If you believe in legends...

At the age of 8, Jessie Hickman (1890-1936) joined a travelling bush circus, performing as a whip cracker, sharp-shooter and bareback pony rider. When the circus closed, she became an outlaw and cattle rustler famous for her daring escapes.  Discover the remarkable but little-known true story of Australia’s so-called ‘Lady Bushranger’, a brave and formidable women who lived outside the norms of her time.

This new title from husband-and-wife creative team and children’s book experts, Mark Greenwood and Frané Lessac, is lavishly illustrated, evoking the charm of a 19th century bush circus and the wilderness of what is now the Wollemi National Park in New South Wales.

Accompanied by historic images and information on traveling circuses, bushrangers and buckjumping, readers will also enjoy a timeline of Jessie’s life and accomplishments. This book is perfect for young readers eager to enjoy a story of action, daring and adventure set in the Australian bush.

The Legend of Jessie Hickman connects to areas of the national curriculum including English Language & Literacy, Visual and Critical Literacy & Visual Arts, and Stage 3 History on the Australian Colonies.

The Legend of Jessie Hickman will be released on 1 October 2025. 

About the authors

Mark Greenwood is an author with a passion for history. He enjoys imaginatively reconstructing stories that celebrate the characters and events that have played an important role in defining our past. 

Frané Lessac is an author and illustrator of over 50 books published in the UK, US and Australia. She has won numerous awards, including the Muriel Barwell Award for Distinguished Service to Children’s Literature in 2010.

Mark and Frané’s award-winning books about Australian bushranger legends include Ned Kelly and the Green Sash and The Legend of Moondyne Joe. The Legend of Jessie Hickman is their latest collaboration. 

Contact

Lauren Conron, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia

Phone: 0401 226 697

Email: media@nla.gov.au