Jetty Jumping

by Andrea Rowe

While Milla’s friends take big, brave jumps off the jetty, Milla stays on the blistering wood, scared of what lurks below. But when Milla accidentally falls off the edge, she discovers the beauty of the deep, dark sea – and her summer changes forever.

Author Andrea Rowe and illustrator Hannah Sommerville perfectly capture the challenges of childhood – and the joy of letting go – in this homage to summer.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 6, 2021

About the author

My best-selling children’s book JETTY JUMPING (Little Hare / Hardie Grant Egmont, illustrated by Hannah Sommerville) won the 2022 Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year – Early Childhood and the 2023 Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year.

It is available internationally, and translated into Danish.

SUNDAY SKATING is available in Australia & USA & Europe.

IN THE ROCKPOOLS is the first in our Little Worlds nature series. (all with Hardie Grant, illustrated by Hannah Sommerville). It has been awarded a 2024 Notable Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year – Early Childhood and was the 2024 face of Australian picture books at the Bologna Children's Book fair.

Its follow-up AMID THE SAND DUNES was awarded the 2025 Notable Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year – Early Childhood.

CASTLE CRASHING is my latest picture book in 2026 (illustrated by Hannah Sommerville), alongside my non-fiction picture book DOGS WITH JOBS (illustrated by Julia Murray).

In 2026 AUDREY SKIPS (Midnight Sun Publishing, illustrated by Lisa Coutts) has also hit the bookshelves.

I write books for children, and stories for grown-ups too. I combine my nostalgic celebration of culture and the environment in our everyday lives with the questions and reflections that draw us together. My writing absorbs the themes and issues encouraging collective discussions and conversations. I believe in the power of stories and reading out loud and in secret.

Several of my short stories, magazine features and micro fictions have been published and longlisted in literary magazines and Australian awards. I'm the winner of the 2020 Hal Porter Short Story Award, Highly Commended for the 2022 Newcastle Short Story Award and 2nd place in the Mulga Bill Writing Award.

Reviews

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book celebrating the joys of summer and of friends and about overcoming your fears.

[Kim Robyn Smith]

I thoroughly enjoyed this gorgeous story. My grandchildren were captivated. The message contained in the story can be applied to any age group as we all need to take giant leaps throughout life. Jetty Jumping will be treasured in my home.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sheer joy of a picture book that captures the essence of summer and childhood (no matter which type of child you are). The words and illustrations are so evocative. A must-have book for all homes that will resonate with all the generations and become a family classic.

[Rebecca Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful Aussie read for the ages. Jetty Jumping taps into the nostalgia of coastal life and endless summer days, while artfully weaving in themes of overcoming fears and harnessing the courage to take 'life's leaps'. Children and adults alike will delight in Milla's story, and the beautifully descriptive supporting illustrations by Hannah Somerville. Jetty Jumping is an emotionally-rewarding picture book, and a superb example of synchronicity between author and artist.

[Helen Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book took me on a journey back to my own childhood and the fear of taking the leap into the unknown, only to discover magic in the things that frightened me. Both the writing and the illustrations are gorgeous, with a perfect rhythm in the narrative to keep small children engaged in the story of celebrating the joy in letting go.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific story of conquering fears from accidental bravery, and finding it to be the right moment to also grow more confident through discovery.
It also shows the joys that can grow from time spent with friends.
What a beautiful depiction of beachside village life and exploring the waters about a local pier.
I grew up not far from a couple of jetties and I watched many people jumped from the end just like the children in the story - this book gave me great text to self memories, the sites, sounds and the magic of growing up in a small village near the beach.
A great childhood!
I love the combination of the dynamic text layout interwoven into the stunning imagery, it is a joy to read and introduces children to the terminology used to describe the leaping antics of jumping from the pier and the sensations of moving about within the water.
There is so much to love about this CBCA shortlisted book, I for one hope it wins an award.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jetty Jumping is an absolute delight to read. A new family favourite, my daughter shrieked ‘her bracelet!’ Andrea writes with energy and Hannah’s illustrations transport us to Mornington Peninsula summers.

[Robynne Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer - I'm in a writing group with the author. BUT, that has had no bearing on the 5 star rating I've given it. This book transports you, adult or child. The drawing are sublime. Andrea's beautiful prose are elegant. Children will discover the possibility of words and language to shape ideas and tell stories. I bought it for a four year old as a present. I'm reticent to part with it, but don't want to end up in a tug-of-war with a child. So I'm heading out to buy my own copy. I suspect all purchasers may find themselves doing the same thing.

[Adele Wyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the beach too and I love to go into the water. I like to splash like them. Review by Darcy, 6 years old.

I have never jumped off a jetty, but I really want to now! I love to splash in the water and swim down deep. I like the book; it is from my favourite bookshop, Farrell's. Review by Barin, 8 years old.

[Sarah Bacaller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rhythmic, engaging story that highlights 'accidental' courage and is evocative of warm summer days at the beach. Inspired me to jump into the ocean again … A delight.

[Jillian C]

What a delight! I loved reading it too Andrea!...and I know the grand kids will too!

[Narelle Debenham · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A magical book, with playful illustrations, inciting childhood awe and wonder about life beneath the sea. This story invites connection with, contribution to, and care and appreciation for our precious oceans and bays. Evocative words, celebrating children’s love of summer, playing with friends outdoors, being brave and overcoming fears.
This delightful publication will resonate with all generations, a must-have in every classroom and home!” Narelle Debenham 🐬

How lucky were we to have the lovely, fun-loving local author of this book ‘Jetty Jumping’ Andrea Rowe, sharing a special ‘book reading’ session and a water safety talk at Seaford Pier on 9th February for Natured Kids families. Book her for an ‘author talk’ you won’t regret it!! ☀️

Dive into your local bookshop and grab a copy for Andrea to sign 💦

[Laura Farrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. When reading aloud to my children, the were invested from the first to see if Milla would jump in or not. Opened conversation about all the different ways you can jump into the water, and uses lots of different language not common in everyday conversation. Pictures were beautiful, it felt like I was actually at an Australian beach. 4 stars

[Nola B · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a delightful book that instantly transported this almost 60 year old back to when it could be scary, but also exhilarating, to jump ( or corkscrew or belly-whack )into the unknown. I can't wait to read it to my grand-children : I'm sure they will love it. Jump out and get it.

[Andrea Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love writing it, love reading it, love that kids who adore hanging off jetties in summer will get to re-live the joy too :)
Hannah Sommerville's illustrators are perfection.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milla’s friends love to play by the jetty, twirling, diving and pin-dropping into the ocean below – but Milla is too scared to jump off the high jetty into the depths below. Swatches from above until one day her bracelet falls off her wrist and splashes into the water.

The magic of this book is in the exuberant watercolour illustrations that capture the jetty, the deep and mysterious water and antics of the children as they play perfectly. A wonderful story that shows a little girl overcoming fear to rescue her lost bracelet and the resulting joy as she discovers that the terrors were in her imagination rather than the water.

Active verbs create a lively text and are illustrated across the pages as the children spin, flip, somersault, torpedo and finally, for Milla - jump! Each movement is artfully captured to convey the action and would be a great stimulus for some play acting when reading to youngsters. It is also n ice to see different genders and races reflected in the illustrations as an underlying subtext.

A 2022 CBCA shortlisted Early Childhood picture book.

[Ericafh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Work book. A lovely little story about being brave, and also how you're braver than you think. There is also a dash of standing up to peer pressure, as well as anxiety. The soft watercoloury art made it feel like every page was part of a storyboard for a short film, making the book read like a movie experience. The writing also had a few gorgeous lines every now and then. I was surprised at how my heart lurched when the MC fell into the sea while reaching for her bracelet. I thought she was going to drown, but I was so glad it turned out well - and she got her bracelet back!

[Caroline Stills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jetty Jumping is a delightful picture book, with the words and joyful images working beautifully together.
Milla is afraid to jump from the jetty, so misses out on all the fun that her friends are having. But some things are worth taking a leap of faith for, and Milla discovers she is braver than she thinks.
This books captures the fun of a beach summer for children, while also giving the message that things are not always as scary as they seem.

[Rowena Hutson]

I work at a local library service in Melbourne and our copy of Jetty Jumping is so well loved after only a year I think we'll have to buy a new one! It's a delightful and vibrant story of overcoming fear and taking small, courageous steps to find joy and connection. Highly recommend to read with your kids (or even just to for yourself!).

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book that transports you to summer and that unforgettable feeling we all had as kids on holidays and on weekends where the adventures seemed endless.

Behind the gorgeous words and pictures is an important lesson in conquering your fears that is particularly relevant for our little one at the minute.

[Annette Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with beautiful illustrations of a theme of letting go, being brave and things are not as bad as they first look. Fits in well with themes of self esteem, well-being, taking chances and being brave about unknown situations.

[Danielle Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and heart warming story about being brave with stunning illustrations. Perfectly captures long summer days spent at the beach with friend’s and family. Will Milla be brave enough to jump off the jetty and join in the fun with her friends?

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book capturing the freedom of childhood summers at the beach. Mila’s friends all drop corkscrews , doves, torpedoes and bombs while she freezes in her anxiety at the edge of the pier. After tumbling in when her bracelet drops into the ocean, Mila manages to overcome her fears.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about a child who is scared to jetty dive, but eventually overcomes her fear. I like how the illustrations made the jetty seem huge and looming when our protagonist was scared. A cute story.

[Nikki Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book for overcoming your fears and for the lovers of the beach/lake jetty jumping and shares the wonders that hidden underwater.

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful colours! A story about bravery and the wonders that come about as a result 🥰 💪