About Dannika
‘Warm & Professional’
Dannika is a Brisbane-based children’s author, presenter & freelance writer with degrees in journalism & psychology.
She has written numerous books for children, including Jacaranda Magic, Scribbly Gum Secrets, Hedgehog the Wonder Dog and Zoom.
Her children’s book titles are used widely as resources in Australian homes and schools, helping open relatable conversations about important topics.
Dannika enjoys visiting schools, libraries and festivals to share her books and story-driven workshops, where she uses her skills to educate, empower and inspire children in a warm, joyful way.
With a knack for sparking wonder through words & a reputation for being a professional delight to work with, Dannika is always keen to discover new opportunities to engage hearts & minds.
Publishers, schools, festival organisers & folks with other interesting creative propositions are warmly invited to get in touch to discover how her words can be put to work to create something wonderful.
The
Back Story
Before shifting gears to work as a freelance writer, Dannika was the Director of Products & Content Development for a multinational telecommunications company.
She’s collaborated with creative partners like Disney & Universal Music to license, adapt & distribute diverse multi-media content.
She’s run her own consultancy, specialising in bespoke content creation for small and medium sized businesses, helping them tell their stories more effectively by providing strategic marketing strategies, writing web & SEO copy, scripting for tv and radio, mobile animation & more. She still does this kind of work sometimes… but generally thinks writing for children is WAY more fun & soul-rewarding.
Dannika is an Australia Reads Ambassador.
Things Dannika can't get enough of include…
Adventures with her family
Coffee
Dogs
The ocean
Conversations with kids – they say the most inspiring, important & true things!
Published Book Titles
1. Jacaranda Magic
PICTURE BOOK
2018
Ford Street Publishing
(Australia)
2. My Tribe
PICTURE BOOK
2019
Library For All
(International)
4. Project Volcano
GRAPHIC NOVEL
2019
Natural Disaster Series, Library For All
(Pacific Island Region)
6. Scribbly Gum Secrets
PICTURE BOOK
2018
Ford Street Publishing
(Australia)
3. SeaSpray17
POETRY COLLECTION
2019
(Australia)
8. Giving
PICTURE BOOK
2020
DMind Educational Publishing
(Hong Kong)
5. Between The Cracks
GRAPHIC NOVEL
2019
Natural Disaster Series, Library For All
(International)
7. Day and Night
PICTURE BOOK
2020
DMind Educational Publishing
(Hong Kong)
9. Beach Kindy
PICTURE BOOK
2020
(Australia)
10. A Cyclone Called Celia
GRAPHIC NOVEL
2020
Natural Disaster Series, Library For All
(Pacific Island Region)
12. Look at That!
EARLY READER
2022
Library For All
(Solomon Islands)
11. Sera, the Shell & the Storm
PICTURE BOOK
2021
A Save The Children International Project
13. Hedgehog the Wonder Dog
PICTURE BOOK
2023
Ford St Publishing
(Australia)
14. Heavy
PICTURE BOOK
2023
Wombat Books
(Australia)
Creative Writing & STEAM Workshops
Dannika is available to present a range of story-driven workshops for schools, libraries, community events & writers’ festivals.
These highly engaging creative workshops are enhanced by interactive & STEAM (Science, Technology, English, Art & Math) elements, to help students make real-world & curriculum connections with themes & ideas in the text. They bring books to life.
Plus, they’re fun. A LOT of fun.
Because Dannika believes that learning happens best when we’re at play!
The Future
Dannika believes that quality books are critical to children; to fuel imaginative play, to encourage early literacy, to teach, to linger, to promote change & for the pure and simple JOY of reading & writing.
Her publication (& rejection!) experience to date across trade, education, independent & not-for-profit markets has helped Dannika hone her skills, grow her resilience & achieve a broader understanding of the world of children’s book publishing.
As a lifelong learner, Dannika continues to improve her craft by reading widely, exchanging ideas with like-minded creatives & participating in professional development workshops via industry organisations including; SCBWI, BookLinks & the Queensland Writers Centre.
Dannika has 3 new picture books due for release in late 2023, 2024 & 2025.
She is currently working on writing her first contemporary middle grade fiction novel.
Follow Dannika on Instagram
Keep up to date with Dannika’s bookish news & upcoming events.
Media & Press
The Book Curator Magazine
April 2023
Page 6
‘Sharing the Load’ Article
The Book Curator Magazine
April 2023
Page 12
Heavy Review
Community Leader Newspaper
March 2023
Front Cover & Page 5
Hedgehog the Wonder Dog Article
“Hedgehog the Wonder Dog is a book full of heart, hope and furry, four-legged love, It’s sure to delight & inspire children & adults alike with its beautiful story & stunning illustrations.”
Reading @ Home
Channel 9 Go!
2020
Scribbly Gum Secrets
Televised reading with sign language
