author
Mary Elting
1906–2005
Best known for lively, curiosity-driven books for young readers, this American writer built a long career in children’s nonfiction, editing, and translation. Her work often turned big subjects—science, history, language, and everyday questions—into something inviting and easy to explore.
3 Audiobooks
About the author
Born in Creede, Colorado, in 1906, she studied at the University of Colorado and also spent time studying in France. She later worked in New York as a magazine editor and went on to write steadily for decades, especially for children.
Her books ranged widely, from alphabet and question-and-answer books to subjects like dinosaurs, trains, and everyday science. Library and archival records also describe her as a translator and note that she used pseudonyms including Campbell Tatham and Davis Cole.
She died in 2005. Archival collections linking her with fellow writer Franklin Folsom suggest a life deeply connected to books, research, and popular educational writing for young audiences.