Jess French author page

Jess French biography

Dr Jess French is a British veterinarian, zoologist, author, and television presenter, known for her work in children’s science communication and environmental education. She holds a first-class degree in Zoology from University College London and a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Nottingham. French has worked as a small animal and zoo veterinarian and is fluent in Spanish and proficient in British Sign Language.

French presents the CBeebies series Minibeast Adventure with Jess, which encourages children to explore the world of invertebrates. She has also appeared on programmes such as Live ‘n’ Deadly (CBBC), Springwatch (BBC), and The Pets Factor. Additionally, she co-presents the BBC Radio 4 series Wild Inside, focusing on post-mortem examinations of exotic species.

As an author, French has written over twenty children’s books, primarily focusing on animals, nature, and conservation. Her titles include What a Waste, The Book of Brilliant Bugs, Earth’s Incredible Oceans, and Protect the Planet. She was one of the 2021 World Book Day authors, contributing the title Protect the Planet. Her middle-grade fantasy series, Beastlands, was developed into an immersive experience at Chester Zoo.

French’s contributions to conservation education have been recognised with several awards. In 2010, she received the Jane Goodall Global Youth Leadership Award for her environmental education initiatives. In 2015, BBC Wildlife magazine named her one of Britain’s top 50 conservation heroes. Her book Fluttering Minibeast Adventures was nominated for the 2017 Educational Writers’ Award.

Raised in Norfolk, French spent her childhood assisting her father with his exotic invertebrate-breeding business, fostering her early interest in minibeasts. She has participated in conservation projects worldwide, including work at a gibbon rescue centre in Thailand, a monkey sanctuary in Bolivia, and a dog shelter in India.

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Book lists featuring Jess French