Interview by Liv Williams
From tracking thunderstorms on TV to chasing clouds in the backyard, Channel 9’s Jessica Braithwaite has always loved the weather. Now she’s turned that curiosity into a children’s book, Whatever the Weather We’re in This Together, a cosy tale about family, adventure, and spotting magic in every kind of day. We caught up with Jessica to hear how a shower inspired the whole story… literally!
Your new book beautifully blends seasons, weather and unconditional love. When did you know you wanted to write it?
The “aha” moment came to me in the shower – like all good ideas! I remember jumping out of the water with my hands still half wet trying to write the lines into my phone before I forgot them. I shared the idea with my friend and co-author Rebecca Ralfe. She couldn’t stop thinking about it either. To my “Whatever The Weather”, she added the line “We’re In This Together” – truly setting the tone for a cosy story about endless love for a child, and embracing each day with wonder.
As a weather reporter, how did daily weather-watching feed into the story and language?
Watching the sky made me notice how much weather and life have in common. Storms pass, sunshine returns, and every day brings something new, just like the seasons of our lives. I wanted the book to capture that same wonder and whimsy, showing kids (and parents!) there’s joy in every kind of day.
What’s your favourite Australian weather moment and why?
I love a good spring storm. Nothing beats sitting on the back deck with the kids, watching the clouds build and the sky come alive. We listen for the rumbles and cheer for each lightning strike. It’s a joyful ritual that reminds the kids storms aren’t scary, they’re beautiful bursts of energy from the sky.
What’s one simple weather explanation you wish every child could hear?
Every kind of weather has a job to do. The rain fills out rivers, the sun grows our food, the wind moves the seeds, and even the storms help the world stay in balance. We need them all – the drizzle, the sunshine, and everything in between. I also like to say that rainbows are proof the weather likes to make art. When sunlight shines through tiny raindrops, the light bends and splits into colours, it’s like the sky painting for us!
If you could use your weather-reporting microphone to deliver a “forecast” for your family life right now, what would today’s headline be?
Today’s forecast: scattered toys, a high chance of giggles, and be prepared for spontaneous cuddles throughout the day.
Whatever the Weather, We’re In This Together
Allen & Unwin | RRP $22.99
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