Jean Merrill obit

Jean Merrill Has Died

 

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Jean Merrill (January 27, 1923 – August 2, 2012) was an American writer of children's books and editor, known best for The Pushcart War, a novel published in 1964. She died from cancer at her home in Randolph, Vermont, in 2012, aged 89.

Born in Rochester, New York, to Earl and Elsie Merrill, she grew up in Webster near Lake Ontario and studied at Allegheny College and Wellesley College before working as an editor at Scholastic Magazines. Over her career, Merrill produced more than 30 books, often featuring underdog protagonists triumphing through ingenuity, and received the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award twice—once in 1963 for The Superlative Horse and again in 1965 for The Pushcart War.

Merrill was a prolific American author renowned for her contributions to children's literature, with over twenty-five published works spanning various formats, including picture books and pseudo-scholarly narratives. Born in Rochester, New York, Merrill enjoyed an adventurous upbringing on a farm, fostering her lifelong appreciation for nature and the outdoors. She pursued her education in English at Allegheny College and Wellesley College, which laid the groundwork for her career in writing and editing.

Merrill is perhaps best known for her novel "The Pushcart War," which humorously depicts the conflict between pushcart vendors and truckers, highlighting themes of resilience and ingenuity among the underprivileged. Collaborating closely with illustrator Ronni Solbert, Merrill produced numerous beloved titles, blending her storytelling with vivid illustrations. Her work often reflects her commitment to creating meaningful and life-affirming narratives for young readers, influenced by her own formative experiences with literature. In addition to her writing, Merrill engaged with environmental causes, demonstrating her passion for the natural world through various memberships. Her stories have been adapted for television, radio, and stage, illustrating their enduring appeal and impact on audiences.