Margaret Gatty (née Scott; 3 June 1809 – 4 October 1873) was an English children's author and writer on marine biology.

[2] Among her other books are Parables from Nature, Worlds not Realized, Proverbs Illustrated, and Aunt Judy's Tales.

Gatty's other collecting and scientific interests included sundials, which led to an 1872 book on 350 of them, focusing on their artistry and literary nature rather than their astronomical aspects, although it discussed historical developments.

The publication of the Parables coincided with the evolutionary theories, so that her writing influenced children's attitudes towards science.

Gatty's increased use of illustrations and folk and fairy tales meant children enjoyed reading her more.

[9] Her fiction for children includes: She also authored, collaborated and translated academic works: Gatty was born in Burnham on Crouch, Essex, the daughter of Mary Frances (née Ryder) and the Rev.

Her mother died when she was young and Gatty took on a caring role in a family consisting of her father, grandfather and younger sister Horatia.

Her frequent illnesses brought close friendship with Dr George Johnston, who was noted for advocating pain-relieving medication.

[14] A marble tablet was installed in the north side of the nave of the Church of St Mary, Ecclesfield, in memory of her.

[15][1] Gatty amassed a large collection of marine material, gathered by herself and by correspondents in far corners of the British Empire as well as the UK.

Weston Park Museum received part of the collection of seaweed and sponges assembled by both Gatty and her daughter.