Louise Fitzhugh

Louise Fitzhugh is best known for her novels Harriet the Spy and The Long Secret, which have been acclaimed as milestones in the world of children’s literature.  Known for their wry detail and lively drawings, the two books have become international bestsellers.  Harriet the Spy was named an Outstanding Children’s Book of the Year by The New York Times when it was first published in 1964.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1928, the author was a multi-talented person.  She attended Southwestern (now Rhodes) College and Bard College.  She studied painting at the Art Students League in New York City and in Bologna.  She was widely recognized as a painter, illustrator and author.

Other books which she wrote and illustrated include, Nobody's Family is Going to Change and I am Five (one title in her delightful series about growing up).  She also wrote Sport, the story of Harriet’s best friend; I am Three; I am Four; and illustrated The Suzuki Bean and Bang Bang You're Dead.

She died in 1974 at the age of 46 from a brain aneurysm.

Harriet the Spy has been transformed into an Apple TV+ series. Watch the trailer below:

This Author's Work: