Hesba Stretton

Hesba Stretton was the pen name of Sarah Smith, who was an English author born on July 27, 1832, in Wellington, Telford, United Kingdom. She is best known for her religious books for children, which became immensely popular in the 19th century. Her most famous work, Jessica's First Prayer, sold over a million and a half copies, far surpassing the sales of Alice in Wonderland. Stretton's works often focused on Christian moral lessons and spiritual growth, aiming to instill values such as kindness, faith, and repentance in young readers. She gained widespread recognition for her ability to blend engaging narratives with moral instruction. Stretton's writing career was shaped by her evangelical beliefs, which influenced her storytelling. She passed away on October 8, 1911, at the age of 79, in Ham, London. Her legacy lives on through her enduring contributions to children's literature and her role in promoting Christian values through storytelling.