Florence Parry Heide (born February 27, 1919) is a bestselling American children’s writer. Born in Pittsburgh and spending most of her childhood in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, she studied at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. After two years, she transferred to UCLA and graduated in 1939. She worked in advertising and public relations in New York City before returning to Pittsburgh during World War II and became publicity director of The Pittsburgh Playhouse. She met her husband, Capt. Donald C. Heide, in October, 1943. They married six weeks later, on November 27, 1943.
After the war ended, she and her husband moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin. He began a private law practice where he worked until his retirement in 1982. She devoted herself to her children and began her career as a children’s author during the 1960s while they were still at home. Her first book, Maximilian, was published in 1967. She has since published more than 100 books for children and youth – from picture books to adolescent novels – and several collections of poetry. She also collaborated with Sylvia Van Clief to write a number of songs. Her best known works are a series of story books about the curious adventures of a boy named Treehorn, which includes the titles The Shrinking of Treehorn (1971), Treehorn’s Treasure (1981) and Treehorn’s Wish (1986), all of which Edward Gorey illustrated. She has also worked with renowned illustrators Jules Fieffer and Lane Smith (illustrator) and has won numerous awards for her work. She is the mother of five children including authors Judith Heide Gilliland and Roxanne Heide Pierce, with whom she has co-written several other critically acclaimed books.
She has seven grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren.
from her Wikipedia page
10 responses so far ↓
1 Donalda (Dee) Miller // Sep 13, 2009 at 9:20 am
You gave your first book “Maximilian” to my children when I first met you in 1967. My youngest of four children was about three months old. I was introduced to you by your mother, Florence Fisher Parry, who said her daughter needed help typing manuscripts. (Mrs. Parry had an ad in the Kenosha News for a typist for her own memoirs the same day I had an ad in the Kenosha News for typing at home). Little did I know I would be typing manuscript after manuscript for you, several of which are now famous and still in print. And that was 42 years ago!! I have numerous photos of the two of us in your study on 3rd Avenue and the beautiful display of your books.
Congratulations! And Thanks! You have indeed inspired the kids in Kenosha and all over the nation to read, read, read!
2 Joan McNeil // Sep 20, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Dear Florence,
My son, who was 10 years old at the time, was a very reluctant reader. I happened across one of your Spotlight Mystery books at the library and brought it home for him. He loved it! He began to read the books as fast as he could. Finally he had read all the books our library had. I couldn’t find the rest of the series anywhere. One day I was talking to one of my brothers and he said that you lived in Kenosha. I looked in the phone book and sure enough there was your name! I called to ask (never really thinking I would be able to talk to you) if you knew where I might be able to by more of the books. You not only answered the phone but graciously invited us to your home where you signed and gave three books to my son. Then you took him out to your large front porch and let him watch you light your giant holiday candle. He has never forgotten that day and you turned a reluctant reader into an avid reader. He is an adult with two little boys of his own now. He also grew up to be a police officer. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness that day.
3 Kathleen Parsons Hamaker // Sep 21, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Congrats on your Day. You hold a very special place in my heart and yes my grand daughter is still reading your books and will be delighted to read this new novel. We will now share the new book with her.
All our love from Punxsutawney and DuBois.
Dad is shinign down from above on his good friend.
Kathleen
4 Paul wilson // Sep 23, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Hi! I am the husband of Pamela Worth, Jim Worth was her father and Sylvia was her sister! I am trying to find some of the books you have written with Sylvia, and give them to Pam. Could you help in any way? Thanks! Paul W.
5 John Lehman // Sep 24, 2009 at 11:28 am
Florence, congratulations. What an honor and you deserve every bit of it. I have to be in Eau Claire giving a talk on your day but my thoughts will be with you and I will send you something I am proud of, my CD called “The Writer’s Cave.” Best to you and your family. John
6 Beth (Jergenson) Ott // Sep 24, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Florence,
Beth (your Arizona pen pal for 20 years)
I will always treasure our letters and pictures of the times you invited me into your home. Thank you for continuing to write and delight all ages.
7 The Michigan Kuehl's // Sep 26, 2009 at 9:32 am
Florence:
We were so pleased to have received your announcement about your special day! What an honor! We are tickled pink!
The Kuehl kids have read a few of your wonderful books and look forward to reading the newest one. It looks delightful! Enjoy your day and maybe we can come for the one year anniversary of FPH Day!
Love from all of us, The Kuehl’s
8 Beth Garren // Sep 26, 2009 at 9:51 am
Dear “Mrs Heide”,
Thank you for “bringing me up” to love words, laughter and delight in whatever’s next to do. I’ll never forget the list of new vocabulary words posted on your kitchen wall for us kids to learn. If anyone deserves a Day of Her Own, it’s you!!
Tons of love, Beth XXXOOO
9 Aimy Smith // Sep 30, 2009 at 9:53 am
Dear Mrs. Heide,
I can’t tell you how excited I was when I saw your new book… my 7 year old daughter’s name is Hyacinth, and I am originally from Racine, WI. It will make the perfect gift for her birthday in October. Her name is never on ANYTHING personalized, my poor child… now, she will have a book to call her own
It also happens that she has brown hair, and an obsessive love of balloons. I can’t help but wonder if somehow, my daughter made it into your imagination while you were writing.
Thank you so much…
10 6th grade // May 10, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Thank-you for your letter regarding our poem book. We appreciate your feedback about our poems and we’re honored you took the time from your busy schedule to write a letter to us. Those of us who have read your books think they’re really great. Your sense of humor appeals to us.
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