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Handa’s Surprise

Book Synopsis

In this picture book classic, 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!

Our Review Panel says...

This picturebook charts the journey of a girl called Handa as she carries fruit to her friend in a neighbouring village. Little does Handa realise that along the way there are animals that have also got their eyes on the lovely fruit in her basket. A fun and colourful story that is a hugely popular choice in EYFS.

This book is available on these booklists:

Handa's Surprise: Read and Respond

This additional book available to buy provides teachers with a wealth of resources to teach Handa’s Surprise, including activities, discussion ideas and guided reading notes.

Handa’s Surprise

handa's surprise book

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