Dannika Patterson

Dannika Patterson is an award-winning Australian children's author with more than twenty published titles, written to delight, empower and inspire young readers. Her books are used widely in homes, kindergartens, libraries and classrooms across Australia and internationally, exploring ideas and opening relatable conversations about important things.

Her latest picture book, Duck, Duck, Bruce! (Exisle Publishing, illustrated by Jasmine Berry), publishes in October 2026. Built on repetition, wordplay and visual humour, it's a laugh-out-loud read-aloud for ages 3 to 8 that gently opens conversations about neurodiversity, identity, belonging and self-determination.

2026 also brought Aidan Versus the Ocean (Wombat Books, illustrated by Heidi Cooper Smith), Dannika's first novel for middle grade readers. It's a fast-paced survival adventure for ages 8 to 12, written especially with reluctant readers in mind.

Dannika's picture books include Jacaranda Magic, Scribbly Gum Secrets, Hedgehog the Wonder Dog, Zoom, The Silverback's Song, Heavy and The Big Book of Rights. She has also written two graphic novels and a poetry collection, SeaSpray17: Ocean Photography & Haiku Poetry. Zoom and Hedgehog the Wonder Dog were each shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards, which recognise Australian books that support children's language and literacy development, and The Silverback's Song won a 2026 Educate Plus Award.

Alongside writing, Dannika visits many schools, kindergartens, early learning centres and libraries each year to present highly engaging workshops that blend storytelling, science, nature, art and other interactive elements. She is also an Ambassador for Children's Rights Queensland and Australia Reads.

Dannika holds degrees in journalism and psychology. Things she can't get enough of include coffee, dogs, the ocean, and conversations with kids - they say the most inspiring, important and true things.