Clara Vostrovsky Winlow

Born in West Point, Nebraska, Clara Vostrovsky Winlow — also known as Claire Winlow-Vostrovsky — became a writer, teacher, librarian, and advocate for Czech culture in America. She studied at Stanford University and went on to build a career that connected literature, education, and public service.

She is best remembered for children's books such as Our Little Bohemian Cousin, Our Little Finnish Cousin, and Our Little Czecho-Slovak Cousin. These stories introduced American readers to everyday life in other countries and were part of the widely read "Our Little Cousin" series.

Beyond her books, she was active in cultural and educational work, including translating, teaching, and supporting Czech and Slavic studies. Her career shows a strong interest in helping readers understand other traditions and languages in a warm, accessible way.