Eleanor Graham facts for kids

Eleanor Graham was a talented British writer and editor of children's books. She was born on January 9, 1896, in Walthamstow, England. She passed away on March 8, 1984, in London. Eleanor Graham helped shape many popular children's stories during her career.

She worked for important publishers like Heinemann and Methuen. She also reviewed children's books for The Sunday Times. A big part of her work was becoming the editor for Puffin Books. This is a famous children's book part of Penguin Books. She did this during World War II.

After she retired in 1961, she was honored with the Eleanor Farjeon Award. This award celebrates people who have done great things for children's books.

Eleanor Graham's Early Life

Eleanor Graham grew up in a family connected to books. Her father was an editor for a magazine called Country Life. In 1900, her family moved from Scotland to Essex, England. Eleanor went to school at the North London Collegiate School.

Her Work as an Editor

Before becoming a famous editor, Eleanor Graham worked for a group helping people in Czechoslovakia. After that, she started her career in publishing.

She became an editor for well-known publishers like Heinemann and Methuen Publishing. An editor helps authors make their books the best they can be. Eleanor also reviewed children's books. This meant she read new books and wrote about them for newspapers like The Sunday Times.

Puffin Books Editor

One of Eleanor Graham's most important roles was at Puffin Books. This is a special part of Penguin Books that publishes books just for children. She became the editor for Puffin Books during World War II.

During this time, it was hard to get new books printed. But Eleanor worked hard to make sure children still had wonderful stories to read. She helped choose and publish many classic children's books.

Books Written by Eleanor Graham

Besides her work as an editor, Eleanor Graham also wrote several books herself. Her stories often connected with young readers.

• The Children Who Lived in a Barn (1938)
• The Story of Charles Dickens (1952) – This book was part of a series about famous people.
• A Puffin Book of Verse (1953) – This was a collection of poems.
• The Story of Jesus (1960)
• J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan: The Story of the Play (1962) – This book was illustrated by Edward Ardizzone.

Awards and Recognition

Eleanor Graham dedicated her life to children's literature. In 1961, after she retired, she received a special honor. She was given the Eleanor Farjeon Award by the Children's Book Circle. This award celebrates people who have made a big difference in the world of children's books.