Catherine Besterman

Catherine Besterman (née Katarzyna Lejtin; 8 August 1904 – February 1985) was a Polish-American children's author. Her book The Quaint and Curious Quest of Johnny Longfoot was a Newbery Honor recipient in 1948. They resided in Washington, D.C. where her husband worked as a press attaché for the Polish Embassy during the war.

Before her departure from Poland, Besterman had considered adapting a Polish folktale for young readers. After arriving in the US, Besterman elected to do so; her first book, The Quaint and Curious Quest of Johnny Longfoot, was published in 1947. It was named to the Best Books of 1947 list by The Horn Book Magazine,

She died in Europe in February 1985.