Bernadine Bailey

Born in Mattoon, Illinois, on November 12, 1901, she studied at Wellesley College, earned a master's degree from the University of Chicago, and also completed study at the Sorbonne in Paris. She went on to build a long career in publishing and children's literature, working as an editor and literary service director as well as an author.

From the 1930s through the 1970s, she published more than 90 books, mostly nonfiction for children. Her subjects often grew out of her own wide travels, and her books introduced young readers to other countries, cultures, and moments in history in an accessible way.

She was also active in the Illinois Woman's Press Association, serving as its wartime president from 1941 to 1945. Remembered as a journalist, photographer, lecturer, and prolific children's writer, she died in 1995 after a career devoted to informing and entertaining young readers.