About MeHello!

I am the the author/illustrator of several children's picture books including THE WORLD IN OUR BACKYARD, MAE AND THE MOON, SEB AND THE SUN, + read more IMAGINATION VACATION, STARBOY, and MY DADDY CAN FLY.

I also work as a Texture Supervisor at Disney's Industrial Light and Magic, and have worked on many films including Captain Marvel, Antman and the Wasp, and Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

After living in Madison, Los Angeles, and London, I have made beautiful Vancouver my home with my husband, two children, and a big orange cat. When not making books or films, I enjoy spending time searching for treasures along the BC coastline with my family. Show Less

My Work Speaker Info Contact Me

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You May Know Me For:

Literature Types
• Picture Books

Published WorksTHE WORLD IN OUR BACKYARD (Simon & Schuster 2024)

As children play together, a sandbox becomes a desert, sidewalk chalk drawings become an art gallery, and everything that can be dreamed up is within reach. From forests to hike and mountains to climb, oceans to sail and castles to build, creative little ones don’t have to look any farther than their own backyard for wonderful things to be discovered!


STARBOY (Henry Holt for Young Readers 2021)

Inspired by the life and lyrics of David Bowie, this story tells the tale of a lonely young boy enchanted by the music of the stars—yet no one else can hear the shimmy-shake rhythm that moves through his body. At first misunderstood and ignored, David ultimately finds the courage to be true to himself, sparking a dazzling revolution…

MY DADDY CAN FLY (Random House Studio 2021)

Leaps and turns, sashays and pas de bourrées, Ben describes the
twists and turns of his ballet-dancer dad as he moves across the stage.
To Ben, his daddy is more than just a dancer—he can fly!


IMAGINATION VACATION (Albert Whitman and Company 2019)

Everyone in Sam’s family has their own idea of what the perfect vacation would look like. But there’s one thing they all agree on: they just can’t get away right now. So Sam comes up with a different kind of getaway. With a little planning, a few supplies, and a touch of creativity, she finds that her family’s dream vacation wasn’t so far away after all.

MAE AND THE MOON ( Ripple Grove Press, 2015)
Mae loves playing hide-and-seek with the moon each night, but she becomes worried when she notices it is waning away into darkness. The endearing young astronomer embarks on a mission to find her luminous friend.
Ages two and up.

SEB AND THE SUN ( Ripple Grove Press, 2018)
Nominee, Ezra Jack Keats Award

Seb is determined to find some light for his sleepy coastal town. It is so far north, the sun does not shine in winter and the days are cold, dreary, and dark as night. So Seb embarks on a mission to find the sun.

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Speaking InformationI love meeting with young readers, writers and artists!
I generally go through my process and explain the behind the scenes work on making a book, showing + read more rough illustrations and revisions. I can also do interactive workshopping and character design studies depending on what type of program the class prefers. If you are interested in bringing me to your school, please reach out! Show Less

I will visit:
• Vancouver
• Coast
• Lower Mainland
• Gulf and Vancouver Islands
• Thompson Okanagan
• Northern British Columbia
• Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
• Kootenay Rockies
• The Territories
• Canada - beyond BC
• USA
• International
• Virtually

I Present to Age Groups:
• Primary School
• Grades K-3
• Grades 4-6

Request Booking Info

Testimonials"Jami is a great presenter who is able to engage with her audience. She brings imagination and + read more creativity with her workshops and implores her audience to think about how they can tell their own stories. She is an author/illustrator that is easy to work with and is flexible with scheduling.
I would certainly recommend Jami as a successful candidate in presenting her workshops to any age group."

Vruti
Public Services Librarian - Middle Childhood & Tween Literacy
Greater Victoria Public Library Show Less "Jami has a lovely, warm, supportive energy that kept all 25 kids engaged for the whole workshop. + read more Jami was organized, professional and a pleasure to work with. I would certainly recommend her to other libraries (and schools) looking to host an innovative author-illustrator program.

Sincerely,


Virginia MacLeod
Customer Services Librarian Show Less

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Awards and Recognition:SEB AND THE SUN
Nominee, Ezra Jack Keats Award
Nominee Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award + show more

STARBOY
selected for The Golden Duck Notable Picture Books List Show Less