Natalie Babbitt

Natalie Babbitt is a highly regarded author and illustrator of children's books, best known for writing "Tuck Everlasting." Babbitt was born in Dayton, Ohio and had a childhood fascination with pirates and a strong desire to become a librarian. Her love for reading and drawing as a child would eventually translate into a successful career as an author and illustrator.

Babbitt attended Laurel School for Girls and Smith College. She is a mother of three and a grandmother of three. She was married to Samuel Fisher Babbitt. Babbitt was also a board member of the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance, an organization that advocates for literacy, literature, and libraries. She resided in Rhode Island.

Babbitt's career as an author and illustrator began in 1966 with the publication of a picture book, "The Forty-Ninth Magician," which she collaborated on with her husband. Her first novel, "The Search for Delicious," showcased her ability to write magical tales with deeper meaning. "Kneeknock Rise" earned her a Newbery Honor Medal. However, it is "Tuck Everlasting" that has solidified Babbitt's place in the annals of children's literature. The novel, which has been adapted into a major motion picture, asks a timeless and powerful question: if we could live forever, would we want to? Babbitt has written a total of eight novels, each presenting her unique vision of an enchanted world. Her latest novel, "Jack Plank Tells Tales," was published in Spring 2007. When asked about what she wants readers to remember about her books, Babbitt replied, "the questions without answers."