Jane Ting is a Mornington Peninsula mum of three, author of the childrenโs picture book series, Zacโs Happy Planet, and a sustainability advocate.
Jane initially studied Education at University in the UK as well as teaching students as a lecturer at York College. Jane had an entrepreneurial drive at an early age, opening her own hair and beauty salon at nineteen. Janeโs career headed to London, where she worked on amazing projects, in West End Theatre productions, T.V. and Movies. One of those movies was, โLove Actuallyโ as Keira Knightleyโs hair and make-up artist.
Jane always had a yearning to travel and, after deciding to leave London, she embarked on a career in Super Yachting where she worked with A-list celebrities and some of the world’s leading business figures. Travelling around the globe many times gave her exposure to remote and interesting parts of the world. Whilst witnessing what was happening to the environment, she instantly knew she wanted to dedicate herself to making a change and channelled her beliefs and sustainable knowledge into relatable children’s picture books. Jane always enjoyed creating poems for friendsโ birthdays, weddings, parties, and retirements, which led her to study creative writing.
Recently launched, โBeach Clean-up Adventure,โ is the third book in Zacโs Happy Planet series. This book encourages children to immerse themselves in the outdoors, with a realistic storyline that connects with kindness, courage, teamwork and sharing that every child can relate to. โInspired by my children and their friends collecting microplastics, nurdles (small lentil-sized pieces of plastic) and beach waste, I was so impressed by the children’s dedication, particularly having competitions to see who could collect the most nurdles! This enthusiasm flows through to parents becoming more involved in environmental issues,โ Jane adds.
A friend mentioned to Jane, โI never would have known about nurdles or micro-plastic if you hadnโt been collecting them. Now I canโt stop looking for them.โ Hearing this had an amazing impact on her.
Jane explains, โMy passion is driven by aspiring to make a difference for children; my childrenโs generation and the generations that follow. I am reminded daily of my aim which continually delivers me the motivation to help create positive changes in the world.โ
Jane loved becoming a Mum and has spent many wonderful evenings snuggled up reading to her three boys. Jane believes that fostering an awareness of environmental topics from an early age is crucial to the health of our planet.
Her first book, โSoft Plastic to Things Fantastic,โ touches on caring, kindness and teamwork across all ages. Zac, the main character, is on the lookout to make our world a better place by introducing to his grandparents ways of recycling which have far-reaching impacts.
At the end of last year, โPlastic Bottle, How Can You Change?โ was released. Zac and his friends demonstrated to their teacher in a class presentation some alternative, sustainable, options that can replace plastic bottles. The characters sing a catchy song, that children sing along to, spreading the word about pioneering ideas like plant-based edible packaging.
โAllyson Terrill is the talented illustrator for Zacโs Happy Planet books,โ says Jane. โAfter we became friends at our childrenโs preschool, this friendship naturally evolved into a working relationship.โ
โI love working with Allyson; we articulate the story alongside each other, caring deeply for the outcome. The vibrant illustrations, which are beautifully detailed with such artistic precision, are the result. I feel so lucky to have met Allyson; it’s such a pleasure working together. These entertaining stories are all about the messages delivered within the narrative alongside the stunning illustrations.โ
Bringing a sustainable touch to celebrations throughout the year saw Jane showcase her Christmas ideas last year on National TV with the Studio 10 program.
Jane is involved in various projects, general talks and working with children in schools, whether itโs discussing the book publishing process, environmental topics, reading or fundraising.
Jane adds, โI am very passionate about raising awareness through literature and how we can all try and educate ourselves and our children to start making small steps. Zacโs Happy Planet is an exceptional series that all children should be introduced to. I am very excited to share more titles in Zacโs Happy Planet and these will adventures to follow shortly.โ
janeting.com
zacshappyplanet.com