The end pages give a clue to all that she became.
Mark Greenwood's trademark sharp and detailed prose that always surprises.
Jessie’s life is laid out in entertaining words and actions that match her countless abilities.
She was a legend; feisty and fearless. A girl who travelled in a bush circus from an early age and learnt many skills. She got to be known as the Amazing Miss Jessie!
Her earliest feat was to walk the tightrope before she was ten.
By then somersaults and pirouettes were commonplace for her as she was now learning how to crack a stockwhip.
A year after she was recognised as an accomplished sharpshooter.
Jessie Hickman is relatively unknown as a bushranger, but with WW1, circus travel slowed, and Jessie and her horse Houdini, had no home to go to.
She took any job she could find, even herding cattle through treacherous mountain trails.
Then she became famous as a bushranger, always escaping with money.
Jessie finally built a crude shack for herself and a shelter for Houdini in the forest. She loved the forest and all its animal occupants. She was known to share what she had with poorer people than herself.
Jessie Hickman was known as the last bushranger.
A person with many aliases, Jessie lived from 1890 – 1936 and was buried in an unmarked grave.
A double spread displays a detailed timeline of Jessie’ s achievements.
With an excellent Glossary at the end, children can learn new and unusual words and unknown history.
The story of Jessie's life is an inspiring example for children. It proves anyone can accomplish great things far beyond the limitations of their gender.
Mark Greenwood has presented an exciting and informative biographical view of a girl who lived her life free, happy, and full of adventure.
Frane Lessac matches Greenwood’s ability to show who Jessie Hickman was, visually displaying her life through illustrations in colour as bold and daring as Jessie.
Title: The Legend of Jessie Hickman
Author: Mark Greenwood
Illustrator: Frane Lessac
Publisher: NLA, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922507853
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture Book
