Coatsworth, Elizabeth (1893–1986)

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Coatsworth, Elizabeth (1893–1986)

American children's writer. Name variations: Elizabeth Beston. Born May 31, 1893, in Buffalo, NY; died Aug 31, 1986, in Nobleboro, Maine; dau. of William T. and Ida (Reid) Coatsworth; Vassar College, BA, 1915; Columbia University, MA, 1916; also attended Radcliffe College; married Henry Beston (author and naturalist), June 18, 1929 (died April 15, 1968); children: Margaret (Mrs. Dorik Mechau), Catherine (Mrs. Richard Barnes).

Began career as a poet with Fox Footprints (1923); published 1st book for children, The Cat and the Captain (1927); other books include The Littlest House (1940), Bob Bodden and the Good Ship Rover (1968), The Lucky Ones: Five Journeys toward a Home (1968), Under the Green Willow (1971), The Snow Parlor and Other Bedtime Stories (1971), Good Night (1972), The Wanderers (1973), All-of-a-Sudden Susan (1974) and Marra's World (1975). Won Newbery Medal for The Cat Who Went to Heaven (1931); received Kerlan Award from University of Minnesota (1975).

See also A Personal Geography: Almost an Autobiography (Stephen Greene, 1976) and Something About the Author.