Carolyn Sherwin Bailey

Born in Hoosick Falls, New York, in 1875, Carolyn Sherwin Bailey was educated at home for part of her childhood, later studied at Lansingburgh Academy, and graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1896. Before turning fully to writing, she worked in education, including as a teacher and principal, and that background strongly informed her interest in children's reading and storytelling.

Bailey went on to become a remarkably productive author, writing more than 60 children's books as well as work on education and storytelling. Her best-known book, Miss Hickory (1946), won the 1947 Newbery Medal, bringing lasting attention to her gift for creating warm, imaginative worlds for young readers.

She died in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1961. Although a suitable confirmed portrait was not available from the sources checked here, her reputation endures through her long contribution to children's books and to the way stories are shared with children.