Carroll Watson Rankin

Carroll Watson Rankin was an American author of children's books associated especially with Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Reliable sources identify her birth date as May 11, 1864 in Marquette, Michigan, so the "b. 1870" date appears to be incorrect.

According to her Wikipedia entry, she began writing young, working as a reporter for the Daily Mining Journal at about sixteen. She later wrote a long list of books for younger readers, including Dandelion Cottage, one of her best-known titles, and her work is still represented in public-domain collections such as Project Gutenberg.

Her fiction is remembered for its gentle humor, domestic detail, and lively picture of children making their own fun. She died on August 13, 1945, leaving behind a body of work that still feels cozy and approachable for readers who enjoy classic children's literature.