Frances Hodgson Burnett, born on November 24, 1849, in Cheetham, Manchester, England, is celebrated as one of the most influential children's authors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She moved to the United States with her family in 1853, settling in Knoxville, Tennessee. Burnett's early life was marked by hardship; her father passed away when she was just four years old, leaving her mother to support the family. Despite these challenges, she developed a love for literature, writing her first short stories as a young girl.

Burnett's literary career began in earnest in the 1860s as she started publishing stories and articles in magazines. Her first novel, "That Lass o' Lowrie's," was published in 1877, but it was her children's books that gained her widespread acclaim. Her most notable works include "Little Lord Fauntleroy" (1885), "A Little Princess" (1905), and "The Secret Garden" (1911), each of which has become a classic, cherished by generations of readers. These stories often explore themes of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of love and nature.

In her personal life, Burnett experienced both triumph and tragedy. She married Dr. Stephen Townsend in 1873, but the marriage was fraught with difficulties, leading to their separation. She had two sons, one of whom died at a young age, profoundly affecting her writing and worldview. Later in life, she moved to the United States permanently, where she became a prominent figure in both literary and social circles.

Frances Hodgson Burnett passed away on October 29, 1924, in Plandome, New York. Her legacy endures through her timeless stories that continue to inspire and enchant readers around the world.