Pamela Allen facts for kids

Pamela Kay Allen (born 3 April 1934) is a famous writer and illustrator from New Zealand. She has written and drawn more than 50 picture books for children since 1980. Her books have sold over five million copies around the world!

Early Life and Education

Pamela Allen was born in 1934 in a place called Devonport in Auckland, New Zealand. Her parents were Esma Eileen and William Ewart Griffiths.

She went to St Cuthbert's College for her schooling. Later, she studied art at the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland. She earned a special diploma in Fine Arts in 1955. After finishing her studies, she worked as an art teacher for high school students.

Family Life and Moving Around

In 1964, Pamela Allen married a sculptor named Jim Allen. A sculptor is an artist who makes statues and other art from materials like clay or stone. Around 1977, Pamela and Jim moved to Sydney, Australia. They lived there for about 30 years before moving back to Auckland, New Zealand.

Pamela Allen's Writing Career

Pamela Allen published her very first book, Mr Archimedes' Bath, in 1980. Since then, she has created more than 30 picture books for children. Her books are loved by many young readers.

Awards and Recognition

Pamela Allen has won many awards for her writing and illustrations. She has also been nominated for many others.

• In 1983, she won the Children's Book Council of Australia's Children's Picture Book of The Year Award for her book Who Sank the Boat?.
• She won the same award again in 1984 for Bertie and the Bear.
• 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 and in 1983 for Who Sank the Boat?.

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

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

Long-Lasting Favorites

In 2001, her book Who Sank The Boat?, which was first published in 1982, won the Gaelyn Gordon Award. This award is given to a New Zealand children's book that has been a favorite for a long time.

After moving back to Auckland, Pamela Allen won the Margaret Mahy Medal in 2004. This is New Zealand's highest award for children's literature. In 2005, she was given a special honour called the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This was for all her great work in children's literature.

Books on Stage

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

Celebrating Her Success

In 2008, Penguin Australia asked Pamela Allen's daughter, Ruth Allen, to create a special artwork. Ruth is a glass sculptor. This artwork celebrated the amazing achievement of Pamela Allen's books selling over five million copies.

In 2024, Pamela Allen was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. This was for her "significant service to literature as an author." It means she was recognized for her important contributions to books as a writer.

See also

In Spanish: Pamela Allen para niños