Florence Parry Heide facts for kids

Florence Parry Heide (born February 27, 1919 – died October 23, 2011) was a very popular American writer for children. She wrote many books that kids loved to read.

Growing Up and Education

Florence was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She spent most of her childhood in a town called Punxsutawney. When she was just two years old, her father, who was a banker, passed away.

She went to Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania for two years. Then, she moved to UCLA and finished her studies there in 1939.

Early Jobs and Family Life

After college, Florence worked in advertising and public relations in New York City. During World War II, she returned to Pittsburgh. There, she became the publicity director for The Pittsburgh Playhouse.

In October 1943, she met Donald C. Heide. They got married very quickly, just six weeks later, on November 27, 1943. After the war, Florence and Donald moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Donald started his own law practice there. Florence focused on raising their five children. She began her writing career once all her children were old enough to be in school.

Her Books and Writing Career

Florence Parry Heide published her first book, Maximilian, in 1967. After that, she wrote more than 100 books for children and young people. These books included picture books, novels for teenagers, and even collections of poems.

She also worked with Sylvia Van Clief to create several songs. Some of her most famous books are about a boy named Treehorn. This series includes The Shrinking of Treehorn (1971), Treehorn's Treasure (1981), and Treehorn’s Wish (1986). These books were illustrated by the famous artist Edward Gorey.

Florence also collaborated with other well-known illustrators like Jules Feiffer and Lane Smith. She won awards for her amazing work. She even wrote some sports books under the pen name Alex B. Allen with other writers.

Her Family and Community

Florence was a mother to five children. Two of her daughters, Judith Heide Gilliland and Roxanne Heide Pierce, also became authors. They even wrote some books together with their mother. Florence had eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In Kenosha, Florence was famous for organizing a special Fourth of July parade every year. Hundreds of children would decorate their bikes and ride them twice around her block. They would ride to the beat of a drum! This fun parade still happens every year to honor her.

Florence received an honorary degree from Carthage College in 1979. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 23, 2011. After her death, she gave a large part of her personal collection of children's books to the Center for Children's Literature at Carthage College.