Keith Smith (writer) facts for kids

Keith Smith (born September 4, 1917 – died June 2, 2011) was a famous Australian broadcaster and writer. He was well-known for his work on radio and television. Keith also wrote many books, including some for children.

Keith Smith: A Life in Media

Early Life and First Jobs

Edward Keith Smith was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1917. When he was 13, he had to leave school. His family could not afford to keep him there.

He started working in a factory called a foundry. This work was very hard. Later, he became an apprentice signwriter. This meant he learned how to design and paint signs.

Starting in Radio

Keith Smith was very creative. He began writing funny stories and jokes. He sold these comedy sketches to radio stations. He also acted in radio plays for the ABC.

During World War II, he served in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. After the war ended in 1946, he moved to Sydney. There, his career as an actor and writer really took off.

Becoming a Media Star

One of Keith Smith's most popular shows was "The Pied Piper." It started on radio and later moved to television. On this show, he would interview children. He asked them questions and got their honest, funny answers.

He also helped create and write a TV series called "Mrs. Finnegan." This show was on a Sydney channel from 1970 to 1971.

His Books and Writings

Keith Smith was a busy writer. He wrote several books on different topics.

In 1985, he published a book for parents called How to Get Closer to Your Children. He also wrote two books about ghost sightings in Australia. These were called Supernatural!: Australian Encounters (1991) and Supernatural No. 2: More Australian Encounters (1993).

He also wrote about history. His book Australian Battlers Remember: The Great Depression (2003) shared stories from people who lived through the Great Depression. This was a very difficult time in history.

Books for Children

Keith Smith wrote many books especially for kids. Here are some of them:

• The Bear with Bad Eyes (1987)
• The Migrant Mouse (1988)
• The Pig that was Different (1988)
• Keith Smith's Riddle Book from Outer Space (1964)
• A Word from Children (1960)
• The Pied Piper: Keith Smith's Riddle Book for Children (1960)
• T.V. Jokes for Children (1972)
• T.V. Jokes for Children 2 (1972)
• Keith Smith's T-V Picture Puzzle Book. No. 1 (1973)
• Keith Smith's T-V Picture Puzzle Book. No. 2 (1973)
• Keith Smith's Dum Dora Jokes (1977)
• TV Cook Book for Kids (1972)
• Keith Smith's Knock! Knock! Jokes (1977)
• Keith Smith's Riddle Round Up (1977)

Later Life

Keith Smith passed away in Sydney on June 2, 2011. He was 93 years old. He left behind a legacy of entertaining shows and interesting books for all ages.