Kitty Barne facts for kids

Marion Catherine "Kitty" Barne (born November 17, 1882 – died February 3, 1961) was a British writer. She wrote many books for children, especially stories about music. She also wrote scripts for movies. In 1940, she won the important Carnegie Medal for British children's books. This award recognizes the best children's book of the year.

About Kitty Barne

Kitty Barne was born in Petersham, Surrey, England. She grew up in Somerset and Sussex. Later, she studied music at the Royal College of Music.

In 1912, she married Eric Streatfeild. This made her a cousin-in-law to another well-known children's author, Noel Streatfeild.

Helping During World War II

During World War II, Kitty Barne was part of the Women's Voluntary Service. This group helped people during the war. Her job was to welcome children who were moved to Sussex for safety. These children were called "evacuees."

During the war, she wrote six books. Her most famous book from this time was Visitors from London (1940). It was about children who were evacuated. This book won the Carnegie Medal. This award is given by the Library Association for the best children's book by a British writer.

Stories About Animals and Music

Kitty Barne is also known for her "pony books." These are stories about horses. Two popular ones are Rosina Copper and its follow-up, Rosina and Son. These books tell the true story of an Argentine polo pony mare. The pony was saved after being treated badly.

Besides her novels, she wrote non-fiction books. She wrote a book about the orchestra called Listening to the Orchestra. She also wrote a history of the Girl Guides. For several years, she was the Girl Guides' "Commissioner for Music and Drama." This meant she helped guide members with music and theater.

She also wrote a life story of Elizabeth Fry in 1950. Elizabeth Fry was her husband's great-grandmother.

Working with Illustrators

Ruth Gervis, who drew pictures for many of Kitty Barne's books, spoke about their work together. She said Kitty Barne was a wonderful author to work with. Kitty knew exactly what she wanted for her characters. They would work together, with Kitty describing her ideas. Ruth would make many quick drawings until they looked just right. It was a true team effort between the writer and the artist.

Kitty Barne passed away on February 3, 1961, after being ill for a long time.

Kitty Barne's Books

Here are some of the books Kitty Barne wrote:

• The Easter Holidays also known as Secret of the Sandhills (1935)
• She Shall Have Music (1938)
• Family Footlights (1939)
• Visitors from London (1940)
• Listening to the Orchestra (1941)
• May I Keep Dogs? also known as Bracken, My Dog (1941)
• We'll Meet in England (1942)
• The Amber Gate (1942)
• Three and a Pigeon (1944)
• In the Same Boat (1945)
• Here Come the Girl Guides (1946)
• Musical Honours (1947)
• Bracken My Dog (1949)
• Dusty's Windmill (1949)
• Roly's Dog (1950)
• Elizabeth Fry: a story biography (1950)
• The Windmill Mystery (1950)
• Barbie (1952)
• Admiral's Walk (1953)
• Music Perhaps (1953)
• Rosina Copper (1954)
• Tann's Boarders (1955)
• Rosina and Son (1956)