Jennifer Lillian Beck ONZM (born 9 December 1939) is a New Zealand writer of over 50 children’s books.

Her work, often focusing on themes of history, peace and war, has won numerous prizes and awards.

[1] She grew up in a large family where the children created their own entertainment by making up plays, games and word games; library books, drawing and painting also formed an important part of her childhood.

[3] She worked as a teacher and psychologist before becoming a full-time writer in 2003[3] and has written more than 50 books for trade and educational publishers.

[17] In the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours, Beck was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to children's literature.