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Floella Benjamin

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About Floella Benjamin

Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE, was born in Trinidad in 1949 and came to England in 1960. She is an actress, presenter, writer, producer, working peer and an active advocate for the welfare and education of children. She is best known as a presenter of the iconic BBC children's television programmes Play School and Play Away, and she continues to make children's programmes. Her broadcasting work has been recognized with a Special Lifetime Achievement BAFTA and OBE. She was appointed a Baroness in the House of Lords in 2010. In 2012 she was presented with the prestigious J. M. Barrie Award by Action for Children's Arts, for her lasting contribution to children's lives through her art. Floella has written thirty books, including Coming to England, which is used as a resource in schools in social and cross-curricular areas. The book was adapted into an award-winning film for BBC Education. She was also appointed Chancellor of the University of Exeter until 2016. What Are You Doing Here? is her first adult autobiography, after previously writing her classic memoir Coming to England and acclaimed Sea of Tears.

In 2022, it was one of Her Majesty the Queen’s last wishes to appoint Floella the prestigious Order of Merit, which is held by only twenty-four people. Floella is the first Caribbean person to receive the order, but she is sure she won't be the last.

Recent updates about Floella Benjamin

National Tell A Story Day

Books can be so much fun, why not share this one Coming to England by Floella Benjamin from Macmillan Children's Books

11 days ago

Food Day (US)

My Two Grannies by Floella Benjamin from Frances Lincoln Children's Books is brilliant!

14 days ago

International Day of the Girl

Coming to England, with so many different girls in books, why not read this one! By Floella Benjamin, published by Macmillan Children's Books.

27 days ago

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days! Coming to England by Floella Benjamin from Macmillan Children's Books is brilliant!

1 month ago

International Day of Friendship

So why not read My Two Grannies by Floella Benjamin from Frances Lincoln Children's Books

3 months ago

Malala Day

A great read for all Coming to England by Floella Benjamin from Macmillan Children's Books

3 months ago

Refugee Week

Coming to England by Floella Benjamin from Macmillan Children's Books

4 months ago

National Tourist Appreciation Day

If you could go on holiday, where would you go? Discover My Two Grannies by Floella Benjamin and Margaret Chamberlain. Published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books.

6 months ago

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