Mary Louise Huiskamp Wilkins, also known as Mary Calhoun, was born in Keokuk, Iowa. She received a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Iowa in 1948. After graduation, she was hired as a reporter for the *World-Herald* in Omaha, Nebraska. Her fascination with spirits and folklore of the 19th century led her to write stories about witches, elves, cats, dwarfs, and pixies. She also had published stories in *Jack and Jill* and *Humpty Dumpty* magazines.
She worked at the Omaha *World Herald* before marrying fellow journalist Frank Calhoun. Her first book, *Making the Mississippi Shout*, was published in 1957. She wrote more than 50 children's books during her lifetime, including the Katie John series, *Julie's Tree*, *Henry the Sailor Cat*, and *Cross-Country Cat*.
Source: [goodreads.com](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/49769.Mary_Calhoun)
