Jane O'Connor

  • 36

    Catalog books

  • 29

    Works

  • 1986 to 2025

    Strongest span

Who This Author Is

Jane O'Connor writes lively, child-focused stories that blend everyday mishaps with warmth and humor. Her books—from the Fancy Nancy series to playful picture books like Benny's Big Bubble and Jojo and the Big Mess—feature spirited protagonists, clear pacing, and moments that invite readers to giggle and empathize.

Across picture books and early chapter titles, O'Connor balances imagination and relatable detail: a posh puppy, a witch baby, and club-style misadventures in the Here Come the Brownies stories. Her work suits read-alouds and emerging readers, offering character-driven plots and bright, accessible storytelling.

Best Place To Start

Show Must Go On

HarperCollins Publishers • 2009 • quick commitment

It stands out because it asks for less time than many of the longer volumes on this page.

Author At A Glance

Best known for: Picture books for young readers • Playful, child-centered stories • Series entries featuring recurring kids

Genres and themes: Early childhood fiction • Family and friendship • Imaginative play

Who this author is best for: Good for preschool and early elementary readers who enjoy lively characters, simple plots, and expressive illustrations.

Start with a well-known title like Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy or browse single-picture books for shorter reads.

Top Books To Start With

  1. Show Must Go On

    HarperCollins Publishers • 2009 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 2009 • 32 pages.

  2. Fancy Nancy at the Museum

    HarperCollins Publishers • 2008 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 2008 • 32 pages.

  3. Jojo and the big mess

    New York University Press • 2017 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 2017 • 32 pages.

  4. Lulu and the witch baby

    N • 2014 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 2014 • 45 pages.

  5. Fancy Nancy : the Wonderful World of Fancy Nancy

    HarperCollins Publishers • 2012 • commitment varies by edition

    It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.

  6. Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy

    Harpercollins Childrens Books • 2007 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 2007 • 32 pages.

  7. The Teeny Tiny Woman

    Rebound by Sagebrush • 1999 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1999 • 32 pages.

  8. Benny's Big Bubble

    Price Stern Sloan • 1997 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1997 • 22 pages.

  9. Splat! (All Aboard Reading : Level 1 Preschool-Grade 1)

    Price Stern Sloan • 1994 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1994 • 48 pages.

  10. Corrie's Secret Pal: 1 (Here Come the Brownies)

    Price Stern Sloan • 1993 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1993 • 62 pages.

How The Picks Compare

  • Fancy Nancy at the Museum gives you an earlier look at this author’s shelf, while Show Must Go On leans later in the catalog.
  • Jojo and the big mess is also useful if you want a different publishing lane from Show Must Go On.

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