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William Bowen
William Alvin Bowen was an American attorney who wrote several children's books in the 1920s. His most notable work was The Old Tobacco Shop, a fantasy novel that was one runner-up for the inaugural Newbery Medal in 1922.
Bowen was born in Baltimore, Maryland, earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Maryland in 1898, and worked in his father's law office until 1904, when he moved to Los Angeles. There he was a member of the Olympic Committee as attorney for the 1932 Summer Olympics. He was also a member of the California and Southern California Historical Societies.
Bowen's first children's book was The Enchanted Forest, a fantasy novel published by Macmillan late in 1920. His second was The Old Tobacco Shop, one year later.
Books by William Bowen

The Old Tobacco Shop
The Old Tobacco Shop: A True Account of What Befell a Little Boy in Search of Adventure is a children's fantasy novel by William Bowen that was named a Newbery Honor book. The novel, published by MacMillan in 1921, is illustrated by Reginald Birch.

Merrimeg
This is a charming fairy story by renowned author William Bowen. Merrimeg is a kind, helpful and obedient little girl. But after finishing her chores, as she goes outside to play, imps intervene and sweep her up the chimney. What is to become of her?...