Author/Illustrator Jana Dillon's Books and School Visits
Welcome to my website! When you scroll down, you will find reviews of my books.
Would you like me to visit your school? Click here: School Visits. It tells you all about them.
When you click on the pages in the menu above, you will find a plot description of the books and get to see some of the illustrations close up. You will also find a description of my author visits to schools and conferences. Have fun!
Would you like me to visit your school? Click here: School Visits. It tells you all about them.
When you click on the pages in the menu above, you will find a plot description of the books and get to see some of the illustrations close up. You will also find a description of my author visits to schools and conferences. Have fun!
Schools, Libraries, other non-profit organizations can get matching grants.
Your non-profit can apply for a matching grant to fund my visit through MatchBook.org. Click on the link to the left.
To book a school visit, go to School Visits and contact me.
To book a school visit, go to School Visits and contact me.
Lucky O'Leprechaun--Meg and Sean O'Sullivan try to catch the leprechaun in their grand-aunties' garden.
Reviews: "{a} delightful children's picture book. The art work is entrancing: careful eyes will spy Lucky hiding on many pages. Lively colors and expressive characters bring the story to life. Design students will enjoy how color is used to unite the text and illustrations." Book Worm
"The charm of this story owes much to the three doting aunts, while the language of the tale captures the Irish lilt and mannerisms. The book's illustrations are in intense, contrasting colors and express the emotions and quirks of all the characters . . . " Children's Literature
". . . imaginative, magical tale . . . The bright, colorful illustrations express the mischief of the leprechaun and those who manage to capture him." Children's Book Review
"An entertaining addition to the holiday shelves. The clever "little manny" is hiding in some of the pictures--peeping through window, crouching in bushes--making the hunt and capture even more fun." School Library Journal
"Lucky O'Leprechaun is a beautifully illustrated, bright and lively tale." The Midwest Book Review
To order a copy, click here: Pelican Publishing
"The charm of this story owes much to the three doting aunts, while the language of the tale captures the Irish lilt and mannerisms. The book's illustrations are in intense, contrasting colors and express the emotions and quirks of all the characters . . . " Children's Literature
". . . imaginative, magical tale . . . The bright, colorful illustrations express the mischief of the leprechaun and those who manage to capture him." Children's Book Review
"An entertaining addition to the holiday shelves. The clever "little manny" is hiding in some of the pictures--peeping through window, crouching in bushes--making the hunt and capture even more fun." School Library Journal
"Lucky O'Leprechaun is a beautifully illustrated, bright and lively tale." The Midwest Book Review
To order a copy, click here: Pelican Publishing
Lucky O'Leprechaun Comes to America
Lucky becomes an accidental immigrant
Award: "Books Mean Business" Award
Reviews: "With a touch of Irish brogue, a brush of legend and a dab of Gaelic, Dillon delivers an emerald of a children's tale. What do {the O'Brien girls} wish for? Reading aloud to a group of children ages 5 to 8 is one way to find out. The text's gentle Irish cadence is tailor-made for story time." Today's Librarian
"The Irish dialect and vivid watercolor illustrations integrated throughout the story add richness to this charming tale." Childrenslit.com
"This story gently explains the immigration process through the lively adventures of Lucky O'Leprechaun." Children's Book Council
"This prequel to Dillon's Lucky O'Leprechaun takes readers back to the days when the great-aunties introduced in that book--Bridget, Kathleen, and Moira--were wee lasses in Ireland. Children will enjoy the humor in the story. A gentle introduction to American immigration." School Library Journal
To order a copy, click here: Pelican Publishing
Reviews: "With a touch of Irish brogue, a brush of legend and a dab of Gaelic, Dillon delivers an emerald of a children's tale. What do {the O'Brien girls} wish for? Reading aloud to a group of children ages 5 to 8 is one way to find out. The text's gentle Irish cadence is tailor-made for story time." Today's Librarian
"The Irish dialect and vivid watercolor illustrations integrated throughout the story add richness to this charming tale." Childrenslit.com
"This story gently explains the immigration process through the lively adventures of Lucky O'Leprechaun." Children's Book Council
"This prequel to Dillon's Lucky O'Leprechaun takes readers back to the days when the great-aunties introduced in that book--Bridget, Kathleen, and Moira--were wee lasses in Ireland. Children will enjoy the humor in the story. A gentle introduction to American immigration." School Library Journal
To order a copy, click here: Pelican Publishing
Lucky O'Leprechaun in School--The new boy, Kevin O'Malley, helps the class trap Lucky
"This is an entertaining and aesthetically pleasing book. The pages are full of color and have excellent detail. The Irish folktale style gives a sense of authenticity to the story. Northern Latitudes Literacy Network
"Find out about a special character in Lucky O'Leprechaun in School. The story starts in a classroom with students noticing that someone has been nibbling on their treats. At first they think the new boy has {eaten} the food, but then they realize that a leprechaun has come to their classroom. They work together to set a trap for him. When they capture him, they ask him to grant them a wish." The Courier-Times
"{Among} picture books produced to help youngsters appreciate various cultures . . . {is} Lucky O'Leprechaun in School, part of a series written and illustrated by Jana Dillon. Fore Word, Reviews of Good Books Independently Published
To order a copy, click here: Pelican Publishing
"Find out about a special character in Lucky O'Leprechaun in School. The story starts in a classroom with students noticing that someone has been nibbling on their treats. At first they think the new boy has {eaten} the food, but then they realize that a leprechaun has come to their classroom. They work together to set a trap for him. When they capture him, they ask him to grant them a wish." The Courier-Times
"{Among} picture books produced to help youngsters appreciate various cultures . . . {is} Lucky O'Leprechaun in School, part of a series written and illustrated by Jana Dillon. Fore Word, Reviews of Good Books Independently Published
To order a copy, click here: Pelican Publishing
Upsie Downsie, Are You Asleep?
Upsie Downsie wants to play not sleep!
Reviews: "Little Pig Will Win Hearts of Readers. Upsie Downie is a very animated little boy pig in blue pajamas who will jump right off the cover of the book and into the hearts of those . . . reading and enjoying the pages. The recurring theme . . . will allow a child to anticipate and look forward to the next round of characters who will each in turn attempt to assist in getting the little pig settled down for bed. The colorful illustrations will surely capture the attention and imagination of young storybook lovers. This book would make an excellent bedtime story . . ." Daily Record
"Best Reads: Upsie Downsie, Are You Asleep? !!! Very Good" Today's Books
"A cute bedtime story. Exemplary artistic presentation. Strong literary qualities." Northern Latitudes Literacy Network
To order a copy, click on: Pelican Publishing
"Best Reads: Upsie Downsie, Are You Asleep? !!! Very Good" Today's Books
"A cute bedtime story. Exemplary artistic presentation. Strong literary qualities." Northern Latitudes Literacy Network
To order a copy, click on: Pelican Publishing
Little Thumb by Wanda Dionne, illustrated by Jana Dillon. One little girl's thumb tells her there are better things to do than suck her thumb.
Award: "Books Mean Business" award
Reviews: "In this rhyming story a little girls' thumb explains to her why it doesn't belong in her mouth. The thumb doesn't include just the usual parent's admonition about germs . . . but it tells all the wonderful things that it will help her do--tie a knot, bounce a ball, and hold a sandwich--to name a few. The thumb also explains that it has whorls and lines that make the little girl unique.
This unusual story could be used for story time in a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten class. Dillon's brightly colored realistic illustrations will appeal to children. Dionne's message will appeal to parents, especially those with a child who sucks his/her thumb.
To order, click on: Pelican Publishing
Reviews: "In this rhyming story a little girls' thumb explains to her why it doesn't belong in her mouth. The thumb doesn't include just the usual parent's admonition about germs . . . but it tells all the wonderful things that it will help her do--tie a knot, bounce a ball, and hold a sandwich--to name a few. The thumb also explains that it has whorls and lines that make the little girl unique.
This unusual story could be used for story time in a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten class. Dillon's brightly colored realistic illustrations will appeal to children. Dionne's message will appeal to parents, especially those with a child who sucks his/her thumb.
To order, click on: Pelican Publishing
Sasha's Matrioshka Dolls by Jana Dillon, illustrated by Deborah Nourse Lattimore
Reviews: "Dillon's literary legend explains the origin of the tiny matrioshkas ('little mothers'). A delightful tale destined to delight readers . . " Kirkus
"A lively story of how matrioshka dolls might have come to be. The text provides lots of teasing interplay between Sasha and her grandfather as they carve and paint and chase after the dolls. Booklist
Dillon crafts an imaginative and touching fable . . . The plot is clever and the topic has automatic appeal for doll lovers. What may be most striking, however, are the insight and nuance Dillon brings to the relationship between Boxer and Sasha. Teasing banter reveals their joy in each other's company . . . A most satisfying tale. Publishers Weekly
"Children who are unfamiliar with this art form will be charmed by the idea." School Library Journal
"A charming intergenerational story. . . . the story line . . . will intrigue five to eight year olds and their parents too!" Jewish Journal
"Sasha's Matrioshka Dolls is lovingly done by both the author Dillon and the illustrator . . . Children aged 5 to 8 are sure to make this book a must-read bedtime tale." Las Vegas Senior Press
Exemplar presentation for literary and artistic qualities, and for accessibility to audience, and overall rating Northern Latitudes Literacy Network
To order, click on: Amazon.com
"A lively story of how matrioshka dolls might have come to be. The text provides lots of teasing interplay between Sasha and her grandfather as they carve and paint and chase after the dolls. Booklist
Dillon crafts an imaginative and touching fable . . . The plot is clever and the topic has automatic appeal for doll lovers. What may be most striking, however, are the insight and nuance Dillon brings to the relationship between Boxer and Sasha. Teasing banter reveals their joy in each other's company . . . A most satisfying tale. Publishers Weekly
"Children who are unfamiliar with this art form will be charmed by the idea." School Library Journal
"A charming intergenerational story. . . . the story line . . . will intrigue five to eight year olds and their parents too!" Jewish Journal
"Sasha's Matrioshka Dolls is lovingly done by both the author Dillon and the illustrator . . . Children aged 5 to 8 are sure to make this book a must-read bedtime tale." Las Vegas Senior Press
Exemplar presentation for literary and artistic qualities, and for accessibility to audience, and overall rating Northern Latitudes Literacy Network
To order, click on: Amazon.com
Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch--Jeb saves his beloved pumpkins from the crow's big bash.
Awards: Book Sense "Book of the Year" Finalist (Book Sense is the organization of independent booksellers.)
Nick Jr. Family Magazine "Best Book of the Year" Finalist
Reviews: "entertaining . . . triumphant conclusion. In her first book for children, author-illustrator Dillon shows a facility with caricature and mood, a way with color that extends from subtle shading to electric color combinations and an ability to create a style that looks new yet recalls an earlier era of picture book illustration. Best of all, here's an original story that demonstrates an understanding of the dynamics of picture books as well as a knowledge of what children like. Libraries deluged each October with requests for Halloween read-alouds will want multiple copies of this satisfying picture book." Booklist, starred review
"A clever alternative to ghoulish Halloween tales. The vibrant illustrations of an amiable scarecrow family tormented by colorfully individualistic crows should appeal to all audiences. . . . a pleasing read-aloud or a satisfying read-alone for young readers ready for a challenge." School Library Journal
"Artwork that fits like a glove. The artist's illustrations are unusual and full of interest for a child. Jana Dillon has used such vibrant hues that the pages of the book are really alive with color." Weekly Reader Book Club Selection
"Dillon's illustrations are singular and noteworthy . . . painterly use of tertiary color . . " Publisher's Weekly
To order, click on: amazon.com
Nick Jr. Family Magazine "Best Book of the Year" Finalist
Reviews: "entertaining . . . triumphant conclusion. In her first book for children, author-illustrator Dillon shows a facility with caricature and mood, a way with color that extends from subtle shading to electric color combinations and an ability to create a style that looks new yet recalls an earlier era of picture book illustration. Best of all, here's an original story that demonstrates an understanding of the dynamics of picture books as well as a knowledge of what children like. Libraries deluged each October with requests for Halloween read-alouds will want multiple copies of this satisfying picture book." Booklist, starred review
"A clever alternative to ghoulish Halloween tales. The vibrant illustrations of an amiable scarecrow family tormented by colorfully individualistic crows should appeal to all audiences. . . . a pleasing read-aloud or a satisfying read-alone for young readers ready for a challenge." School Library Journal
"Artwork that fits like a glove. The artist's illustrations are unusual and full of interest for a child. Jana Dillon has used such vibrant hues that the pages of the book are really alive with color." Weekly Reader Book Club Selection
"Dillon's illustrations are singular and noteworthy . . . painterly use of tertiary color . . " Publisher's Weekly
To order, click on: amazon.com
Ms. Broomstick's School for Witches--If you don't listen to the teacher in magic school, you can cause a lot of trouble!
Reviews: Five Stars "Whether she's changing her kitten into a skunk or performing a handstand on her broom, little Pandora can't seem to stay out of trouble at Ms. Broomstick's School for Witches. A charming tale guaranteed to delight little ghouls and goblins." Good Reads
To order, click on: amazon.com.
To order, click on: amazon.com.