Georgene Faulkner was an American children's author and professional storyteller who became widely known as "the Story Lady." Born in Chicago, she studied at the University of Chicago's School of Education during a period of significant educational reform. She began her career in education working at the Faulkner School for Girls, founded by her sister Elizabeth in 1909, where Georgene ran the kindergarten. She developed a reputation as an engaging storyteller, often dressing in costume—such as Mrs. Santa Claus—to captivate young audiences. Her storytelling also extended to adults, notably when she traveled to Europe to entertain American soldiers during World War I.
In the 1920s, Faulkner transitioned her storytelling talents to the emerging medium of radio. Beginning in 1922, she hosted popular programs like "The Story Lady" and "Air Castle" on Chicago stations WMAQ and WGN. She also contributed columns on children's topics to the Chicago Tribune. Over a career spanning forty years, Faulkner wrote and edited numerous children's books, collaborating with notable illustrators such as Frederick Richardson.
In the latter part of her career, Faulkner turned her attention to social issues, specifically addressing racial prejudice. Her notable late-career works include Melindy's Medal (1945), co-authored with John Becker, and its sequel Melindy's Happy Summer (1949). These books marked a significant shift toward addressing contemporary social themes in children's literature before her death in 1958.
