Crafting Magic in the Wild
With a deep love for storytelling that gives a voice to the wild and unseen, Jane H. Wood, pictured left on a cruise, has solidified her place among the greats in animal adventure fiction. Known for her thrilling and heartwarming narratives, Jane’s books seamlessly blend myth, friendship, and the wonder of nature.
With a passion for storytelling that speaks for the voiceless, Jane H. Wood has earned her place among the animal adventure fiction greats. Her ability to create thrilling and heartwarming stories has earned her a loyal following.
Set in the Canadian wilderness, her first two mystery, heart-suffused young adult novels – GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain and its sequel, The Pale Skulls, explore friendship, adventure, myths and legends that entwine wolf lore, elements of the supernatural, and human-animal bonds.
GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain was born from a period of intense emotion, written just a year after the loss of Jane’s beloved dog, Beamish. “The high emotions of that time bled into the story,” she reflects. “I’ve always written from the heart. I think that resonates with readers.”
Both books earned Silver Awards in Author Shout’s Book Contest.
It’s easy to see why everyone’s nuts about her third best-selling children’s book, Stikki the Squirrel (2023), which continues that tradition, offering hope, friendship, high human values and the joy of discovery as grey squirrels brave the unknown and make unexpected friends. With illustrations hand-drawn by Jane herself.
Stikki the Squirrel earned a Silver Award in Author Shout’s Book Contest 2024.
Three books by Jane H Wood. 
Jane giving a talk in a bookshop. 
Stikki on a Cunard Cruise
Like many authors, Jane’s writing springs from a deep personal connection with animals and nature. “I abhor cruelty in any form and follow a vegan lifestyle.”
An avid reader since childhood, she immersed herself in the works of Roald Dahl, Anna Sewell, and Louisa May Alcott—authors who knew how to spin magic out of everyday moments. Jane does the same in Stikki the Squirrel.
Her goal has always been to foster a love of reading in the young. It’s about participation—children who actively read with a parent or caregiver grasp language faster than when just passively listening to an audiobook.
“When children read aloud or engage with the text, they develop skills that stay with them for life,” she says.
Jane learned through her childhood years that visualizing words is key to understanding the complicated English language.
“I used to read aloud with my mother every evening, and by the age of seven, I was a pretty good reader.
“When parents guide their children through the more difficult words, it sparks discussion and deepens their understanding of the story, making children’s books the most effective tool for learning to read,” Jane explains.
Her passion for encouraging active reading reflects her journey, and her stories offer both adventure and a subtle lesson in the magic of language.
Jane loves cruising the northern seas with her husband when she’s not sourcing fine carpets or decorating her quiet coastal home in West Sussex.
With more Stikki ideas for a sequel, we can’t wait to see what other magical adventures she’ll weave.
- For more information about Jane and her books, please visit her website.
- All Jane’s books are available on Amazon and on sale in selected bookstores in the U.K.