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UGDSB celebrates the life of renowned author Jean Little

April 8, 2020

GUELPH, Ontario – It is with great sadness to have heard of the passing of beloved Canadian author Jean Little.

Little passed away at Hospice Wellington on April 6 at the age of 88.

For years, Little had been a pillar of the Guelph and Upper Grand District School Board community.

Throughout her career as a renowned author, Little wrote more than 50 books, many of which were children’s books. Little was partially blind and because of this, many of her children’s books focused on child characters who had disabilities.

In 1940, Little and her family moved to Guelph, Ontario, where she attended Victory Public School and then Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute.

Little’s influence on the Upper Grand District School Board, then the Wellington County Board of Education, did not end when Little graduated from Guelph CVI. In 1991, surrounded by students, staff and community members, Jean Little Public School was opened. Little was on-hand during the official opening ceremony to give remarks. Those who knew Little said she was a Toronto Blue Jays fan, and in true fashion, she arrived to the opening ceremony with a radio so she could still listen to the game.

Little’s influence can be felt all around the school, including in the school colours, blue and yellow – these were Little’s favourite colours. Another influence can be seen through the school’s dragon mascot, which was inspired by her book Different Dragons.

According to the Jean Little PS opening program, “The students and staff are honoured to have our school named after her. We feel very special to have Jean as our friend and appreciate her gift to the school of first edition books in different languages as well as her life-long doll, Susan.”

Jean Little had an impact on so many Canadians through her books, stories and contributions to the Upper Grand District School Board. She will be truly missed but her legacy will live on as generations continue to move through Jean Little Public School.

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