Ruth Plumly Thompson was an American children's author best known for continuing the Oz series after L. Frank Baum's death. She wrote 19 Oz books, preserving the whimsical tone of the originals while introducing new characters and expanding the universe. A native of Philadelphia, she also worked as a newspaper columnist and fairy tale writer. Her stories often featured strong female leads and inventive plots, appealing to a broad readership. Thompson’s Oz contributions are beloved for blending originality with respect for Baum’s legacy.