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This week, our family welcomed someone very special.

My beautiful Great Niece, Harper Grace arrived — a perfect new addition to the family and a little sister for Olivia.

And, naturally, it got me thinking about books.

Roo’s Little Book of Nonsense Rhymes was created especially with Harper in mind. When Olivia was born, I wrote Bedtime for Roo for her. So, with another little girl on the way, it seemed only right that Harper should have a Roo book of her own too.

The idea came from something very...

Roo has always been curious. Whether she is following an interesting scent, making a new friend or finding herself somewhere she probably shouldn’t be, she has a habit of turning an ordinary day into an adventure.

But for Roo and the Secret of Barnacle Bay, I wanted to take her much farther from home.

Barnacle Bay is a place of cobbled streets, bobbing fishing boats, towering cliffs and salty sea air. It is the sort of seaside town that seems warm and welcoming at first glance—but look a little...

Today, I thought I would take you behind the scenes as I create a new character page for Felix Fleetfoot.

The finished illustration will show Felix and Roo sitting on two tree stumps in a sunny summer field. Their poses mirror one another: both face forwards, but turn their heads to exchange matching cheeky grins.

It sounds fairly straightforward. However, getting from that initial idea to a finished illustration involves rather more stages—and rather more waiting—than you might imagine.

Step...

September always seems to arrive with a mixture of excitement and nerves.

For many children, it means a new classroom, a new teacher or perhaps an entirely new school. Even children who are looking forward to returning may feel unsettled by different routines, unfamiliar faces and not knowing quite what to expect.

While working on the new hand-painted covers for my Roo’s Garden series, I have found myself thinking about this through one of my favourite characters: Sir Thaddeus Thistlewick III.

A...

Why I’m returning to the drawing board—and repainting the covers of an entire series so that they finally feel unmistakably mine.

The Roo’s Garden books have been part of The World of Roo for some time, but recently I began to feel that their covers no longer represented the books—or me—as well as I wanted them to.

So I have embarked upon a rather daunting project: giving the whole series a new hand-painted look.

There are ten individual stories in Roo’s Garden, each featuring a different...

Today is a rather exciting day in the World of Roo. After months of puddings, pumpkins, snuffling, snuggling and an alarming number of sausages, Roo’s Little Book of Nonsense Rhymes is officially out in the world!

This is a little book filled with big silliness. It is a collection of playful rhymes written especially for young children—and for the grown-ups who will inevitably be asked to read them again and again.

There are sleepy pups, twinkling stars, cooing doves, snuggle bugs and, of...

Are paid book awards worthwhile for independent authors—and do readers actually care?

A gold seal on the cover of a book certainly looks impressive. It suggests quality, approval and perhaps even a little literary magic. But when an author has paid to enter the award, is that seal still meaningful? And, more importantly, will it persuade anybody to buy the book?

I have been looking into literary awards because, like many independent authors, I regularly receive invitations to submit my books....

From a chubby, food-loving puppy to my best friend, constant companion and very own four-legged muse.

Tomorrow, on 8 August, Roo will be seven years old.

It hardly seems possible. The tiny, dark brown bundle of curls I first met in September 2019 has grown into the much lighter—and frequently rather scruffy—cockapoo who now lies at my feet while I write and illustrate her adventures.

Roo may be the star of my books, but before there was The World of Roo, there was simply a little puppy who...

On 5 August, families will be able to discover an enormous selection of children’s ebooks completely free, thanks to a special event bringing together nearly 200 independent authors.

Free Kids Ebook Day is a wonderful opportunity to fill your digital bookshelves with new stories, meet unfamiliar characters and perhaps discover a few new favourite authors along the way.

A world of stories waiting to be discovered

When most of us look for a new children’s book, it is easy to be drawn towards the...

A very silly little book, created for a very special new arrival.

There is a new book beginning to take shape on my drawing table—and this one is especially close to my heart.

Roo’s Little Book of Nonsense Rhymes is inspired by the funny little names I call Roo. Like many much-loved pets, she very rarely answers only to her proper name. Over the years, she has collected an increasingly ridiculous assortment of nicknames, usually invented on the spot and often based on whatever she happens to...

This one is close to my heart, and my darling Roo sat by my side throughout hours of writing, illustrating, and many, many hours of editing!

It's a wonderful story about Roo's adventures in Barnacle Bay. New Friends, new smells, and a mystery that only Roo can solve! Focusing on values and friendship, this book is a chapter book suitable for KS2.

I can't wait for you to see it! It's getting so much positive feedback already...

I'm so excited to say that my latest book is nearly ready for my special ARC team! I can't wait to get their feedback on this - it really is a labour of love.

If you'd like to join the ARC team then please go to threads/instagram (jane_stanley_childrens_author) and send me a message.

Lots of Love from Jane and Roo. XXXX

I'm so excited to announce that my latest book in the Roo's Garden series will soon be available! It's an illustrated chapter book (approx 130 pages), all about an adventure with lots of Roo's garden friends. I'm so in love with all the characters and I really hope that everyone falls in love with them too. Keep watching this space for more information, or sign up for my newsletter and I'll email you direct. Lots of Love Jane & Roo.

A Heartbreaking Change for Independent Authors

On June 10, 2025, Amazon is implementing a major change that feels like a gut-punch to independent authors like me. In an unprecedented move, they are reducing the royalty rate for paperback books priced under $9.99 (or 7.99 in the UK) from 60% down to 50% medium.com. This might sound like just a number, but for those of us who pour our hearts into creating children’s picture books, it has very real consequences. Suddenly, the modest income we...

In a world overflowing with noise—bright plastic covers, flashing buttons, books that beep or sing at the press of a page—it’s easy to forget the quiet magic of a truly timeless children’s story. But lately, something beautiful has been happening. More and more parents, carers, and teachers are turning away from the loud and the disposable, and rediscovering the gentle power of books that last.

Not just physically, though many are choosing well-bound, collectable editions that will stand the...

As an indie author, one of the most challenging parts of publishing isn’t writing, illustrating, formatting, or even marketing—it’s getting reviews. Despite pouring your heart into your book, navigating the world of algorithms and visibility often comes down to something as simple as a star rating or a few kind words from a reader. And yet, getting people to leave those reviews can feel like an uphill battle.

Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) are often suggested as a great way to generate early...

An interesting article here :

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/more-are-published-than-could-ever-succeed-are-there-too-many-books/ar-AA1BoG18?ocid=socialshare&pc=ASTS&cvid=58d48196ebe24db3aeb7670cafc915a7&ei=15

I love the final covers for Roo's Garden - they capture the seasonality of the books far better. Already working on the next collection!

I’m thrilled to announce that Roo’s Garden is officially on its way! This brand-new series is filled with heartwarming stories, lovable animal characters, and the magic of nature—all set in the enchanting world of Roo’s Garden.

Each book in the series introduces a different garden creature, sharing their unique adventures, lessons, and friendships. From the brave little hedgehog in Hugo Hazelwood to the wise young owl in Otto Oakwood, every tale is designed to inspire young readers with...

My new series called Roo's Garden is well underway. I've got loads of lovely ARC reviewers all lined up (more spaces still available though!), and I can't wait for publish day in May. It's my favourite so far (although I probably say that every time).