Mary Louisa Molesworth (1839–1921) was an English author of children's books. She wrote over 100 books, including the popular Carrots series, which was published between 1877 and 1910. Molesworth was born in London, England, to a wealthy family. She was educated at home by her mother and governesses. She began writing at an early age, and her first book, The Cuckoo Clock, was published in 1877. Molesworth's books were popular with both children and adults, and she was praised for her ability to capture the imagination of her young readers. Her stories often featured strong female characters, and she was a proponent of the education of girls. Molesworth was a member of the Society of Authors and the Society of Women Writers and Journalists. She was also a member of the Royal Literary Fund. Molesworth died in 1921 at the age of 82. Her books remain popular today, and she is remembered as one of the most influential authors of children's literature.
100 works on Textopian