Anna Kenna

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kenna, Anna (–) is a respected journalist and children’s book author. She worked as a magazine writer and as a television reporter and producer for more than 30 years, before turning to fiction writing. She has written for children of all ages, from picture books to junior novels.

Kenna has written more than a dozen chapter books for educational publishers and stories for New Zealand and international school publications. Her titles include Brother Trouble, Knightly News, Badlands, and A Close Call. These were followed by The Sweet Stink of Success (Scholastic, 2000), A Fright at the Orcas (Reed, 2006), Bo (Reed, 2007) and Viola Vincent Reporting (Scholastic, 2010).

Magpie Magazine said of A Fright at the Orcas, 'While younger readers may not spot all the Oscar and Academy Award jokes, they will enjoy the cheerful wordplay and lively action.' John McIntyre, reviewed Bo on Radio New Zealand, saying that 'It's got real bounce and verve in the rhyme, and the pitch and rhythm are pretty much perfect.'

Viola Vincent Reporting was chosen as a Storylines Notable New Zealand Junior Fiction Book in 2011. The Children's Bookshop in Kilbirnie, Wellington, reviewed the book, writing that 'This is a great story on a number of levels. It is well paced, it's well told and it is exciting. Kenna has created a strong and believable heroine who has the courage of her convictions. A great read for age 10 plus.'

MEDIA LINKS AND CLIPS

• Anna Kenna's website