Jess French

Jess French has made a career of working with animals. She is a qualified veterinary surgeon with a first-class degree in zoology, a naturalist and entomologist. She is the author of over twenty books for children and the presenter of hit wildlife show Minibeast Adventures with Jess. She is also a regular contributor to radio and film. Jess spent much of her childhood adventuring outdoors, which inspired her love of nature and animals. She has worked all over the globe, including at a gibbon rescue centre in Thailand, a monkey sanctuary in Bolivia, a home for orphaned kangaroos in Australia and a dog shelter in India. She currently lives in Norfolk with her family.

Festival schools programme

BEFORE THERE WERE PEOPLE, THERE WERE BEASTS . . . 

Beastlands is the new epic fantasy adventure featuring three unlikely heroes, a realm of mighty beasts, and an adventure quest like no other.

Meet Jess French, TV presenter, zoologist and author as she talks about her new epic fantasy Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain. Prepare for lots of talk about fascinating animals that Jess has met along her travels which inspired the fantastic creatures in Beastlands, along with an interactive imaginative 'build your own magical beast' workshop and followed by a Q&A and signing!