Eleanor Farjeon

Eleanor Farjeon (February 13, 1881 – June 5, 1965) was a British author and poet best known for her children's literature and poetry. Born in London into an artistic and literary family, she began writing from a young age and was largely educated at home. Farjeon became a prolific writer across multiple genres, including children's stories, fairy tales, plays, and poetry. Her most famous work is the poem 'Morning Has Broken,' which was set to music and became widely known as a hymn recorded by artists including Cat Stevens. Her children's books, including 'The Little Bookroom' (a collection of short stories), demonstrate her imaginative storytelling and lyrical writing style. Farjeon's work is characterized by its whimsy, gentleness, and celebration of childhood wonder. She was deeply religious and drew inspiration from faith, nature, and human connection in her writing. She won the Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 1956, one of the highest honors in children's literature. Beyond writing, Farjeon was involved in theater and worked on various literary projects throughout her long career. Her legacy as a beloved children's author and poet continues to resonate, with her work remaining in print and appreciated by new generations of readers.