Emma Walton Hamilton facts for kids

Emma Katherine Walton Hamilton (born November 27, 1962) is a talented British-American author, theater director, and actress. She is well-known for writing children's books, often with her famous mother, Julie Andrews. Emma also teaches writing at Stony Brook Southampton in New York. She helps lead programs for young writers and those interested in children's literature. Her father was Tony Walton, a famous set and costume designer.

Early Life and Family

Emma Walton Hamilton was born in London, England. Her mother is the beloved British actress and singer Julie Andrews. Her father, Tony Walton, was a British designer who created amazing sets and costumes for movies and plays.

Emma had some famous godparents too! Actress Carol Burnett and ballerina Svetlana Beriosova were her godmothers. British actor Vic Oliver was her godfather.

In 1967, her parents divorced. Two years later, her mother married film director Blake Edwards, who became Emma's stepfather. Emma grew up spending time in London, Los Angeles (where her mother worked), and New York City (where her father lived). She went to school at UCLA Lab School.

Emma's Career Journey

Emma Walton Hamilton has had a varied and exciting career. She has worked as an actress, a theater director, and a successful author.

Acting and Theater Work

From 1983 to 1991, Emma had small roles in a few films and TV shows. These included movies like Micki + Maude and That's Life!.

In 1991, Emma, her husband, and actress Sybil Christopher started the Bay Street Theater. This special non-profit theater is in Sag Harbor, New York. It is still open and active today. For 17 years, Emma helped lead the theater. She also directed its education programs for young audiences.

Voice Acting and Awards

Emma has also lent her voice to many audiobooks. She has narrated books like Gitty Daneshvari's School of Fear and Patrick McDonnell's Me . . . Jane. In 2010, she won a big award, the Grammy Award. She won for Best Spoken Word Album for Children for her work on Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs and Lullabies.

Writing Books for Kids

In 2000, Emma started writing books for children. She often writes with her mother, Julie Andrews. Their first book together was Dumpy the Dumptruck. They wrote 13 "Dumpy" books in total. Twelve of these books were illustrated by her father, Tony Walton. He and Julie Andrews remained good friends after their divorce.

Emma and Julie Andrews have written 31 children's books together. Besides the "Dumpy" series, they wrote The Great American Mousical (2006). This book was also illustrated by Tony Walton. They also created the "Bonnie Boadicea" novels for middle schoolers. The popular The Very Fairy Princess series (2010) is another one of their creations. They have also edited two collections of poems and songs.

Emma Walton Hamilton also wrote a book for adults called Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment (2009). This book helps parents encourage their children to read. It won several awards, including a Parent's Choice Gold Medal.

Television Production

In 2016, Emma Walton Hamilton helped create a preschool TV series. It is called Julie's Greenroom. She created it with her mother, Julie Andrews, and Judy Rothman. The show stars Julie Andrews and features puppets from The Jim Henson Company. Julie's Greenroom first aired on Netflix in 2017.

Personal Life

In 1991, Emma Walton married actor and director Stephen Hamilton. They have a son and a daughter together.

Film and Television Appearances

Emma Walton Hamilton has appeared in various films and television shows.

Film Roles

Television Roles and Production

Awards and Achievements

Emma Walton Hamilton has received several awards for her work:

• Three Time #1 Bestseller
• Parents Choice Gold Medal
• Living Now Silver Medal
• IPPY Book Awards Silver Medal
• Grammy Award, Best Spoken Word Album for Children