Ainsworth, Ruth (1908–1984)

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Ainsworth, Ruth (1908–1984)

English children's writer. Name variations: Ruth Gallard Ainsworth Gilbert. Born Oct 16, 1908, in Manchester, England; died in 1984; dau. of Percy Clough (Methodist minister) and Gertrude (Fisk) Ainsworth; attended Froebel Training Centre, Leicester, England; m. Frank Lathe Gilbert (managing director of chemical works), Mar 29, 1935; children: Oliver Lathe, Christopher Gallard, Richard Frank.

Best known for her "Listen With Mother Tales," based on the BBC radio show of the same name, and for her 8 "Rufty Tufty the Golliwog" books; began full-time writing career (1947) when Heinemann published her collection of children's verse, All Different; collaborated with Ronald Ridout on a number of educational books, and wrote several plays and stories for television.