Jane Jolly was born in Adelaide, went to Torrens C.A.E. and then taught at Koonibba Aboriginal School, Ceduna Area School, Pt Broughton Area School, Minlaton Primary School and Strathalbyn Primary School.
Jane has a strong connection with the Aboriginal community in which she lived for 5 years. She was married to a Kukutha man for three years and has kept up her connections and is still considered to be part of the family.
In 1983 she worked as a governess/housekeeper on Commonwealth Hill Station, north-west of Tarcoola.
She is married with a twenty seven year-old daughter, three adult step- children, four grand-daughters and two grandsons.
She works two days a week in the Resource Centre at Eastern Fleurieu School, teaching creative writing and doing literature studies with classes.
She loves gardening and has an organic orchard and vegetable garden. She also loves food…and cooking up a storm! Her favourite food is chocolate. She has had ten children’s picture books published:
Jane’s awards include:
Limpopo Lullaby CBCA Notable award
Glass Tears CBCA Notable award
Ali the Bold Heart CBCA Notable award
One Step at a Time CBCA Honour Medal – Picture Book of the Year
Tea and Sugar Christmas (illustrated by Robert Ingpen) CBCA Honour Medal and the ABIA – Children’s Book of the Year