Lida B. (Lida Brown) McMurry

Born in 1853, Lida Brown McMurry became known as an American educator and author whose work was closely tied to the teaching of reading and literature for children. She was associated with the State Normal School in DeKalb, Illinois, where her books were used in connection with classroom instruction.

McMurry wrote and adapted a range of works for young readers, including Fifty Famous Fables. Her writing reflects the practical goals of an experienced teacher: stories that are easy for children to follow, enjoyable to read aloud, and rich in lessons students could think through for themselves.

She died in 1942. Though not a household name today, her books remain part of the history of American education and children’s literature, especially in the tradition of school readers and moral storytelling.