Mary Chalmers

Mary Eileen Chalmers (born March 16, 1927) is an American author and illustrator who has written children's books frequently featuring cats from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Born in Camden, New Jersey, on March 16, 1927, Chalmers developed an early interest in art due to her sister becoming an artist.

The director of children's books for her publisher Harper & Row, Ursula Nordstrom, sent her a note praising Here Comes the Trolley Car.

Touched by the message, Chalmers sent back a multi-page thank you note that featured a kitten blowing a kiss.

[3][4] Chalmers donated a collection of her illustrations, sketches, layouts, and dummy books to the University of Southern Mississippi in 1998.