Mary Ann Browning
Author of Meet The Alphabet Heads
About Mary Ann
Mary Ann Browning is a first-time author and “Meet the Alphabet Heads” is her debut children’s book.
She has a special interest in not-for-profit organizations that focus on children’s needs. Because of her passion for art, reading and writing, she knew this book would be an opportunity to introduce children to pictures of funny characters, the basic writing and reading skills, along with introducing life lessons on an elementary level.
She also believes that we should be more diligent and recognize that children should absolutely learn to read at a young age. It is especially important not to forget children from other countries who live here and can learn the alphabet in this simple, fun, and engaging way.
Why I Wrote Meet the Alphabet Heads
I was born in Hammond, Indiana in 1951. My grandfather was born in Croatia and came to our country as a stow-away alone at the age of 14. He and my grandmother owned a bakery for 40 years.
Beginning at the age of 9, I spent my summers and holidays waking up at 6:00 am and walking to the bakery to work. It was a blessing to have had my grandparents as a significant part of my childhood.
Looking back, I realize how many valuable lessons I learned at an early age that have carried with me through my adult years… the importance of learning, kindness, and rewards earned through hard work. This is why I decided to write Meet the Alphabet Heads…
Understanding the alphabet is the most important pre-literacy skill and basic foundation for learning. Without this, a child has no chance to learn other basic concepts as they continue in school or achieve any success in their future endeavors. The National Assessment Progress Evaluation of Student Achievement in the U.S (NAEP) for 2025 data shows 40% of children are below reading levels at 4th grade and 64% are unable to understand a simple written story by the age of 10. 70% of low income students fail to read by 4th grade and much is due because children go through the day without breakfast or lunch.
We can all do our small part: volunteer as a tutor at libraries, support community book giveaways (or start one), advocate for higher teacher standards with adequate salary, research ways to start food programs, talk to schools starting an after school reading programs, volunteering at not-for-profit organizations that appreciate children learning programs, start after-reading groups.
Community Leadership & Service
Besides having years of children interaction experience in her own family, she was also interested in not-for-profit organizations that provided important services in the Indianapolis children’s community and other needy causes.
She actively participated when THE HOLY FAMILY SHELTER was being built and raised funds to provide temporary housing for families needing help because of desperate circumstances from fires, tornadoes, loss of a job… and other situations through no fault of their own. She continues today to raise money and gifts every Christmas for children at the center.
She always had a passion for art and participated in a year-long class at the INDIANAPOLIS MUSEUM OF ART for a qualification to conduct tours as a Docent. She particularly loved the children tours and taught for 12 years.
While traveling to Kenya, Africa with the “WOMAN LIKE US” foundation she witnessed terrible living conditions and undernourished children. She returned to the states and raised money to dig a well for one of the villages.
She became President of the Board for MEALS ON WHEELS which provides meals to elderly citizens. She worked with the staff to significantly increase their client base, raising money for public awareness through new programs and fundraisers. Mary Ann dreamed of a one-of-a kind new event in Indianapolis… “The Bizarre Bingo Bash” and started as a yearly fundraiser. It became extremely popular and continues to be successful after 25 years.
The national ALS ASSOCIATION raises money for the cause but provided no actual support helping families dealing with the illness on a daily basis. A very close friend suffered from this disease. She partnered with a gentleman and started a local chapter.
She earned a credential at the NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH as a Group Therapy Supervisor and led confidential meetings to simply listen and support people suffering from mental health conditions. She spoke to groups like the police force and hospital interns to promote awareness and recognize persons who were suffering from mental health issues.
THE INDIANA ART CENTER provides inclusive art experiences and inspires creativity for up-and-coming artists and enrichment for the community. She raised money for this center and has a special place in their art garden, receiving an award from Michael Graves, the architect.
The AMERICAN PIANIST ASSOCIATION (APA) began a program to recruit exceptional pianists to advance their career and conducted a contest for these musicians from all over the world. Mary Ann was a board member and she always enjoyed hosting a contestant in her home while participating in the contest.
Awards
“SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD” Catholic Charities of Indianapolis
“UNSUNG HERO AWARD” Indiana University Center for Philanthropy
Personal Interests
6 children
21 grandchildren
Mary Ann’s interests include playing and composing for the piano, writing, golf, interior design & staging, mahjongg, cooking, movies and 25 years of sharing meaningful reading and not so meaningful gossip with three of her “book junkie” friends.