Eve Pownall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eve Pownall
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| Born | Marjorie Evelyn Sheridan 12 January 1901 Sydney, New South Wales |
| Died | 15 November 1982 (aged 81) Forestville, New South Wales |
| Occupation | Writer and Historian |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Years active | 1945–1982 |
| Notable works | The Australia Book |
| Notable awards | Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers 1952 |
Eve Pownall MBE (1901–1982) was a talented Australian writer and historian. She was born in Sydney, New South Wales, and became well-known for her books, especially those written for children.
Eve Pownall, whose full name was Marjorie Evelyn Sheridan, was the oldest of three children. She grew up in different towns like Kiama, Windsor, and Muswellbrook before her family settled in Sydney. She went to North Sydney Girls' High School. After school, she took a secretarial course. She then worked for big movie companies like Fox Films and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Ltd. In December 1929, she married Leslie Pownall, and they had two children together.
Eve Pownall started her writing journey by reviewing children's books. She wrote for a magazine called Australasian Book News and Literary Journal. Soon, she began writing her own stories and non-fiction books for young readers. Her work helped many children learn about Australia's past.
Contents
Helping Children's Literature
Eve Pownall was a very important person in the world of children's books.
Founding the Children's Book Council
In 1945, she helped start the Children's Book Council of Australia. This group works to encourage reading and promote great books for kids. Eve Pownall stayed involved with the Council for her whole life. Today, the Council gives out a special prize in her honor. It is called the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books. This award celebrates the best non-fiction books for children.
Special Awards and Recognition
Eve Pownall received several important awards for her contributions.
- In 1978, she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This honor recognized her great service to literature.
- In 1981, she won the Lady Cutler Award. This award is given for outstanding service to children's literature in New South Wales.
Her Books
Eve Pownall wrote many books for children, both fiction (made-up stories) and non-fiction (true stories and facts).
Fiction Books for Young Readers
Her fiction books often featured Australian animals or historical adventures.
- Nursery Rhymes Told Anew (1945)
- Squik the Squirrel Possum (1949)
- Cousins-Come-Lately : Adventures in Old Sydney Town (1952)
- Five Busy Merry-Makers (1953)
- Binty the Bandicoot (1957)
- A Drover (1970)
Non-Fiction Books About Australia
Eve Pownall's non-fiction books helped children learn about Australia's history and geography.
- The Australia Book (1952), which had amazing pictures by Margaret Senior. This book won a major award.
- Exploring Australia (1958)
- A Pioneer Daughter (1968)
- The Great South Land (1969), with illustrations by Christine Shaw.
Awards for Her Works
One of Eve Pownall's most famous books, The Australia Book, received a top honor.
- In 1952, The Australia Book won the Children's Book of the Year Award: Older Readers. This was a big achievement, showing how important and well-loved her work was.
Eve Pownall passed away at her home in Forestville in 1982, leaving behind a wonderful collection of books for children.
