Author and Illustrator Eileen Browne
First published 1994
Publisher Walker Books
Handa takes a basket of fruit to her friend as a surprise.
Story
Set in south-west Kenya, Handa decides to walk to her friend Akeyo’s village to bring her a basket of fruit. On her journey the fruit is stolen from the basket on her head by a series of crafty animals. Will there be anything left for Akeyo?
Why we chose it
A colourful picture book where the text tells a simple story while a different story unfolds in the pictures – a visual joke much enjoyed by children.
Where it came from
Eileen Browne was a teacher before starting to write and illustrate children’s books. She noticed how certain groups of people were not well represented in children’s books and gave them priority in her books.
Where it went next
In 2004, Handa’s Surprise was turned into a successful theatre show using songs and puppetry.
Associated stories
There are two further books about Handa, Handa’s Hen (2002) and Handa’s Noisy Night (2019) which was published in time to celebrate the 25 year anniversary of Handa’s Surprise.
Author and Illustrator Eileen Browne
First published 1994
Publisher Walker Books