Jemima writes picture books that cultivate curiosity, courage, compassion and connection.
Jemima Shafei-Ongu is a Sydney-based writer, psychologist and teacher, with a passion for picture books and a strong commitment to inclusion and diverse representation in children's literature.
Jemima's writing is dedicated to fostering connection, well-being, and a sense of belonging by depicting diversity as a natural way of being in the world. She enjoys sharing stories from her family's rich heritage and the communities she is connected to.
Jemima’s picture books include Aslan and Benny (illustrated by Jade Goodwin, Penguin Random House); A Lemon for Safiya (illustrated by Nisaluk Chantankom, Hachette); and Shirin and Amir and the Dragon Smoke (with Liz Drummond, illustrated by Magie Khameneh, Little Steps).
When she’s not writing, Jemima enjoys watercolour painting, learning the darbuka and playing lip sync battles with her adult daughters. She resides on unceded Dharug land with her partner, their mini schnauzer and whichever of their three daughters is in the country at the time.
“Children need windows and mirrors. They need mirrors in which they see themselves and windows through which they see the world.”
Rudine Sims Bishop, U.S. children’s writer, children’s literature scholar
MIDNIGHT CREEP
What do spiders do when we’re asleep? Imagine if spiders of all kinds gathered beneath the full moon for a celebration with jumping, dancing, and feasting until dawn!
A creepy-crawly original singalong celebrating spiders, imagination, and the Arab folk dance - the dabke.
COMING SOON: MIDNIGHT CREEP - BAREFOOT BOOKS SEPT 2026 * ZAATAR - THYME WITH MY JIDDO , PUBLISHING IN 2027 WITH ALLEN & UNWIN *
COMING SOON: MIDNIGHT CREEP - BAREFOOT BOOKS SEPT 2026 * ZAATAR - THYME WITH MY JIDDO , PUBLISHING IN 2027 WITH ALLEN & UNWIN *
