I love sharing stories, talking about creativity, and shining a light on neurodiversity in children’s literature. Here you’ll find interviews, articles, and features about my books and writing journey.
Podcasts
🎙️ Totally Lit
Episode: Bernie Thinks in Boxes – Exploring Autism Through Children's Literature
A chat with the wonderful Ky Garvey on neurodiversity, Bernie Thinks in Boxes, and my ideal literary dinner guest list!
🎙️ So You Want to Be a Writer
Episode: How Jess Horn Scored Her Picture Book Deal
An interview with Australian Writers’ Centre CEO, Valerie Khoo, about my debut publishing experience.
🎙️ Reading With a Chance of Tacos
Episode: Thinking Outside the Box
An interview with kid lit legend Ken about my author journey, writing technique, and of course, Bernie Thinks in Boxes!
🎙️ Differently Brained
Episode: Bernie Thinks in Boxes and Jess Toots Her Horn
A conversation with Jacinta and Lachlan covering life as an Autistic ADHDer and the importance of diversity in children’s literature.
🎙️ The Book Deal
Episode: Pathway to Picture Book Publication
A chat with fellow author Tina Strachan about writing process, social media, and that elusive first book deal.
🎙️ Words and Nerds Takeover
Episode: Beginner’s Guide to Beginning – Emerging Picture Book Writers
An interview with Bec Marshallsay, Claire Thompson and Miranda Birthisel about what it’s like to be a new author – from slush pile to first contract and beyond!
Blog Interviews and Guest Features
🎤12 Curly Questions with Children’s Author Jess Horn
All the things you never thought to ask in a very curly interview with Kids’ Book Review!
🎤All Aboard for AWC Graduate Jess Horn’s ‘Train of Thought’
An interview with the Australian Writers’ Centre on picture books, publishing and Train of Thought.
🎤The Quick Six Interview with Jess Horn on Train of Thought
An interview with the Just Write for Kids team about Train of Thought.
🎤Unpacking Boxes and Big Ideas: A Conversation with Jess Horn
A StoryBox Hub blog interview about Bernie Thinks in Boxes.
🎤The Quick Six Interview with Jess Horn and Zoe Bennett
An interview with the Just Write for Kids team about Bernie Thinks in Boxes.
🎤Exploring Neurodivergence in Children’s Books with Author Jess Horn
An interview with the Mable team about Bernie Thinks in Boxes.
🎤AWC Graduate News: The Course that Changed Jess Horn’s Life
A profile piece on the Australian Writers’ Centre blog about my publishing journey and debut picture book deal.
Articles by Jess
✏️ Bernie Thinks in Boxes: The Story Behind the Story
A guest author blog post for PaperBark Words about my relationship with writing, and the story behind Bernie.
✏️ Thinking in Boxes
An article about thinking in boxes, fruit baskets, and my debut book.
✏️ Self-Acceptance as a Late Diagnosed Autistic
An article about autism diagnosis, self-acceptance, and World Autism Understanding Day on the Aspect blog.
✏️ The Benefits of Attending Writers’ Conferences
A blog post for the CYA Conference about author events, the writing community, and letting go of imposter syndrome.
Awards and Recognition
2026
Winner – Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award (Picture Book) – Bernie Thinks in Boxes
Shortlisted – West Australian Young Readers Book Awards – Bernie Thinks in Boxes
Longlisted – Danz Children’s Book Award – Train of Thought
Highly commended – CYA Competition (Published) – City Drive and Wren’s Worst Word
2025
CBCA Notable Picture Book of the Year – Bernie Thinks in Boxes
Victorian Government Prep Bags – Bernie Thinks in Boxes
ASA Award Mentorship – The Dandelion Wish Factory
Shortlisted – Pitch It! Competition – The Dandelion Wish Factory
2024
Shortlisted and Highly Commended – Pitch It! Competition – The Worry that Ate the Universe
Shortlisted and Highly Commended – Pitch It! Competition – Many Ways to Say
Longlisted – Pitch It! Competition – Grow Up, Charlie Wiggins!
2023
First Place – CYA Competition (Aspiring) – Hooray for Renny Day!
Shortlisted – Pitch It! Competition – Do Not Smile
Shortlisted – Pitch It! Competition – Boo! Rah!
2022
Runner Up – Pitch It! Competition – A Hairy Holiday
Shortlisted – Pitch It! Competition – Have Your Cake
2021
Second Place – CYA Competition – Snot Pizza
Shortlisted – Pitch It! Competition – The Hairy Surprise
Special Mention – Pitch It! Competition – My Cat is a Grump
Honourable Mention – Jackie Hosking’s Spring Competition – The Mailbox