Mary Calhoun

Mary Louise Huiskamp Wilkins, also known as Mary Calhoun, was born in Keokuk, Iowa. She received a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Iowa in 1948. After graduation, she was hired as a reporter for the World-Herald in Omaha, Nebraska. Her fascination with spirits and folklore of the 19th century led her to write stories about witches, elves, cats, dwarfs, and pixies. She also had published stories in Jack and Jill and Humpty Dumpty magazines.

She worked at the Omaha World Herald before marrying fellow journalist Frank Calhoun. Her first book, Making the Mississippi Shout, was published in 1957. She wrote more than 50 children's books during her lifetime, including the Katie John series, Julie's Tree, Henry the Sailor Cat, and Cross-Country Cat.

Source: goodreads.com