Picture a British storyteller who turned a potato into a superhero and a slug into a doughnut-loving star—meet Sue Hendra! With her vibrant illustrations and giggle-inducing tales, this award-winning children’s book author and illustrator has been delighting young readers for over 15 years. From her Brighton studio, Hendra spins whimsical worlds that spark creativity and joy.
Best known for her collaboration with Paul Linnet, Hendra has created iconic characters like Supertato, the crime-fighting spud, and Barry the Fish with Fingers, a quirky sea creature with a knack for adventure. Her solo work, like the TV-adapted Wanda and the Alien, proves she’s a master of blending humor with heart, making her books bedtime staples worldwide.
The Making of Sue Hendra
Born on August 15, 1973, in Wimbledon, Suzanne Francis Hendra grew up with a love for silly stories, inspired by childhood favorites like Mr. Silly. She studied graphic design at the University of Brighton, graduating in 1994, and juggled selling doughnuts at Chessington Zoo while honing her craft. Her early career saw her illustrating for giants like Bloomsbury and Macmillan, but a nudge from Bright Agency’s Vicki Willden-Lebrecht transformed her style into the bold, colorful aesthetic we know today.
Hendra’s big break came when she teamed up with Paul Linnet, her partner in both life and creativity. Their shared sense of humor—think tea-snorting, laugh-out-loud nonsense—birthed a string of bestsellers. Living in Brighton with their daughter, Wanda, Hendra draws inspiration from family life and her seaside surroundings, infusing her stories with warmth and wit.
Sue Hendra’s Unforgettable Stories
Hendra’s bibliography, spanning over 100 titles, is a treasure trove of playful narratives and eye-popping illustrations. Her breakout hit, Barry the Fish with Fingers (2009), follows a fish with human-like fingers who saves the day with his quirky talents. Critics at Publishers Weekly called it “colorful and cheerful,” setting the tone for Hendra’s signature style.
The Supertato series, co-created with Linnet, is her crown jewel. This action-packed saga stars a potato superhero battling the mischievous Evil Pea in a supermarket showdown. Titles like Supertato: Veggies Assemble and Carnival Catastro-Pea! blend slapstick humor with vibrant visuals, earning rave reviews for their read-aloud appeal. Another gem, Norman the Slug with the Silly Shell (2011), celebrates self-acceptance as Norman tries on quirky shells, like a doughnut, to fit in.
Hendra’s solo series, Wanda and the Alien, inspired by her daughter, became a hit animated show on Milkshake in 2014. Its gentle tales of friendship and exploration resonate with preschoolers, showcasing Hendra’s knack for crafting relatable, heartwarming stories. Her books often weave themes of individuality and teamwork, wrapped in a playful, accessible style that invites kids to laugh and learn.
Why Sue Hendra Matters
Sue Hendra’s impact goes beyond her bookshelves. Her stories, brimming with humor and heart, foster a love of reading in young children, helping them see the world through a lens of curiosity and kindness. The Supertato series, a staple in classrooms, has inspired countless kids to create their own veggie superheroes, while her art club in Brighton museums nurtures the next generation of artists.
Her partnership with Linnet has redefined modern picture books, blending bold visuals with stories that parents enjoy as much as kids. Winning accolades like the Laugh Out Loud Book Award for I Need a Wee!, Hendra’s work proves that silliness is a universal language, connecting families across cultures and generations.
- Birth Date: August 15, 1973
- Key Works: Supertato, Barry the Fish with Fingers, Norman the Slug with the Silly Shell, Wanda and the Alien
- Awards: Laugh Out Loud Book Award for I Need a Wee!
- Fun Fact: Hendra once sold doughnuts at a zoo!
Snag Supertato or Wanda and the Alien and dive into Sue Hendra’s whimsical world of laughter and adventure!