Picture an Australian storyteller who turned a chocolate-loving flying pig into a global sensation—meet R.A. Spratt! This award-winning author and television writer has charmed young readers with her witty, whimsical children’s books, including the beloved Nanny Piggins, Friday Barnes, and Peski Kids series. With a knack for blending humor and heart, Spratt’s stories are like a warm hug wrapped in a giggle, making her a favorite in homes and classrooms worldwide.
From her roots in Sydney’s suburbs to her current life in Bowral, Australia, Spratt’s journey is as colorful as her characters. Her boundless imagination and sharp comedic timing have not only produced bestselling books but also a hit podcast, Bedtime Stories with R.A. Spratt, delighting story-lovers everywhere.
The Making of R.A. Spratt
Born in Essex, England, R.A. Spratt moved to Australia at age two, growing up in Sydney’s western suburbs. As a child, she pedaled to the library, devouring works by Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, and Judy Blume, which sparked her love for storytelling. Despite struggling with English in school, Spratt’s comedic talent shone early. She kicked off her career as a television writer, crafting jokes and scripts for shows like Good News Week and children’s animation, honing the quick wit that defines her books.
Her pivot to children’s literature came naturally, inspired by her TV experience and a desire to inject humor into young readers’ lives. Spratt’s unique brain, as she playfully admits, thrives on comedy and dialogue, making her stories irresistibly fun.
R.A. Spratt’s Unforgettable Stories
Spratt’s books are a riot of humor, adventure, and quirky characters. Her debut, The Adventures of Nanny Piggins (2009), introduced a sassy, cake-obsessed pig who nannies three children with chaotic glee. The series, spanning nine books, earned accolades like the American Library Association’s Top of the List for youth fiction in 2010. Think Mary Poppins with trotters and a cannon-firing hobby!
The Friday Barnes, Girl Detective series (2014–present) follows an 11-year-old genius sleuth solving mysteries with logic and a porkpie hat. Loved by kids aged 8–12, it’s a must-have for middle-grade readers, blending clever plots with Spratt’s signature silliness. The Peski Kids series, starting with The Mystery of the Squashed Cockroach (2018), tracks three siblings tackling wild adventures, from cockroach races to family secrets. Spratt’s Shockingly Good Stories and Epically Good Greek Myths collections round out her portfolio, offering tall tales and retold myths with her trademark humor.
Her writing style—conversational, cheeky, and packed with dialogue—draws comparisons to Roald Dahl and David Walliams. Spratt weaves scientific principles and life lessons into her stories, often disguised as Nanny Piggins’ ballistic antics or Friday’s detective work, making learning sneaky and fun.
Why R.A. Spratt Matters
R.A. Spratt’s impact on children’s literature is undeniable. Her books, translated worldwide, inspire young readers to embrace their quirks and love reading. Teachers and librarians report her titles flying off shelves, with Nanny Piggins and Friday Barnes boasting long waiting lists. Her podcast, with over 5 million downloads, connects her with fans globally, proving her stories transcend the page.
Spratt’s ability to make kids laugh while subtly teaching resilience and curiosity has cemented her as a modern classic. Her school visits, complete with a Nanny Piggins puppet, leave students buzzing, fostering a love for storytelling that lasts.
- Born: Essex, England; moved to Australia at age two
- Key Works: Nanny Piggins, Friday Barnes, Peski Kids, Shockingly Good Stories
- Awards: American Library Association Top of the List (2010)
- Fun Fact: Owns three chickens, two goldfish, and a needy dog named Henry
Ready for a laugh-out-loud adventure? Snag The Adventures of Nanny Piggins or Friday Barnes, Girl Detective, and dive into R.A. Spratt’s wonderfully wacky world!