Marguerite Henry

Marguerite Henry was an American author of children's books, born on April 13, 1902, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and passed away on November 26, 1997, in Rancho Santa Fe, California. She was a passionate writer and animal lover, and her stories often revolved around horses and other animals. Henry's writing career spanned over four decades, during which she wrote over 50 books, many of which became beloved classics and won prestigious awards.

Henry's philosophy was to write engaging stories that would inspire children's love of animals and nature. She believed that through her books, she could teach children about animal behavior and the importance of caring for animals. Her writing style was simple, clear, and full of emotion, making it easy for children to connect with her stories.

Henry is famous for her most popular book, "Misty of Chincoteague," published in 1947. The book is based on the true story of two children who raise a wild pony on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. It became an instant hit, won several awards, and became a Newbery Honor Book. Henry wrote a sequel to "Misty of Chincoteague" called "Sea Star," which continued the story of the famous pony.

Another notable work of Henry is "King of the Wind," published in 1948. The book tells the story of the Godolphin Arabian, a legendary stallion that became one of the founding sires of the modern Thoroughbred breed. The book won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1949, solidifying Henry's reputation as a beloved children's author.

Henry's other notable works include "Justin Morgan Had a Horse," "Stormy, Misty's Foal," "Brighty of the Grand Canyon," and "Cinnabar, the One O'Clock Fox," among others.

Marguerite Henry was remembered for her contribution to children's literature, particularly in the animal genre. She was honored posthumously by the International Reading Association with the prestigious Regina Medal in 1998. This award recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to children's literature and have inspired children's love of reading.

A fun fact about Marguerite Henry is that she lived on a farm with her husband, where they raised horses, dogs, cats, and even ducks. She had a deep connection with animals, and many of her stories were inspired by her own experiences with her pets. Henry's love of animals is evident in her writing, making her stories a joy to read for animal lovers of all ages.