The World’s First Child Author

The world’s first known child author is Dorothy Straight, who wrote and illustrated her own book How the World Began in 1962 when she was just four years old. Born in Washington, D.C., Dorothy was inspired when her mother asked her how the world began — instead of answering aloud, she picked up her crayons and created an entire storybook. Her innocent imagination and the clarity of her storytelling amazed her family, who decided to send the manuscript to Pantheon Books. Just two years later, it was officially published in 1964, making Dorothy Straight the youngest person in history to have a book published by a major publishing house.

Her book, How the World Began, is a simple yet profound narrative that reflects a child’s unfiltered perception of creation and the origins of life. Through her words and illustrations, Dorothy captured a sense of wonder that resonated with both children and adults around the world. The book’s charm lay not only in its artistic simplicity but in its purity of thought — a glimpse into how young minds perceive the mysteries of the universe without the filters of science or doctrine. It stood as a reminder that creativity knows no age limit.

Dorothy Straight’s achievement opened the doors for generations of young writers to follow their creative instincts. Her story continues to inspire child authors and educators, showing that even the youngest voices can carry powerful stories worth sharing. Today, she is celebrated not just for breaking records, but for embodying the idea that storytelling begins with curiosity — and that even a child’s question can create a timeless contribution t