Children’s Author

Anna Kenna is an award-winning investigative journalist turned children’s author, whose books are found in schools and homes across the globe.

Storytelling That Matters

Passionate about ground-breaking journalism and born a storyteller, Anna writes for all ages.

Her popular three-part series Viola Vincent Reporting is written for young readers with a social conscience and taste for knowledge. The books follow courageous rookie reporter Caitlin Nove (AKA Viola Vincent) through her eye-opening investigations.

Founded on solid facts, wisdom and warming humour, the Viola Vincent collection teaches kids that when they raise their voices and take action, powerful things can happen. The first in her three-part series Viola Vincent Reporting was named a Storylines Notable Book in 2010.

Anna’s latest novel Viola Vincent Reporting - Troubled Water follows Caitlin’s investigation into a polluted waterhole, where she unwittingly stirs up tensions in a community that run as deep as the river itself.

Troubled Water was also announced as a Storylines junior fiction Notable Book 2021.

The Essential Fairy 

The Essential Fairy tells the story of six-year-old Ruth who loses her front tooth in the midst of the lockdown and is dismayed when the Tooth Fairy doesn’t show up to collect it. Her dad shrugs off her concerns but Ruth is certain there must be some mistake. 

Ruth frowned at her dad. It just couldn’t be right.

Fairies are clean and work only at night.

With the right PPE, such as gloves and a mask,

they’d be super-hygienic when performing their task.

 

When Ruth can’t get the grown-ups in her life to take the matter seriously, she writes to the Prime Minister.

 

I’m not blaming the fairy or trying to cause trouble.

I have just one question from here in my bubble.

Why is the Tooth Fairy not on the list, 

of essential core workers? Has she been missed?

 

The book, illustrated by Nelson artist, Tim Hunt, features Val, a jandal-wearing tooth fairy with wild hair and tattoos.

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The latest book from Anna Kenna

Watch Kiwi icon Suzy Cato read Anna Kenna’s new book The Essential Fairy in an episode of Suzy’s Book Corner.

Latest Media: Anna’s Brush with Magic

Anna Kenna talks to Woman’s Weekly magazine about her new book The Essential Fairy. Available here.

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Influential children’s storytelling

Anna Kenna is a former newspaper, radio and television reporter who worked as an investigative journalist on prime time shows like Fair Go and 20/20.

When Anna took a break from journalism to complete a creative writing course, she fell in love with writing for children. Now she dedicates her time to creating entertaining kids’ books with journalistic themes, helping to enlighten young people about important global issues and hot topics of injustice.

“My books are for kids who care about what’s happening in the world and for parents interested in raising good global citizens, who are tolerant and compassionate.”

— Anna Kenna, children’s author

Meet Caitlin …

Caitlin is a gutsy 13-year-old girl with a social conscience, disguising herself behind the pen name ‘Viola Vincent’ to write for her local newspaper. From animal welfare to climate change, there is nothing she will not sink her teeth into - especially if someone advises her not to! Written for ages 10 upwards, the three-part feature series includes:

Troubled Water (2020) follows Caitlin's investigation into a polluted swimming hole - a contemporary novel about dirty waterways and climate change.

Troubled Water (2020) follows Caitlin's investigation into a polluted swimming hole - a contemporary novel about dirty waterways and climate change.

In the second book Underdog Caitlin, through her alter ego Viola Vincent, investigates the cruel world of puppy farming. Published in 2018. Read more.

In the second book Underdog Caitlin, through her alter ego Viola Vincent, investigates the cruel world of puppy farming. Published in 2018. Read more.

In the first book of the series, an accident that almost killed her mother seals Catlin's own destiny. Published in 2010.

In the first book of the series, an accident that almost killed her mother seals Catlin's own destiny. Published in 2010.

Kids Picture Books by Anna Kenna

 
 
 
 
The Essential Fairy tells the story of six-year-old Ruth who loses her front tooth in the midst of the lockdown and is dismayed when the Tooth Fairy doesn’t show up to collect it. Her dad shrugs off her concerns but Ruth is certain there must be some mistake. 

The Essential Fairy tells the story of six-year-old Ruth who loses her front tooth in the midst of the lockdown and is dismayed when the Tooth Fairy doesn’t show up to collect it. Her dad shrugs off her concerns but Ruth is certain there must be some mistake. 

 
 
Bo is a racing greyhound, at the top of his game. But, after an injury he is no longer fit for racing, and his owner allows him to be placed in a home as a pet.

Bo is a racing greyhound, at the top of his game. But, after an injury he is no longer fit for racing, and his owner allows him to be placed in a home as a pet.

It's Orca night, the animal version of the Oscars, where movie star animals get awards. This time, however, a tricky python threatens to spoil the show.

It's Orca night, the animal version of the Oscars, where movie star animals get awards. This time, however, a tricky python threatens to spoil the show.