Jean Little

Jean Little, CM (January 2, 1932 – April 6, 2020) was a Canadian writer of over 50 books. Her work mainly consisted of children's literature, but she also wrote two autobiographies: Little by Little and Stars Come Out Within. Little was partially blind since birth as a result of scars on her cornea and was frequently accompanied by a guide dog.

Life and career Little was born in Formosa, the daughter of Flora (Gauld), a doctor, and John Llewellyn Little, a physician. Her parents were Canadian doctors serving as medical missionaries and was later adapted into a 1988 television film by Sandy Wilson.

Little taught Children's Literature at the University of Guelph, where she was an adjunct professor in the Department of English. She had six honorary degrees, was a Member of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. Jean Little Public School, in Guelph, Ont. is named in her honour.

As of 2016, Little resided in Guelph, Ontario with her sister Pat deVries, her great-niece Jeanie, and her great-nephew Ben. She continued to write through the aid of a voice-activated computer

Themes Several of Little's books, such as Mine for Keeps and From Anna, focus on children who have a disability or are affected by a person with a disability. As many of her books were written several decades ago, they now serve as examples of how children with disabilities were previously raised and treated by society. Another frequent theme is adoption and foster care, as shown in Home from Far and Willow and Twig. Children often find homes and families throughout the course of the novel, whether it consists of rediscovering the importance of their family, being reunited with family or creating a new family in their new situation. While the novels often touch on very sad events, ranging from serious illness, abuse and death, the endings are usually positive and show the resilience of children.

Works

Mine for Keeps Spring Begins in March – sequel to Mine for Keeps Mama's Going to Buy You a Mockingbird Different Dragons Lost and Found From Anna Hey World, Here I Am! Willow and Twig I Know an Old Laddie Brothers Far from Home (Dear Canada) If I Die Before I Wake (Dear Canada) His Banner Over Me Look Through My Window Kate Stand in the Wind One to Grow On What Will the Robin Do Then? Listen for the Singing – sequel to From Anna Little by Little – autobiography Stars Come Out Within – sequel autobiography Somebody Else's Summer Dancing Through the Snow Love in Paris Yesterday Orphan at My Door (Dear Canada) Growing Pains Home from Far Revenge of the Small Small Take Wing Exiles from the War (Dear Canada) All Fall Down (Dear Canada) Do Not Open Until Christmas When the Pie was Opened The Belonging Place Forward, Shakespeare! Plenty