Ethel Sybil Turner (Mrs. H. R. Curlewis)Australian novelist and author of children's books Ethel Turner was of English origin and lived from 24 January 1870 to 8 April 1958. One of the most well-known authors of children's books in Australia was Ethel Turner. She was born in England, and i 1879, when she was two years old and her father died, she moved to Australia with her family. She contributed children's pieces under the name "Dame Durden" to the Illustrated Sydney News and then to the Australian Town and Country Journal. By 28 years, she survived her daughter Jean Curlewis, who died from TB. The Ship That Never Set Sail, Drowning Maze, and Beach Beyond are some of her works (1923). Seven Little Australians (1894), her debut novel, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Australian children's literature. She produced more than forty children's books, many of which featured the obstinate and naughty Australian Woolcot family. Read More Read Less