This book was published by Harcourt Brace and Company .

Eleanor Estes (1906-1988) grew up in West Haven, Connecticut, which she renamed Cranbury for her classic stories about the Moffat and Pye families. She launched her writing career with the publication of The Moffats. Her books Rufus M. , The Middle Moffat, and The Hundred Dresses were awarded Newbery Honors. She won the Newbery Medal for Ginger Pye.