Glen, Esther (1881–1940)
Glen, Esther (1881–1940)
New Zealand children's writer, journalist, and community worker. Name variations: Alice Esther Glen; Lady Gay. Born on Dec 26, 1881, in Christchurch, New Zealand; died Feb 9, 1940, in Christchurch; dau. of Robert Parker Glen (accountant) and Alice Helen (White) Glen.
Wrote children's book Six Little New Zealanders (1917) and its sequel Uncles Three at Kamahi (1926), the fantasy story Twinkles on the Mountain (1920), and Robin of Maoriland (1929) for young adults; contributed regularly to Christchurch Sun and began children's section (1922); named full-time editor in addition to assisting with women's page and general reporting (1925); established network of clubs for rural children and during depression of 1930s, which sought to ameliorate hardship, and for her efforts became known as Lady Gay; began broadcasting children's classics and scripts on radio (1930s); transferred to Christchurch Press, where she produced children's supplements, Gay Gazette and Press Junior. The New Zealand Library Association's Esther Glen Award in her honor is given to the most distinguished contributions to New Zealand literature for children.
See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 4).