Handa’s Surprise : A classic read-aloud picture book, loved by teachers and children alike

A picture book classic, celebrating its 30th year in print. A delightful surprise colourfully unfolds when a little girl called Handa puts seven delicious fruits in a basket to take to her friend. A modern classic named one of the best culturally diverse picture books in the UK, this is the story of Handa, who’s part of the Luo tribe in south-west Kenya.

Handa decides to take seven pieces of delicious fruit to her friend, Akeyo, who lives in the neighbouring village. But as Handa wonders, I wonder what fruit Akeyo will like best?, a series of sneaky animals steal something from Handa’s basket, which she’s carrying on her head… When Handa reaches Akeyo, will she have anything left to offer her friend? Richly-illustrated, brimming with luscious fruit and cheeky wild animals, this mouth-watering story is for the youngest of readers.

In the best pantomime spirit, children will long to tell Handa what’s happening right behind her!