ELLIS TOWNE SOPHIE MAY AND. ELLA FARMAN

Sophie May, born Rebecca Sophia Clarke, was an American author best known for her popular children's books written in the 19th century. She was born on 22 July 1833 in Norridgewock, Maine, United States, to Lucy Clarke and William Clarke, and she grew up in a supportive New England family that valued education and storytelling. Writing under the pen name "Sophie May," she became widely recognized for her engaging and humorous depictions of children's lives, especially through series such as the Little Prudy books. Her stories often centre on family relationships, childhood mischief, moral lessons, and the everyday experiences of young girls growing up in affectionate but realistic domestic settings. Sophie May's writing style is simple, lively, and accessible, making her books especially popular among young readers of her time. She died on 19 June 1906, leaving behind a lasting legacy in American children's literature as a writer who combined entertainment with gentle moral instruction.