Eileen Browne (author) facts for kids

Eileen Browne is a talented author and illustrator. She is most famous for creating the popular Handa book series.

About Eileen Browne

Eileen Browne was born in Birmingham, a big city in the United Kingdom. She lived in London for over 20 years. Later, she moved to a county called Wiltshire. Before becoming a full-time writer and illustrator, Eileen worked with young people. She was a school teacher and also a youth worker.

Her Amazing Books

Eileen Browne's books are loved for showing many different kinds of people. They also present various cultures in a respectful way. For example, her book Handa's Surprise shares a glimpse into Kenyan life.

Handa's Surprise

Handa's Surprise is one of her most well-known books. The Guardian newspaper even called it one of the "50 best culturally diverse children's books." This book is special because its pictures tell you things the main character, Handa, doesn't know. In 1995, Handa's Surprise was a finalist for the Sheffield Children's Book Award. It has also been turned into a fun theatre show. The show uses songs and puppetry to bring the story to life.

Why Diversity Matters

Eileen Browne strongly believes in showing different people in children's books and TV shows. She has pointed out that there aren't enough female characters in kids' television. Eileen wants her stories to make everyone feel included. She creates worlds where differences are natural and not the main focus.

Eileen first became interested in diversity in the 1980s. She was living in the Finsbury Park area of London. She ran a youth club with children from many different backgrounds. The kids at her club asked her to put people like them in her books. This made Eileen realize how important it was for children to see themselves in stories.

List of Books

• Boo Boo Baby and the Giraffe
• Caraway and the Cup Final
• Handa's Hen
• Handa's Surprise
• Handa's Surprising Day
• Handa's Noisy Night
• In a Minute
• Mary Had a Dinosaur
• Nicki
• No Problem
• Through My Window
• Tick Tock
• Up the Tree
• Wait and See
• Wait for Me!
• Where's That Bus?
• Winnie Wagtail