Christoph von Schmid

Born in 1768 in Dinkelsbühl, Bavaria, he studied theology and became a Roman Catholic priest. He later worked in education and wrote stories and poems for children and families, building a reputation for clear, warmhearted writing.

His books were widely read across Europe, and several traveled far beyond German-speaking readers. He is especially remembered for The Basket of Flowers and for the Christmas carol often known in English as "Ye Shepherds, Tell Me," which comes from one of his German texts.

Alongside his literary work, he served as a canon and remained closely connected to religious and moral education. He died in 1854, leaving behind a body of writing that kept its place in children's literature for generations.