Bertha Mahony

Bertha Mahony (also known as Bertha Mahony Miller), Class of 1906 (1882–1969), attended the Simmons School of Secretarial Studies and in 1924 founded The Horn Book Magazine, a periodical focusing on children’s literature. The magazine’s title is a nod to classic horn books, which were used as reading primers for children, while also invoking horn imagery from The Three Jovial Huntsmen, by Randolph Caldecott (of the Caldecott Medal, awarded annually to the most distinguished American picture book for children by the American Library Association).

In her editorial from the inaugural issue, Mahony explained the purpose of the publication, as well as another meaning of its name: “First of all, however, we are publishing this sheet to blow the horn for fine books for boys and girls — their authors, their illustrators, and their publishers. Small and inconspicuous space in the welter of present-day printing is given to the description and criticism of these books, and yet the finest type of writing, illustrating, and printing goes into them.” The magazine continues to thrive today, disseminating reviews, opinion pieces, and award announcements. As a 2024 Simmons News article elaborates, The Horn Book Magazine has garnered well-deserved attention to the best books for children over the past 100 years.

Photo courtesy of The Horn Book Magazine.