There are colour-changing chameleons in the forests of Madagascar and cliff-climbing goats in the European Alps.

'There are fluorescent fish in the depths of the Mariana Trench and wildfire-surviving echidnas in the Australian bush.

'Our World of Wild Wonders explores the unique animal species that inhabit our planet. Some mighty, some meek, but all wondrous in their own special way. Shall we go explore'  (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Australia's Baby Animals Jess Racklyeft , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Mulgrave : Affirm Press , 2024 28928953 2024 single work picture book children's

'From underground burrows to treetop nests, and from sandy beaches to riverbeds, Australia's unique landscapes provide homes for baby animals to live and thrive in.

'Here is a celebration of the animals that are born in this incredible country, from Snubfin Dolphin calves to Pygmy Possum joeys, Rainbow Lorikeet fledglings, Huntsman spiderlings, Thorny Devil hatchlings, and many more.

'Come and take a closer look at the adorable baby animals and their habitats across Australia, from one of our best-loved picture book creators.'  (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Our World Full of Wonder Jevita Nilson , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2024 28764222 2024 single work information book children's

'Shall we go explore?

'Our world is full of amazing natural wonders. From sparkling seas and towering trees, to valleys, lakes and waterfalls, there are extraordinary places that seem too magical to be true but can be found right here on planet Earth.

'There are ghostly green lights of the aurora borealis near the North Pole, and exquisite rainbow mountains in China. There is a lake in Australia so pink it looks like fairy floss, and giant crystal caves hidden below Mexico.

'These are just some of the incredible places you will discover in Our World Full of Wonder.

'Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon To Stir with Love Kate Mildenhall , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Cammeray : Simon and Schuster , 2024 28366333 2024 single work picture book children's

'From the acclaimed author, and bestselling illustrator, this beautiful, heartfelt collaboration celebrates the magic of grandmothers (and their secret recipes).

'‘It’s my everything cake,’ Grandma says. ‘My grandmother’s grandmother gave it to her, and my grandmother gave it to me.’

'Grandma makes her everything cake for every special occasion. These days she sometimes needs a little help, but that’s what grandkids are for.

'From the acclaimed author, Kate Mildenhall, and bestselling illustrator, Jess Racklyeft, this beautiful, heartfelt collaboration combines food and family to celebrate the magic of grandmothers (and their secret recipes).'  (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Tree Claire Saxby , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2024 27364988 2024 single work picture book children's

'A journey of wonder and discovery from multi-award-winning picture book creators Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft, exploring the life in and around a mighty mountain ash, including a stunning fold-out page showing the full length of the tree.

'Can you see the forest on this misty-morning mountain? Can you see where the tree stands? It is the tallest in this forest of tall trees. This tree is older than those who find it, younger than the land it grows from. Between sapwood and heartwood, water rises and energy flows. Listen to the leaves bustle. Smell the forest air. This is the world of the tree.

'In the vein of Iceberg - marrying deep scientific research, lyrical language and stunning illustrations - multi-award-winning and highly acclaimed creators Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft return with a change in environment, from ocean to land. Their new collaboration follows a mighty tree, from the bottom of its roots up to the tips of its upper branches.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon The Easter Bunny's Grandest Egg Hunt Jess Racklyeft , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Mulgrave : Affirm Press , 2024 27267754 2024 single work picture book children's

'A heartwarming Easter story from award-winning and bestselling creator, Jess Racklyeft.

'The Easter Bunny can't wait for his friends to arrive! He's planned an epic Easter event, including The Grandest Egg Hunt. Everyone is going to have so much fun! But Pig, Chick, Cat and Frog start competing against each other, and The Easter Bunny's plans soon go awry. Can he help his friends to remember that friendship is the grandest prize of all?'  (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon The Book for Marvellous Minds Maggie Hutchings , Mulgrave : Affirm Press , 2023 26835986 2023 selected work poetry short story

'This charming, inspiring and thought-provoking treasury from Maggie Hutchings and Jess Racklyeft is packed with stories, poems and activities to relish, treasure and share.

'Dip into this wonderful book at any time of day. Wake up to morning magic, spend the afternoon discovering new worlds and remembering old ones, and curl up at night with stories of the stars.

'A feast for the eyes and a balm for the soul, this is a book of joy that will fill your mind with marvels.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Big World, Tiny World : Bush Jess Racklyeft , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Carlton North : Scribe , 2023 26835418 2023 single work picture book children's 'At times in this big universe, you can feel rather small. But there are worlds of every size to see, worlds for each and all. Wander into the wilderness and explore the many worlds that exist in the bush, from dingoes that croon with the rising moon to possums that enjoy a midnight feast in the treetops. Roam the big worlds and tiny worlds of the bush, find magic in the unique animals, and delight in the busy lives of all who live above, below and within. From one of the brightest Australian author-illustrators comes a stunning ode to natural treasures and the inter-connectedness of our worlds.' 

(Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon I Am This Big Janeen Brian , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Kent Town : Little Book Press , 2023 26404792 2023 single work picture book children's

'How does it feel when we can’t reach something?

'But how does it feel when we CAN?

'I am This Big gently explores a child’s fascination with growing bigger. The homely scenes and repetitive text will comfort children and spark discussions about what they can and can’t reach, and what they’re most excited about doing once they’re bigger.

'There might always be things that we can’t reach, but the important thing is to keep trying … especially when we’re reaching for the stars.' (Publication summary)

2 y separately published work icon I’m Your Favourite Book Maggie Hutchings , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), South Melbourne : Affirm Press , 2023 26353278 2023 single work picture book children's

'I’m your favourite book!

'And even though page 6 blew away at the beach, page 10 got dipped in the bath, and your dog ate page 4, you remember all my words. The sparkle rubbed off my cover, my spine is bent and bowed, and my last page is holding on by a single thread, but you still read me every day.

'Because I’m your favourite book.

'A beautiful celebration of the magic of books, and a reminder of how the books we read as children stay with us forever.'(Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Australia : Country of Colour Jess Racklyeft , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), South Melbourne : Affirm Press , 2023 26353208 2023 single work picture book children's

'Bestselling creator Jess Racklyeft celebrates Australian animals, plants and landscapes through the lens of the colour wheel.

'With its vivid red dirt, big blue skies, wild green bushland and golden sandy beaches, Australia is a country of extraordinary colour.

'Here is a celebration of the stunning plants and animals of this colourful country, from vibrant pink Flame Peas to startling blue Fairy Wrens, electric yellow Billy Buttons, glossy black Tasmanian Devils, and many more.

'Come and take a closer look at nature’s paintbox and the rainbow of life that lives in Australia, from one of our best-loved picture book creators.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon The Forgotten Song : Saving the Regent Honeyeater Coral Vass , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Canberra : CSIRO Publishing , 2023 25674257 2023 single work picture book children's

'The song of the regent honeyeater has been heard in the bush for many generations - but could it soon be lost forever?

'Regent's father had learnt the song from his father, who learnt it from his father too. But with Regent's species now facing extinction, there is no one around to teach him. Regent tries to mimic the sounds of different birds but without success.

'Will Regent learn his mating call before it's too late? Or will his ancient song be forgotten forever?

'Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.'(Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Big Cat Jess Racklyeft , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2023 25662039 2023 single work picture book children's

'A classic narrative picture book about embracing change, from the talented creator of Welcome, Baby, to This World and the CBCA award-winning illustrator of Iceberg.

'Big Cat is mysterious. Big Cat is chaotic. Big Cat is lawless.
Catherine is not. She likes things to be neat, tidy and orderly.
But when the two meet, they discover they have more in common than they think
and that sometimes the best adventures can be found in your own backyard.

'A story about finding your inner wildness in unexpected places, from one of Australia's most exciting picture book creators.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Beside the Sea Kerri Day , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Melbourne : Windy Hollow , 2022 24805582 2022 single work picture book children's

'Nan and me beside the sea. Is it time? Soon.

'A grandmother and child eagerly await some special visitors.

'However, it soon becomes rescue time when some lost baby turtles are in danger. Everyone is needed to save the day. Will they save the babies in time?

'The wonder of welcoming nesting turtles ashore comes beautifully to life in this gentle story of family, community and caring for the environment.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon All the World Says Goodnight Jess Racklyeft , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Mulgrave : Affirm Press , 2022 24801202 2022 single work picture book children's

'White owls may soar while you're asleep

And fish may sparkle from the deep

But many creatures need rest too

Dream of them and they'll dream of you.

'Across the world each night, beds are made for sleeping. A bee is tucked up in a rose. A fish is rocked by the gentle tide. A bear snuggles in her den. A koala rests on a branch. And otters hold hands as they float downstream . . .

'Say goodnight to all of these animals and more in this sumptuous bedtime lullaby from Jess Racklyeft, creator of the best-selling Welcome, Baby, To This World.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Big World, Tiny World : Reef Jess Racklyeft , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Mulgrave : Affirm Press , 2022 24412661 2022 single work picture book children's

'At times in this big universe

you can feel rather small.

But there are worlds of every size to see,

worlds for each and all.

'Dive down to the reef and explore the many worlds that exist underwater, from dolphins that soar up above to nudibranchs that skim the ocean floor. Swim through the big worlds and tiny worlds of the reef, observe the beauty of the colourful coral, and delight in the busy lives of all who live above, below and within.

'From one of the brightest Australian author-illustrators comes a stunning ode to natural treasures and the interconnectedness of our worlds.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Whisper on the Wind Claire Saxby , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2022 23797246 2022 single work picture book children's

'A stunning picture book about separation, connection and reunion from the team behind the glorious Iceberg, renowned picture book creators Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft.

'This is the wind
that carries the whisper
from Ren's dream.

'This is the sailor,
long at sea,
who catches it.

'The multi-award-winning duo behind Iceberg returns! With its lyrical, cumulative text and whimsical, richly imagined artwork, Whisper on the Wind is a celebration of the wonders of the ocean and the power of love to find us - wherever we are.'(Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Big World, Tiny World : Forest Jess Racklyeft , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), South Melbourne : Affirm Press , 2022 23575309 2022 single work picture book children's

'At times in this big universe
you can feel rather small.
But there are worlds of every size to see,
worlds for each and all.

'Step into the forest and explore the many worlds that exist beneath the treetops, from birds that make their nests up high to neighbourhoods of bugs who are working hard underground. Wander through the big worlds and tiny worlds of the forest, get lost in the quiet magic of the towering trees, and delight in the busy lives of all who live above, below and within.

'From one of the brightest Australian author-illustrators comes a stunning ode to natural treasures and the interconnectedness of our worlds.' (Publication summary)

1 y separately published work icon Peek and Boo Coral Vass , Jess Racklyeft (illustrator), Kew East : Windy Hollow , 2021 23067506 2021 single work picture book children's

'Peek and Boo always sit side by side and together, they make a forever-home. One day an egg appears, but when Peek goes to hunt for food and leaves Boo in charge of the egg, something unexpected happens.'

Source : publisher's blurb

1 y separately published work icon The Book for Happy Hearts Maggie Hutchings , Mulgrave : Affirm Press , 2021 22119395 2021 selected work poetry short story children's

'This wondrous, uplifting and hope-filled treasury from Maggie Hutchings and Jess Racklyeft is packed with stories, poems and activities to inspire, cherish and share.

'Dip into this marvellous book at any time of day. Wake up with positive morning thoughts, spend the afternoon adventuring in real and imagined worlds, and curl up at night with wishes for tomorrow.

'A feast for the eyes and a balm for the soul, this is a book of joy that will fill your heart with happiness.' (Publication summary)

X