French has lived across the world, from Chile to Thailand. She grew up in Norfolk[3] and studied at Norwich School.[4] She gained a first class degree in zoology at University College London[5][6] where she was active in the volunteering department, winning awards for her work teaching children about conservation[7] and for setting up a sign language society.[8] She has studied primates across the world and has a particular interest in gorillas.[9] She gained her degree in veterinary medicine and surgery from the University of Nottingham and she now works as a small animal and zoo vet.[10][11][12] She can speak fluent Spanish and can use British Sign Language.[5]
French co-presents a radio series with Ben Garrod for BBC Radio 4 called Wild Inside, in which she carries out post mortem examinations on exotic species and discusses her findings. She has also appeared on the Infinite Monkey Cage[17][18]
French is one of the UK's top-selling authors of non-fiction books for children. She usually writes on the theme of animals, nature and the environment. In August 2020 she released her debut picture book. Her middle grade series, Beastlands, was developed into an animated immersive experience at Chester Zoo. She also acts as a judge for book awards such as The Week Junior Book Awards[20]
Around the World in 80 Endangered Animals (October 2024) [46]
Beastlands: Legend of the Crystal Caves (March 2025)[47]
Bug Snacks: How Eating Insects Can Change the World (May 2025)[48]
Awards
French won the Jane Goodall Global Youth Leadership award in 2010 for setting up a program to teach children about environmental issues.[5][49]
In 2015, French was named number 43 on BBC Wildlife magazine's Power List of conservation heroes.[50]
French's book 'Fluttering Minibeast Adventures' was nominated for the 2017 Educational Writers' Award.[51]
In 2022, French's book 'Earth's Incredible Oceans' won a Gold Nautilus Award[52] and 'It's a Wonderful World' was named 'Top Value Toy' in the 2022 Right Start awards.
↑ French, Jess (6 April 2023). Pets and Their People: The Ultimate Guide to Caring For Animals – Whether You Have One or Not!. DK Children. ISBN978-0-241-58508-5.
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