I have been writing poems and stories since I was in primary school. One of my earliest memories is of the teacher asking us to write a poem and illustrate it. Lucky for me my friend could draw more than a stick figure and lucky for her I could string a few rhyming words together. We made a great team until our ruse was up and we were separated. From then on it was secret sign language across the room but we’re still close friends today. And creativity has been a constant in both our lives (I am still passionate about collaborating with other artists!).Though my published books to date have been for adults, I spend more time these days developing my writing for children. I have been around children all my life in one way or another. I was the eldest of six, have two of my own and lots of nieces and nephews. Years working with pre-school children in early education settings rekindled my love of children’s picture books and poems and my desire to write and share them. When I’m not travelling with my partner, home is Tasmania. Samples of my writing for children and contact details can be found at  http://janewilliamsforkids.wordpress.com/

Some of my poems:

 

A boy not a man

 

I’m big for my age,

bigger than most.

Taller than Harry.

Wider than Paul.

I bet I weigh more

than Johnny and Jim.

But try to remember …

I’m still only ten.

 

I’m big for my age,

bigger than most.

I can reach the top shelf

and carry a load.

Wash the car, mow the lawn –

but it’s not what I planned.

Please try to remember

I’m a boy not a man …

 

I’m big for my age,

bigger than most.

I’ll hold the ladder

until job’s done.

Watch the little kids

(don’t mind now and then).

But try to remember …

I’m still only ten

 

I’m big for my age,

bigger than most.

I’m good with a football,

but that’s not all …

And I don’t want to fight

just because I can.

Please try to remember …

I’m a boy not a man.

 

© Jane Williams

 

No such thing

 

No such thing as monsters

I’m absolutely sure

As is Mrs Werewolf

Who rents the house next door

 

No such thing as monsters

A scientific fact

I have it writ in blood

Sincerely signed Count Drac

 

No such thing as monsters

My sources can’t be wrong

I heard it from a friend

Of a friend of King Kong

 

No such thing as monsters

The neighbours all agree

Dr Jeckle, Mr Hyde,

The Frankensteins and me

 

No such thing as monsters

And really I should know

Mummy unwrapped herself

Just now to tell me so

 

© Jane Williams

 

Pearl

 

Pearl was a girl

A pearly girl

But not a girly girl

Not a softly softly

Sssssshhhhhh girl

Not a tiptoe

Through the tulips girl

 

Pearl was a girl

A Pearly girl

But not a girly girl

Not a frills and frippery

Flowery girl

Not a powder puff

Perfume pom pom girl

 

Pearl was a girl

A pearly girl

But not a girly girl

Not a dainty delicate

Dew drop girl

Not a lavender lacy

Look at me me me girl

 

But a pearl. A pearl of a girl.

 

© Jane Williams