Francelia McWilliams Butler (April 25, 1913 – September 18, 1998)[1] was an American scholar, pioneer and writer of children's literature.
First a journalist, then a professor, Francelia Butler taught at the University of Connecticut from the 1960s to the early 1990s.
Officially titled "Children's Literature 200," the class was affectionately nicknamed “Kiddie Lit” by students.
Its curriculum included guest lecturers such as Dr. Benjamin Spock and Madeleine L'Engle.
The Graduate Program of Children's Literature at Hollins University founded an annual conference in her memory.