Judith Rossell

Judith Rossell is a full-time writer and illustrator of children’s books. Over the past 20 years, she has written 15 books and illustrated more than 80. Her work has been translated into 16 languages.

Judith’s latest publications are The Midwatch, a middle grade novel filled with adventure, Play with your Plate, a picture book which she wrote and illustrated, and Wakestone Hall, Wormwood Mire and Withering-by-Sea, three Victorian fantasy-adventure novels for young readers. Withering-by-Sea won the Indie Award for Children and Young Adults, the Australian Book Industry Award for Older Children, and was shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards and the Aurealis Awards.

Judith’s other books include novels – Jack Jones and the Pirate Curse and Sam and the Killer Robot – sumptuously illustrated maze and puzzle books, such as The Lost Treasure of the Green Iguana and I Spy with Inspector Stilton, and picture books, including Oliver, which was published by HarperCollins in New York, and Ruby and Leonard and the Great Big Surprise, published by Little Hare.

She has also illustrated many books by other authors, including Pink and Bogtrotter, both written by Margaret Wild, To Get to Me by Eleanor Kerr, and You are a Star by Michael Parker.

Judith lives in Melbourne. She worked as a government scientist for a cotton spinning company and studied textile design in Scotland before becoming a full-time writer.

Visit Judith’s website: judithrossell.com

Some of Judith's books include:


What our students say about Judith:

“Thank you so much Judith. I loved the course. You are so knowledgeable, kind, and encouraging. Your passion for children’s books is inspiring. Your kindness to our group of aspiring writers won’t be forgotten. Thank you!!”

– Arabella Thomson


“The course exceeded expectations largely due to the practical experience and professional skill that Jude Rossell as the presenter brought to the course. She made everyone feel at ease and provided positive and helpful feedback.”

– Jo Chambers


“Jude was exceptional. She engaged with all participants and made everyone feel part of the learning. Her experience, guidance and attitude all sparked the group members. Sincere gratitude to Jude.”

– Richard Savva


“Judith Rossell was a fantastic presenter; patient, funny, knowledgeable, credible and with an obvious passion for children’s literature.”

– Natalie Livingston


“Judith was great; engaging, encouraging and genuine. It’s a great way to get the ball rolling if you’re needing motivation/direction. Also great way to network/share ideas/meet similar minded people.”

– Kristy Russell


“Judith Rossell was fantastic. I really warmed to her and I would go to any future course she is presenting. My advice to anyone thinking about doing Writing Picture Books is: don’t hesitate to enrol. You can only get better by attending courses and workshops. It is great to hear from someone who has been published and learn from their experiences. If you want to write children’s books, this is definitely one to do. Judith is obviously passionate about books and writing, which is very infectious.”

– Heidi Mulligan


“I really enjoyed the way that one section led to another and gradually gave us the full picture and the way that Judith presented examples and kept it moving involved everyone. She was so supportive but also gently firm in her expectations. Her comments on our work were encouraging, helpful and supportive. The publishing aspect was invaluable. Judith really knew what she was talking about, was very personable and freely shared from her wealth of experience in a very friendly and humorous way. Go and do it!”

– Maureen Brown

Presenter for:

Writing Picture Books
Want to be the next big thing for little people? Learn the essentials to creating the perfect picture prose that will delight small folk every time.

Nice one! You've added this to your cart