Pamela Allen facts for kids

Pamela Kay Allen is a famous New Zealand writer and illustrator. She creates wonderful picture books for children. Born on April 3, 1934, Pamela Allen has published more than 50 books since 1980. Her books are very popular, with over five million copies sold worldwide!

About Pamela Allen

Her Early Life and Education

Pamela Allen was born in Devonport, a suburb of Auckland, in 1934. She loved art from a young age. She went to St Cuthbert's College for her schooling.

After high school, Pamela studied art at the Elam School of Fine Arts. This school is part of the University of Auckland. In 1955, she earned a special diploma in Fine Arts. After finishing her studies, she worked as an art teacher for high school students.

Family Life and Where She Lived

In 1964, Pamela Allen married Jim Allen, who is a talented sculptor. Around 1977, Pamela and Jim moved to Sydney, Australia. They lived there for about 30 years. Later, they returned to live in Auckland, New Zealand.

Her Amazing Books

Starting Her Writing Career

Pamela Allen published her very first book in 1980. It was called Mr Archimedes' Bath. This book was the start of her amazing career. Since then, she has written and drawn pictures for more than 30 children's books.

Awards and Recognition

Pamela Allen has won many awards for her books. She is recognized as both a writer and an illustrator. She won the top award from the Children's Book Council of Australia. This was the Children's Picture Book of The Year Award. She won it in 1983 for Who Sank the Boat? and again in 1984 for Bertie and the Bear. Her books have been shortlisted for this award five other times.

She also won the Ethel Turner Prize twice. This award is part of the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards. She won it in 1980 for Mr Archimedes' Bath. She won it again in 1983 for Who Sank the Boat?.

In 1984, Pamela Allen received a special honor for her illustrations. The International Board on Books for Young People gave her a diploma for her artwork in Who Sank the Boat?.

More Awards and Honors

In 1986, she won the Russell Clark Illustration Award. This award is from the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa. She won it for the pictures in her book A Lion in the Night.

Her book Who Sank The Boat? was first published in 1982. In 2001, it won the Gaelyn Gordon Award. This award celebrates New Zealand children's books that have been loved for a long time.

After moving back to Auckland, Pamela Allen received another big honor. In 2004, she won the Margaret Mahy Medal. This is New Zealand's highest award for children's literature. In 2005, she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This was for her great work in children's literature.

Her Books on Stage

Many of Pamela Allen's books have been turned into stage plays. Eight of her books were adapted by the Patch Theatre Company. These plays were performed at the famous Sydney Opera House.

A Special Artwork

In 2008, Pamela Allen's daughter, Ruth Allen, created a special artwork. Ruth is a glass sculptor. Penguin Australia asked her to make the artwork. It celebrated the amazing milestone of over five million copies of Pamela's books being sold.

In 2024, Pamela Allen received another important award. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. This was for her "significant service to literature as an author."

See also

In Spanish: Pamela Allen para niños