Dorothy Clewes (1907–2003)

Dorothy Clewes, née Parkin, was born in Nottingham, England, the daughter of an architect. She was educated privately before studying at Nottingham University. She worked as a secretary and physician's dispenser until her marriage to Winston Clewes, a writer, in 1932. Although she produced a handful of novels for adults, she's best-known for her books for children. Her greatest success were the three illustrated stories about four-year-old Willie: Upsidedown Willie (1968), Special Branch Willie (1969), and Fire-Brigade Willie (1970). Other works included The Old Pony (1959), Operation Smuggle (1964), and Wanted - A Grand (1974). She also wrote about a blind man's dog in Guide Dog (1965) and some books for teenagers, including Storm Over Innish (1972) and Ginny's Boy (1973). Her books were also popular in the USA for many years.