Natalie Zane Babbitt was an American writer and illustrator of children's books born in Dayton, Ohio in 1932. She became widely recognized for her contributions to children's literature, earning both critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout her career. Babbitt is best known for her 1975 novel Tuck Everlasting, which explores themes of immortality and the passage of time. The book's enduring popularity led to multiple adaptations, including two feature films and a Broadway musical, introducing her work to audiences beyond readers of the original novel. Her literary achievements were recognized with significant honors, including the Newbery Honor and the Christopher Award. In 1982, she was selected as the U.S. nominee for the biennial international Hans Christian Andersen Award, one of the highest recognitions in children's literature. Babbitt continued her work as both a writer and illustrator until her death in Hamden, Connecticut in 2016.