Creation of the Waussies

One day, many years ago, Jacqui Taub sat doodling on her dining table. Her idea was to draw pictures to go along with her nonsense verse, many of which had already been published in anthologies.

But her doodling took on a life of its own. And the Waussies came to life, even though Jacqui had no formal training in art. The first Waussie books were published.

The years went by. Jacqui’s four children grew up and moved to different parts of the world.

One day, about two years ago, Jacqui heard knocking from her guest room. She ran inside, and there, clambering to get out of the drawers, were the Waussies! Boomerang Waussie WHOOSHED out first, followed by Beachball Waussie, Icecream Waussie and Tennis Racquet Waussie. Hiccup Waussie hiccupped his way out and Burger Waussie jumped out, covered in ketchup! The Waussies’ friends the Boopas, Spike and Ant tumbled out, close behind. All of them singing the Waussie Song ... da da da da da da da da da da da da da .......

“It’s time,” they shouted. “We’ve been locked up in here for 25 years – and it’s time to let us out! You have nothing else to do and you know your grandchildren will love us! Do it for them! What are you waiting for?”

In Jacqui’s own words, “I had no answer. It was like giving birth. When it’s time – it’s just time – and you can’t stop it!”

Her hands literally shook, as she took up her black marker pen and sat down.

And then it happened. Just like that! The Waussies came to life as never before. The stories rolled from her pen. Original text was re-written and new characters formed themselves before her eyes. Page after page after page … on and on … She re-developed old concepts and created new ones.

And all the time, the Waussies kept whispering in her ear, “You know how we feel. We believe there is something to teach all children everywhere! Why only do this for your grandchildren? We’re not going to waste our time just telling our funny stories. We must have something else to offer. We want children all over the world to understand that you can and must have fun. You must keep on trying, even when things are difficult; you must keep on laughing at yourself and not give up; and most importantly, you must be thoughtful and kind. So now, Jacqui, please make that happen for us…”

And so Jacqui did.

The Waussies Inspire Children

Through their humour and nonsensical situations, the Waussies help teach children to be kind, thoughtful and loyal. This is reinforced with the award of an ‘I’ve Been Waussiefied Certificate” for doing good deeds, where their good deed will be posted onto the Waussie Website. Children’s names can be posted, but not with addresses, for obvious safety.

For what ages are the books suitable? From as young as three.  You can read to them or let them listen to Jacqui narrating the story, with the loveable characters played out in each story.  They'll love the bright, colorful illustrations as well as the stories.  And all the time, they'll be learning about being polite and thankful.  They’ll love the pictures. Children as old as seven will enjoy reading them and enjoy the fun illustrations.

About the Author & Watch Jacqui on YouTube

Born in England and raised in Australia, Jacqui has 4 children and 13 grandchildren. Many of her nonsense poems have been published in anthologies, both in Australia and London. She wrote her first poem when she was five years old.

Jacqui was inspired to write about The Waussies while raising her four children in Australia. Today she continues to write and illustrate, to the delight of her grandchildren.

She writes and illustrates her own work.

Jacqui has prepared some fun online videos for children and parents alike.  She reads some of the books, talks about the idea behind the characters, and shows kids how to draw.

Watch the videos here