Clarke, Rebecca Sophia (1833–1906)

views updated

Clarke, Rebecca Sophia (1833–1906)

American children's author. Name variations: (pseudonym) Sophie May. Born Feb 22, 1833, in Norridgewock, Maine; died Aug 16, 1906, Norridgewock; dau. of Asa and Sophia (Bates) Clarke; sister of Sarah Jones Clarke (children's author known as Penn Shirley).

Published 1st story at age 28 in Memphis Daily Appeal; under name Sophie May, had great popularity as author of more than 40 vols. for children, including "Little Prudy" series (6 vols., 1863–65) and "Dotty Dimple" series (6 vols., 1867–69); contributed stories to juvenile magazines including Little Pilgrim (where "Prudy Parlin" stories 1st appeared) and Merry's Museum; took settings for many books from hometown of Norridgewock.

More From encyclopedia.com