Hannah Eliot author page

Hannah Eliot biography

Hannah Eliot is an American children’s author and book editor whose publications include board books introducing young children to festivals, cultural traditions and everyday experiences. Her books are published by Little Simon, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. She has contributed to several series, including Celebrate the World, My Little, I’m a Little and Could That Be…?.

The Celebrate the World series introduces festivals and celebrations from different cultures through short texts and illustrations. Its first title, Ramadan (2018), was illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh and explores the traditions of the Islamic holy month, including reflection, gratitude and helping others. It was selected for the Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best list and recognised as a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year selection.

Eliot’s Diwali, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan, was published by Little Simon in August 2018. The board book introduces the five-day Festival of Lights, explaining traditions associated with family gatherings, prayer and the celebration of good over evil. It was also selected for the Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best list.

Other books in the series include Día de los Muertos (2018), illustrated by Jorge Gutierrez, and Lunar New Year (2019), illustrated by Alina Chau. The former introduces the Mexican tradition of remembering deceased family members, while the latter explores celebrations associated with Chinese New Year.

Eliot has also written books outside the series, including Happy Heart (2019), illustrated by Susie Hammer, and Hello, Crayons! And Other School Friends (2024), illustrated by Anna Clark and Daniel Clark. Her Kwanzaa, illustrated by Andrea Pippins and published by Little Simon in September 2024, introduces the African American and pan-African celebration and its emphasis on history, family, community and cultural traditions.