Tanya Hennessy author page

Tanya Hennessy biography

Tanya Hennessy is an Australian comedian, broadcaster and author whose books span adult non-fiction, picture books and junior fiction. She began in theatre and radio before building a large online audience, then moved into print with accessible, humour-led titles for general and young readers.

Her first book for adults, Am I Doing This Right? Life Lessons from the Encyclopedia Bri-Tanya (Allen & Unwin, 2018), was followed by the illustrated guide Help Self: Learn from My Mistakes So You Can Make Different Ones! (2020).

Hennessy’s children’s writing launched with the junior-fiction series “Stevie Louise”, illustrated by Leigh Hedstrom and published by Allen & Unwin. The opener, Drum Roll Please, It’s Stevie Louise (May 2021), was shortlisted for the 2023 Humour Writing for Young People Award (Russell Prize). The sequel, Spotlight Please, It’s Stevie Louise, appeared in May 2022.

She has also written for younger readers: the inclusive festive picture book Pink Santa, illustrated by Ben Whitehouse, was published by Albert Street Books (Allen & Unwin) in October 2023. Penguin Random House lists further junior-fiction work with the “Sunny and Storm” books, illustrated by Rachael McLean.

Selected works: Am I Doing This Right? (2018); Help Self (2020); Drum Roll Please, It’s Stevie Louise (2021); Spotlight Please, It’s Stevie Louise (2022); Pink Santa (2023).

Most recent dated milestone: Drum Roll Please, It’s Stevie Louise shortlisted, Humour Writing for Young People Award (Russell Prize), 2023.