Jess Keating is an author, artist, & scientist.

Welcome!

As an scientist and author, I’m an advocate for literacy, curiosity, creativity, wildness, and wonder.

Fun fact: I've been writing for kids since 2008!

My work has been featured in the New York Times, CBC, Buzzfeed, Bloomberg, Glamour, Microsoft, and more, and I've been fortunate to appear on both in-person & virtual stages to talk all things creativity to more than 100,000 people worldwide.

My writing covers topics like:

  • Advocating for literacy (in all forms!), so readers can grow a love of learning

  • Exploring our beautiful planet & finding our place within it

  • Sparking curiosity and fueling creativity so kids can express who they are

  • Finding the courage to be ourselves and share our unique voices with the world

New here? Start with some of my books!

Close-up of a woman with long, wavy brown hair and blue eyes, smiling, wearing a burgundy shirt, sitting in a room with a plant and a bookshelf in the background.
Colorful logo of The Globe and Mail/news organization with a small maple leaf icon.

Featured In

Glamour magazine logo in black, white, and gray text.
HuffPost logo in black, white, and gray typography.
The CBC logo in black, white, and gray, featuring a stylized circular geometric design to the left of the letters 'CBC'.
A logo for The New York Times with black background and white text.
Gray text that says 'Parents' on a black background.

"In the pages of Jess Keating's books, readers find more than just stories or facts -- they find themselves.

Calm ocean with small waves and a partly cloudy sky.
Child reading a colorful children's book titled 'Shark Lady' with an illustration of a shark and diver on the cover, next to a green plush toy resembling a dinosaur.

“Through her diverse casts of characters & animals, Keating champions individuality & creativity with every page turn."

The Resumé

  • I'm the author of more than 20 books, and have written in nearly every category, including fiction, nonfiction, picture books, novels, and more. I've been writing since I could wield a crayon!

  •  I'm a renaissance soul at heart, and have been a full time entrepreneur my entire adult life, including as a singer, photographer, sculptor, artist, & even wildlife rehabilitator. I've never had a 'normal' job!

  • Most of my life's work has followed Mary Oliver's advice: "Pay attention, be astonished, tell about it." No matter the field, I'm always drawn to share what I've learned with others.

  • I've got multiple degrees in Zoology, Science, & Philosophy, and a Masters of Science; my specialty is in interdisciplinary work so we can explore curiosity & creativity together!